New Band History Display on View in Silas Hunt Hall

An exhibit highlighting the University of Arkansas Band program’s history is now on view on the second floor of Silas Hunt Hall.

Created in partnership with the U of A Museum, Razorback Band Alumni Society and the U of A Bands, the exhibit opens just in time for the program’s 150th anniversary in 2024.

From a “brass band of 14 pieces organized for special use” in the Military Department in 1874 to five concert bands, a 350-member Razorback Marching Band and a 140-member Hogwild Pep Band today, the program has grown and thrived over the years.

Two band uniforms from the museum’s collections are featured. This includes a gray wool uniform worn by W.F. Reichart while attending the Arkansas State Capitol Building’s cornerstone laying on Nov. 27, 1900. Trumpet player James Edward Taylor’s 1946 jacket and beret are also on display. A variety of historical images from the University Libraries Special Collections Division are also featured.

“As an active member of the Razorback Band Alumni Society, former member and Uniform Manager of the Razorback Marching Band Band from 74-78,” said Val Price, a collaborator for the exhibit, “it was very enjoyable working with the museum staff to showcase this marvelous collection of old band uniforms and a good way to put my history degree to practical use.”

The exhibit will be on view through December 2024. Check back often as new uniforms from the University Museum’s collections will be added over the next year!

Can’t make it in person? Uniforms from the museum’s collections are being photographed and made available online.

This story also appeared in the University of Arkansas News publication.