Inter Ocean, January 24, 1892
A. E. Clarke recently had an order passed by the Council, authorizing him to uniform a
band with the regulation police uniform, to be called the Chicago Police Band. He has organized this band and he wants to give a concert and ball for its benefit Jan. 29.
So he got permission from Chief McClaughry to have the policemen sell tickets for the entertainment. The Chief, acting upon the Council’s order, and thinking that the band was for the police force, gave Mr. Clarke a letter of introduction to all inspectors and captains.
Captain Laughlin, at the central detail, was given several hundred of the tickets. He wasn’t tickled to death over Clarke’s scheme, and Sergeant Dollard, who is president of the Policemen’s Benevolent Association, liked it much less. They said it would the association, which gives an annual ball for the officers’ benefit.
So the policemen refused to sell any of the tickets. The matter was taken before Chief McClaughty, and he told his men they could do as they liked in the matter—sell the tickets or not sell them. It is probable they will not.
This band scheme of Clarke’s was first thought of last fall, when he called on the chief and explained that such a band, selected from the police officers, would be an excellent thing. It would be used in police parades, would cost the city nothing and the members’ police duty would not be interfered with.
All this looked like a pretty good thing, and one rehearsal was had. The musical qualities of the “coppers” didn’t suit Clarke, however, and the band was organized without them. This is the band that is now styled the Chicago Police Band—a band with not a police officer in it.
Chicago Tribune, June 6, 1909
THE crooks of Chicago are getting worried. The police department threatens to have a band, a real band, armed with snare drums, tubes, trombones, and other musical weapons of offense and defense. At least it will if the present plans, favored by Chief Shippy are fulfilled. The band will be pattered after the police band of New York, being drafted from the ranks of officers. It will represent the pick of Chicago’s musical policemen. No outside talent will be permitted in it. It will be an aggregation of crook catchers wooing the musical muse and seeking surcease from their worries.
And how about the crook’s worries? The Chicago crook, alas! has had no experience in combatting the efforts of a police department aided and abetted by a real brass band. For him the “third degree” has been quite terrifying without music. What will it be with it?
“Dey say,” said “Halsted Street” Whitey, when interviewed by a Sunday Tribune man in the back room where he may always be found when he is not “doing a bit” down at Joliet, “dey say dat dey’re going to use deh band for parades, an’ reviews, an’ concerts, an’ stuff like dat. Tell it to Sweeney, cull, tell it to Sween’. We’re on; we’re next to deh dope on the music stunt, alright, alright. Torture for us guys dat’s what it means; deh sweatbox wit’ a horn against your ear, dat’s deh dope. Why, say, I’m going to see me frien’ Ald. Graft, an’ see’f we can’t have these plans stopped. Why? Why cruel an’ unusual punishment, cull; cruel an’ unusual punishment, sure.”
All Up with the Crook.
Although the plans of the department as regards the band are formulated with a view to effecting an organization which will furnish music for parades, for police reviews, for the funerals of officers, and other occasions when the police turn out in force, its possibilities in the sweatbox are many and full of trouble for the hard working crook. Hardened as he may be, and able to withstand the onslaughts of half a dozen officers administering the conventional third degree, no criminal could be expected to hold out against the band. Picture the police sweatbox with musical accompaniment .
Seated in a circle in Chief Shippy’s office are Assistant Chief Schuettler, armed to the teeth with his trusty tuba, Inspector Lavin, menacingly fingering a B flat coronet, Wheeler with a trombone, Hunt toying with the flageolet, Wood at the zylophone, Clancy, snare dri=um, and Inspector McCabb ready and anxious to sound the criminal’s doom on the big bass drum. Chief of Detectives O’Brien competes the circle, equipped, as befits a sleuth, with that soft toned instrument, the flute.
In the center of the array of talent, like Daniel in the den of lions, behold Scully the Robber, caught in a heave of the dragnet, and suspected of doing a job of porch climbing on the Lake Shore drive. Scully grins confidently, for the sweatbox and he are not strangers unmet, and he knows from past experience that the police can’t get anything out of him that he doesn’t want to tell. He is inured to all the hardships of the third degree, is Scully. He rolls a cigaret and awaits the ordeal without fear. For Scully is not wise to the possibilities of band instruments in police hands.
