Chandler’s Band

Founded in 1833

Portland, Maine

Chandler's Band in 1896, Philip E. Robinson, Director

Chandler’s Band, organized in 1833, is believed to be the nation’s second oldest professional band in continuous service. The band, originally called The Portland Band, took it’s present name after Daniel Chandler who became the leader of the group in 1843 and developed the band into one of the finest performing groups of it’s kind. In 1861, at the request of General Francais Fessenden, Daniel Chandler and his band were mustered into the service of the Union Army, and they served until the close of the Civil War, spending much time at Harper’s Ferry, and furnishing music for the 1st, 10th, 25th, and 29th Maine regiments. Chandler’s Band has played for Bowdoin College Commencements since 1875, and led this country's Centennial Celebration Parade in 1876 and the Bicentennial Celebration Parade in 1976 at Concord, Massachusetts. During the summer, Chandler’s Band performs a series of outdoor concerts at Fort Allen Park in Portland, Maine overlooking beautiful Casco Bay.

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Chandler's Band at Camp in Augusta, Maine, 1887
Standing: D.H. Chandler; Charles Grimmer; S. Burnham; W.E. Chandler;
C.G. Richards; E.A. Gammon; Bev Felts; W. Thomas; Dan Skillings
Sitting: A. Merrill; Charles Bettes; J.N. Jacobson; E.C. Webb; E. Pennell; C. Richardson;
C.M. Brooks; Charles Mitchell; P.J. Willey; D. Danis; Frank Collins; C.Thomas; A. Knight