Episode 7 is our conversation with Eric Totman, aka “The Horn Collector.” Eric has amassed a large collection of primarily brass instruments from the 19th century, and has many unique and rare items. We talk about these, other odd instruments he has such as Besson Cornophones and Antoniophones, and how he acquired them. Eric also talks about his experiences playing with the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band in California.

Music in this episode comes from Our Musical Past from The Library of Congress, and California Grand March from the Fort Point Garrison Brass Band’s album of the same name.

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Episode Structure:

• 0:00 - 2:26 - Introduction

• 2:26 - 8:10 - Interview with Eric Totman, his musical beginnings and education experiences

• 8:10 - 11:49 - How Eric got started collecting instruments

• 11:49 - 15:06 - Eric’s current collection and the Horn Collector “nickname”

• 15:06 - 20:52 - Eric’s Schriber collection

• 20:52 - 38:38 - Other over the shoulder horns and oddities: Besson Cornophones, one of the first double bell euphoniums, double bell alto horns, over the shoulder slide trombone, ophicleide, keyed bugles, Antoniophones

• 38:38 - 42:17 - Civil War reenacting, and other 19th century Brass Band reenacting experiences

• 42:17 - 47:28 - American Historical Brass Band Society, early brass band community building

• 47:28 - 59:27 - Fort Point Garrison Brass Band, importance of historical accuracy

• 59:27 - 1:02:06 - Eric’s Great-Great Grandfather’s involvement in Civil War music

• 1:02:06 - 1:07:40 - Reasons for reenacting, current state of the Early Brass Band community

• 1:07:40 - 1:08:59 - Where you can find Eric Totman and his collection

• 1:08:59 - 1:11:13 - YouTube and website updates

• 1:11:13 - 1:12:40 - Featured Album: The California Grand March - The Fort Point Garrison Brass Band