Someone Should Warn Him.
“Now, Scully,” begins Chief Shippy, “we know all about this deal and we don’t want to make it too hard for you. Simply tell us your pal on the job, put us next to the fence where you slipped the loot, and ‘free up, and we don’t do anything but give you five years down the road. If you don’t———” the chief pauses and shrugs his shoulders in a manner that hints that the worst is yet to come.
“I didn’t do it,” says Scully. “I got my alibi.”
“Confess,” says Shippy.
“Nit.”
The chief picks up the conductor’s baton that lies on his desk and raises it aloft a la Creatore.
“Scully, are you guilty?”
“No.”
“All right, men, Letter go.”
Crash! Boom! Blang! Gzingg! Ta rarup! Spzxgtng! Buroo! Bingo! Boom.
Down comes the chief’s baton and instantly the room is filled with the dulcet strains of the Chicago police band doing its deadly worst. The unfortunate criminal, caught between the dev—caught between the tuba, and the bass drum, starts and turns pale. Hardened character that he is, he begins to waver and grow weak at the knees.
Details Almost Too Harrowing.
“Stop!” cries Scully. “You ain’t got no right to torture me like this. Even if I did the job—this is too much.”
“Are you guilty?” repeats Shippy, sternly, baton aloft.
“No, but———”
“Schuettler, give him a little of the tuba.”
“Boo-oo-rroo-ump!”
“O!” wails Scully. “Why did I ever go wrong?”
“Guilty?”
“No.”
“McCann, touch up the drum.”
“Boom! Boom-boom!”
“Help!” cries the suspect. “Enough! Sure I’m guilty. What am I charged with?”
And then they let him sign his confession and lead him away to the lockup, playing “The Rogue’s March” as he disappears from view.
Not only in the sweatbox might the band be effective in handling the criminal element. No “tough” district could hope to stand against it. With the band, thirty-two pieces strong, taking up a position in the heart of such a district with the understanding that it was to keep on playing until the district became good. It is possible that said district would give up the ghost of toughness and join the Y.M.C.A. in six hours.
As a preventative measure against crime the band should be supreme. What embryonic criminal would continue in his career of crime if he knew there was a possibility of meeting the band face to face in the sweatbox? The bridewell may have no terrors for him, but the thought of the band should make him shudder and turn back to the strait and narrow way. Verily, it will be a hard, blue day for Chicago crooks when the police department band begins to play.
Chicago Tribune, November 6, 1913
Chief of Police Gleason thinks a brass band composed exclusively of of policemen is one of the urgent needs of the department. One of his first official acts as general superintendent was to sanction a movement toward the formation of such an organization.
There is good material in the police department, it is said, from which a first class musical organization can be formed. A list of 125 names of men who play some instrument was given to Second Deputy Funkhouser several weeks ago. At that time objections were made to a policeman’s band by the Chicago Federation of Musicians, and the matter was dropped by Chief John McWeeny.
On arrival at his office yesterday Chief Gleason found the second deputy waiting for him.
“Do you like music?” the chief was asked by Maj. Funkhouser.
The second deputy then explained the proposition to organize a policemen’s band. He submitted to the chief for his sanction a communication addressed to the 125 members of the department musically inclined.
Vernon L. Bean is to be the private secretary of the new police chief. Mr. Bean at present is secretary of the boards of examiners and plumbers and moving pictures operators. William H. Luthardt, secretary for former Chief McWeeny, will exchange places with Mr. Bean.
Main 13, May 1921
Join the Chicago Police Band
Mayor Thompson says, “Throw away your hammer and get a horn.” That’s good advice, there’s been a lot of wind wasted in this old town making the wrong kind of noise.
Now here is a chance men to grab a horn and a real Boosters’ horn at that. Here is your chance to boost Chicago—to boost the Department to make every Chicagoan proud of you and the organization you represent.
We want every member of the Department that can playa band instrument to join us now. Remember you don’t have to be a soloist—if you’ve ever played a band or string instrument (any kind) and can read music come on in—you’ll be welcome.
