Grambs' Orchestra

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Grambs' Orchestra in 1888.

Grambs' Orchestra was a musical ensemble established by Fred Grambs shortly after his arrival in the city in 1883. The group served as the house orchestra for O'Brien's Opera House from 1884 to 1899 while Grambs and Ben Theiss operated the hall. Grambs served as arranger and conductor. The group usually performed with eight players, but was expanded as necessary for special performances.

Grambs led a 16-man group to Blount Springs to accompany 1st Methodist Church's Sunday School picnic in June 1884. Members of that group included Henry Jones, W. A. Terry, John Caldwell and S. E. Thompson.

In an 1888 photograph taken outside the opera house, the players are identified as Will Chase, Prosper Montano, Koenig, Frank Davidson, Grambs, Will McKinney, M. D. Friedman, A. F. Cramer, Henry S. Jones, Arthur Riley, and Frank Squires.

References

  • Hazen, Margaret Hindle & Robert M. Hazen, The Music Men: An Illustrated History of Brass Bands in America, 1800-1920. Washington D. C.: Smithsonian Books ISBN 0874745462
  • Foster, Gary Mark (2005) "Fred L. Grambs and His Influence on Instrumental Music in Late 19th Century Birmingham, Alabama." Doctoral dissertation. University of Alabama