Ralston Case (right) was bandmaster for the fifteen musicians that accompanied Sun Bros. in 1914. The show traveled on twenty railroad cars and was an average-sized railroad circus of the early twentieth century. Chris Berry Collection
FROM THE LATEST ISSUE OF BANDWAGON
At the turn of the twentieth century, music was present in all parts of the circus experience. On Circus Day, audiences of all races and social classes heard the same music, which ranged from patriotic marches to symphonic overtures to jazz and blues. As opera houses and concert halls became seen as inaccessible temples for the elite, the circus presented a venue where all were welcome.
On and Off the Bandwagon:
Wind Bands of the American Circus
By Jane Cohen
Volume 70 • Number 3 • 2026 • Page 48-75
Over the course of the past two centuries, the circus has become an instantly recognizable cultural symbol in the United States. Even Americans who have not attended a circus recognize its striped tents, clowns, and impressive acrobats. The circus today is primarily identified by its visual symbols, but it was once also associated with a distinct sound.
There was a time when a visit by a circus was akin to a public holiday. Townspeople first heard circus music in the parade, which attracted audiences with gilded wagons, beautiful women, and the unmistakable melodies of brass bands and steam calliopes. After the parade, thousands made their way to the show grounds, where they began their adventure in the sideshow tent. As in the parade, music was used to draw visitors inside, where they could witness human beings with strange talents and appearances. After seeing the wonders of the sideshow and the animals in the menagerie, ticketholders made their way into the big top, where a band played classical and popular tunes from the center ring. As the show began, those musicians made their way to the bandstand, where they played continuously throughout the performance. After the show, audiences wanting more could pay a few extra cents to attend the “concert,” a vaudeville or Wild-West style after show, that of course, featured music. Not every circus included all these attractions, but it is fair to say that live music was heard constantly on Circus Day.
The complete article is available to members of the Circus Historical Society through the members-only Backyard.