New York City Police Band
Above is a picture of the New York Police Band. This Band is a good one—the Chicago Band will be better. The New York aggregation plays at all the public functions of the City. They give an annual concert that helps pay expenses and adds a nice tidy sum to the Benevolent Fund. Let’s show the New Yorkers how. good we are. The Chicago Police Band will be the leader of them all- but we need your help.
The Chief promises ample time off for practise. The Band will take part in all Civic events. Concerts in other cities are to be planned.
It is the intention of the Department to make this me of Chicago’s best bands. No stone has been left unturned to make it possible for the band organization to reach the height of perfection.
Main 13, your magazine has made possible equipment for the new band. Arrangements with a local music house have already been completed. Instruments are now available for 40 members and no expense has been spared in securing the best equipment on the market.
The leader and instructor of the new band is worthy in every way to be the head of such an organization. His selection indicates the fact that the Chicago Police Band is to be one of the best trained bands in the country. It makes it possible for you as a prospective member to secure a real musical education and become a highly accomplished musician. Albert Cook, widely known leader of many famous organizations is the man who has been selected. As the former leader of the famous Kilties Band he proved himself to be one of Americ’a band masters. His work in training the Arryan Grotto Band of Chicago has assured the success of that organization and given it a great local reputation that it so rightly deserves.
Rehearsals will begin immediately and will be held at the First Precinct Station.
You will find a band slip in your copy of “Main 13.” Fill it out today and return it to the band editor care of “Main 13,” City Hall. We value our help and suggestion and remember we want to hear from an man who is in any way qualified to become a member.
Main 13, June, 1921
Police Band is Ready
Musicians of Department Will Make First Appearance at Opening of Pageant of Progress
It is a fine thing to have a band in prospect for the Chicago Police Department, but it is a finer thing to be able to announce that the band is already a fact and that soon it will be appearing on our streets and at public functions.
There was an instant response to the request that all players of band instruments enroll in the new organization, As a result, the Band was quickly organized and is now holding rehearsals regularly o Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays each week at ten A. M. at the First Precinct Station.
The Band is composed of fifty-two pieces with a full complement of men in each section and the balance of tone is exceptionally good. Star players have been found for each instrument group and under their leadership those of less experience are rapidly rounding out their training.
Albert Cook, the bandmaster, says that he has set the week of the opening of the Pageant of Progress for the first appearance of the Band and that the public will be surprised with the excellence of the music which the new musical organization will render.
Further practice is about to begin at the Municipal Pier and it is planned to have the Band as perfect in its marching maneuvers as in its playing. Altogether it will be a very snappy looking outfit which will represent the Police Department musically.
The Band Includes the Following Members:
Amundsen, A.—FM-Drummers
Anderson, E.—Cornet
Ausenbaum, H. N.—PM-Drummers
Bistrickey, C.—Bass
Brokaw, E.—Clarinet
Brokopp, R.—Cornet
Burns, A.J.—FM-Bugler
Camfrla, E.—Trombone
Case, F W.—Bass
Clark, F. E.—Alto
Collins, J.—Cornet
Connolly, J. J.—Drums
Cremonise, J. S.—Bass
Dalacher, C. F.—Clarinet
Daly, J. J.—Clarinet
Denman, P.—FM-Bugler
DeVries, E.—Clarinet
Dohney, B.—Drum Major
Donovan, D. J.—Saxophone
Donohue, J. M.—Drums
Fitzgerald, F. J.—Piccolo
Flynn, D.—Clarinet
Follmer, W. F. A.—Clarinet
Forelgn, L. D.—FM-Baritone
Foss, E.—FM-Bugler
Gade, H.—Piccolo
Gall, C. E.—Trombone
Gall, P. W.—Cornet
Goodrow, F. L.—Saxophone
Haller, P.—Drums
Hammersbach, L.—FM-Drummer
Hassett, G.—FM-Drummer
Hemrick, C.—Clarinet
Horan, D —FM-Bugler
Hornberger, C.—
Hotho, E.—Clarinet
Johnson, G. A. B.—Cornet
Kasallis, M.—Trombone
Kazamarek, S. A.—Clarinet
Knudson, B.—Clarinet
Maas, W. A.—Drums
Massett, W.—Piccolo
McDowell, S. H.—Alto
McFarlane, J.—Trombone
McGuirk, J.—PM-Bugler
Naughton, T.—Alto
Noonan, A.—Cornet
O’Donnell, E.—Trombone
O’Rourke, W. M.—Clarinet
Pabisch, S.—Cornet
Paschke, E.—Cornet
Petras, I—PM-Bugler
Scharfer, E.—Trombone
Schleeter, F.—Bantone
St.Germain, P.—Clarinet
Stoike, H.—P M-Drummers
Stringfellow, W.—Clarinet
Trayling, A.—Alto
Williams—Alto
Wulff, F.—Bass
Weber, A.—Saxophone
DOUBLE QUARTET
Croak, F
Demski, F H.
