Episode 5 is a wide ranging conversation with Dr. Michael O’Connor, Associate Professor of Music at Palm Beach Atlantic University. Dr. O’Connor is the director of The Coates Brass Band, and a founding member of Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band and the Washington Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble. We discuss his musical background, research of Civil War-era music, the performing groups he helped found, and the life and music of Thomas Coates.

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Episode Structure:

• 0:00 - 1:38 - Introduction

• 1:38 - 9:12 - Interview with Dr. O’Connor - Biographical and career information

• 9:12 - 14:10 - Washington Cornett and Sackbut Ensemble, Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band

• 14:10 - 21:15 - College teaching career, Palm Beach Atlantic University

• 21:15 - 28:50 - Detail on Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band: formation, the music they play, instruments used

• 28:50 - 35:41 - Thomas Coates, The Coates Brass Band, recording projects with The Coates Brass Band and Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band

• 35:41 - 37:58 - How written music was obtained and distributed during the 19th century

• 37:58 - 40:50 - Use of woodwinds in 19th century brass bands

• 40:50 - 43:52 - The music of Thomas Coates

• 43:52 - 45:26 - Musical Excerpt: Cottage By The Sea Quickstep, Thomas Coates, performed by The Coates Brass Band

• 45:26 - 51:00 - The music of Thomas Coates and his musical legacy

• 51:00 - 1:01:20 - The Coates Brass Band and Newberry’s Victorian Cornet Band instruments and uniforms, reenacting

• 1:01:20 - 1:12:51 - Playing on period mouthpieces, and Dr. O’Connor’s instrument collection

• 1:12:51 - 1:15:21 - Conclusion, where you can find Dr. O’Connor online

• 1:15:21 - 1:17:39 - Featured Album: The Coates Brass Band - Quickstep: Brass Band Music of the American Civil War