Aqua String Band
The Aqua String Band is an all volunteer string band, best known for their participation in Philadelphia's annual Mummers Parade.
The band was organized on April 2, 1920, by Elmer W. Leyrer and Fred J. Kesel Sr. and incorporated into the String Band Association in 1945. Kesel introduced the glockenspiel to string bands, which has now become a signature and defining sound. The name, "Aqua", poked fun at the Volstead Act which banned alcohol under Prohibition.[1]
In addition to Philadelphia area parades, private events and concerts, the group participated in the 2012 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Holyoke, Massachusetts,[2] the 2012 Little League World Series' Grand Slam Parade[3] and the 2011 Hatboro Holiday Parade.[4]
In 1987, the group was attempting to purchase Germania Mannerchor clubhouse for their home base.[5]
References
- Kennedy, Ed. Temple University Press, 2007, Life, Liberty, and the Mummers, p 6. ISBN 1592135889.
- https://www.nme.com/nme-video/youtube/id/sI9XFPg1ZyA
- http://www.sungazette.com/page/content.detail/id/581956.html
- horsham.patch.com/blog_posts/hatboro-chamber-seeking-volunteers-for-holiday-parade#photo-11757271
- "BAND SEEKS COMMUNITY HARMONY ON MOVE TO LAWNCREST CLUBHOUSE". Philadelphia Inquirer. September 10, 1987. Retrieved 25 February 2014.