Foss, E.
Hammersbach, L. M.
Hazekamp, W.
McCann, P. I
Volquartz, F
Whedon , H.
Whitelaw, J. M.
Jacobs’ Band Magazine, January, 1922
Bands of the Middle West
No. 9
CHICAGO POLICE BAND
Chicago, Ill.
By Mr. A. C. E. Schonemann
THE organization and development of the Chicago Police Band when reduced to English is nothing more than a story of the birth and growth of an idea, the same being aided and abetted by a spirit of enthusiasm and a brand of persistence that is typical of men who not only say they can do a thing, but who do the thing. The success of the Police Band has been due largely to the fact that the men in the band have been infused with the necessary pep, punch and pull which in the end insures the best dividends when properly applied, whether one be speaking financially, musically or otherwise.
Since the Chicago Police Band was formed in May 1921 , the men have gathered twice a week for rehearsals and even though bluntly informed in the beginning that only hard work and co-operation would bring results, they accepted the challenge and have succeeded in a measure that should be a guarantee of the band’s future. If one is to judge the future of the Chicago Police Band by its record of the past, there is every reason to believe that it will prove a valuable musical asset to Chicago.
When the police band. was orgal1ized under the directIon of Chief Fitzmorris, Maj. John Bauder and Albert Cook, there were but seven men out of the 60 or more who reported for the band that had had previous training in music. The other men recruited from the ranks of the police force, the maJortty being patrolmen, were assigned to instruments and provided with instruction. Between 50 or 60 men appeared for the rehearsals, and extra time was allowed for individual work aside from the work of the band as a unit.
Chicago Police Band
Chief Fitzmorris since the inception of the band has given it every encouragement, and in the beginning he provided a complete set of uniforms and expended about $3,000 with Wurlitzer for instruments. To the men who showed unusual proficiency, and who by their work were selected to make up the personnel of the band, the chief extended additional time for study and instruction, and upon countless occasions he gave the necessary impetus to further the work of the band.
The germ that led to the formation, of the Chicago Police Band took form when Chief Fitzmorris heard a New York police band. He conferred with members of his staff upon his return to Chicago, and the idea of a Chicago Police Band soon began to take form when Albert Cook was selected to direct the band and the men were selected and instruments were assigned. Cook was given the rank of lieutenant, and with Maj. John Bauder has been active in organizing and building up the band.
The Chicago Police Band appeared in public for the first time on Aug. 1, 1921, when it took part in the parade held in connection with the opening of the Pageant of Progress Exposition. During the 16 days that the big exposition was held on the Municipal Pier the Chicago Police Band gave two concerts every day, and with a double quartet of vocalists from the police department the band was one of the premiere musical attractions at the Pageant.
At the big police benefit given in the Auditorium several months ago the police band gave a concert, and the various public appearances of the band from time to time have enabled the bandsmen to finish up the year with a record of having infused a sense of appreciation of music not only into the police department, but in the hearts of the men and women of Chicago. The financial return from the band’s work has been of such a nature as to enable the band to wipe out the expense incurred in the purchase of instruments.
Director Cook, Major Bauder, and others active in the work of furthering the interests of the police band, are now looking forward to a series of concerts which are to be given sometime in March. If plans for the concerts materialize, it is expected that the band will visit many of the big cities in the East and the tour will probably cover from five to eight weeks.
Major Bauder has general supervision of the affairs of the band, while the musical work is carried on under the direction of Albert Cook. Major Bauder for many years has been drillmaster in the police department, and his acquaintance and knowledge concerning the personnel of the department has been of such a nature as to have brought him into contact with practically every man in the department.
Director Cook has devoted the greater part of his life to music, having studied at various times on the violin, piano and cornet. He was born and raised in Boston, and when seven\ years of age took up the study of music. He studied the violin in the Boston Conservatory, receiving his instruction under Listemann, Rietzel, Heindl and Lewis.
Later he took up the study of the cornet, and received his training on this instrument from E. M. Bagley, Schuebruk, Henry Brown and Weldon. Mr. Cook continued his studies in Germany, where he was a pupil of the Hoch Conservatory at Frankfort-on-the-Main. While abroad he played first trumpet in the Bilse Symphony Orchestra, and before concluding his three years abroad he took up the study of harmony and counterpoint.
Following his return to the United States, Mr. Cook lived in Detroit for a time, where he played with the Salisbury Orchestra. Later he became identified with the Elgin Watch Company Band, and was concertmeister of the Festival Orchestra organized by Joseph Hecker. He also lived in Elkhart, Ind., for a time, where he accepted an offer from C. G. Conn to direct the Bucklein Opera House Orchestra, and at the same time he had the privilege of studying with Jules Levy, the famous cornet soloist.
Mr. Cook was director of the famous Kilties’ Band, and accompanied this musical organization when it toured the world in 1908-10. The band was known originally as the Forty-eighth Highlanders’ Band, and when organized for the road was dubbed the “Kilties.” Under this name it traveled to almost every country on the globe.
During the last eight or nine years Mr. Cook has devoted his time to teaching band instruments and general band work. That he has been successful is evident from the fact that he devotes his time during the day to private instruction and his evening to directing bands, and within the year he has been working with the Apollo Commandery Band, the Chicago
Police Band, the Elks’ Band, the Hebrew Orphans’ Band, Odd Fellows’ Band and many others.
Director Cook, in epitomizing the work of the ‘Chicago Police Band, recently pointed out that the success of the band was due to the interest taken by the men of the department in the band idea, espeCially after the policemen discovered that Chief Ftzmorris and other leaders in the epartment were supporting the work. Some of the men were reluctant to to join the band in the beginning, but the movement gradually gained momentum, and the men became enthusiastic over the band itself and the prospects of taking a part in functioning its organization. Said Mr. Cook:
The men discovered that they not only could help themselves by joining the band, but they could serve the community. The result has been a spirit of enthusiasm that has penetrated the polIce department, and the men in the department are back of the band to a man. As a result of its work the band is playing the kind of music people enjoy, while the instrumentation is such that it can handle martial music and the standard works of the masters.
The Chicago Police Band is continually building up programs, and with the coming of spring and summer it is expected that the band will have worked out a repertoire not only for the proposed tour if Eastern cities, but for a series of summer concerts. The men in the band are enthusiastic over the prospects of doing road work, and Chief Fitzmorris and other band enthusiasts are eager that the Chicago Police Band, with its 70 or more men, prove not only to the people of Chicago but to public at large that the faith of the band’s sponsors was well founded, and that enthusiasm and hard work are just as essential as individual talent to the success of a band.
The personnel of the band, including the drum and bugle corps, is as follows:
Drum Major: B. J. Dohney; basses: F. W. Case, J. S. Cremonese, C. Bistricky, F. Wulff; baritones: L. D. Foreign, H. Steinle, F. Schlecter; altos: F. E. Clark, S. H. McDowell, T. J. Naughton, A. Trayling, W. Williams, I. Heinze; cornets: E. Anderson, J. Collins, P. W. Call, G. A. Johnson, A. Noonan, S. Pabisch, E. Paschke, J. Regan, R. Brokopp, J. Benson; saxophone: D. J. Donovan, W. A. Gainer, F. L. Goodrow, A. Weber; trombones: E. Gamfels, C. E. Gall, H. Kasallis, J. McFarlane, E. O’Donnell, E. Schaefer; drums: P. Haller, J. M. Donohue, W. A. Maas, E. Piper, C. F. Hornberger; drum carriers: K. Ebey, M. J. Griffin; piccolo: T. J. Fitzgerald, H. Gade; clarinets: E. Brokaw, C. F. Dalacher, J. J. Daly, E. DeVries, D. Flynn, W. E. Follmer, E. Hemrick, E. Hotho, S. A. Kazmarek, B. Knudson, W. Massett, W. M. O’Rouke, P. St. Germain, W. H. Stringfellow; buglers: A. J. Burns, P. Denman, E. Foss, D. Horan, J. J. McGuirk, J. Petras; drummers: A. S. Amundsen, H. H. Ausenbaum, L. G. Hammersbach, G. Hassett, R. McKee, H. Stoike.
Main 13, March, 1922
Police Band Makes Phonograph Record
Chicago Police Band in plain clothes making phonograph record at Blackstone Theatre.
Musicians of Department Soon to Take Place in Catalogs Along with Sousa’s, Pryor’s and Other Famous Organizations
THE Chicago Police Band is fast becoming famous. Every appearance adds to its reputation and its showing in the recent parade welcommg the boy skaters of other cities to Chicago was a handome one. It has grown to a membership of over seventy and plans are being made to provide for a number of other polIcemen who are practicing hard to gam the efficiency necessary to win a place in the organization.
As a concrete evidence that the Band is producing music of high quality they were lately asked to make a phonograph record. The recording was done at the Blackstone Theatre by the Brunswick Co. and those who have heard the result say that Chicago Police Band records are sure to become popular.
Main 13, August 1922
Police Band the Hit of the Pageant
New Musical Organization Makes First Appearance Amid Crowds and Attracts Constant Applause
PROBABLY no group of musicians anywhere was ever received with a warmer welcome than that which greeted the Chicago Police Band during the Pageant of Progress. From the opening day (July 31, 1921) when it appeared in the great parade to the close of the big exposition the band was the most-talked-of feature of the entire show.
Starting out with a modest program its popularity grew until the demands for its services kept the police musicians busy to their utmost capacity. These talented members of the Department undoubtedly did more to acquaint the citizens of Chicago with the quality of their police than has ever been done before.
The uninformed who had supposed that a policeman might be a good thief catcher but possessed no aesthetic soul, had his ideas considerably jolted as he listened to classic strains emanating from the instruments of the members of the band. Their handsome. appearance in smart new uniforms and their snappy drill step bespoke an intelligence and discipline which smacked of the best military tradition.
Their concerts were attended by crowds who stayed until the last note was played and applauded for more. The double quartet with their variety of songs gave a professional finish to the Band’s programs and quite won the hearts of everybody within hearing.
It was a great feature for the public but it was also a great fortnight for the Band itself. As the members played they developed a spirit of camaraderie which welded the organization together into an exceptionally harmonious unit. The leader expressed himself as pleased beyond measure at the progress made and the high standard of the work done, There are other police bands in other cities, of course, but they will have to keep on their toes to approach the brand of music that the Chicago aggregation turns out.
Now that such a fine start has been made it is hoped that more policemen will volunteer their services. The bigger the band, the more effective it will be.
Accordingly if you ever played a band mstrument, or think you can learn, do not fail to let the leader know of it. There must yet be a great deal of undiscovered talent in the Department and it is desired to double the size of the band if possible. So no one should be bashful for everybody who applies will receive the utmost consideration. The Police Band is one of the finest things the Department has developed and its fame is growing day by day. Address communications to:
Leader, Chicago Police Band,
City Hall, Chicago
In full force the Chicago policeman’s band yesterday (July 31, 1921) entertained thousands on the Municipal Pier. In almost marvelously short time regular members of the police force, hitherto unaccustomed to playing band instruments, while at the same time performing evolutions of the march, have become capable musicians, ranking with the best musical organizations in the city.