A Town Rich In Culture

Havre de Grace has a rich history of community bands, dating back as early as 1875 with the formation of the Havre Cornet Band. Over the years, the town was home to several musical groups including the 5 V's, the Bayside Cornet Band, the Havre de Grace Orchestra, the Textile Cornet Band, and the Citizens Band. These ensembles played an important role in the town’s cultural life, providing music for public events and civic celebrations.

​

The most enduring and best-known of these groups was the Bayside Band, organized around 1887. It later became known as the Bayside Cornet Band and earned a reputation for its consistent presence and quality performances, becoming a musical fixture in the community for many years. Performances were held at venues such as the City Opera House, but bands also played aboard steamboat excursions across the Chesapeake Bay to popular Eastern Shore destinations like Tolchester Beach and Betterton Beach.

​

They also played in parades and public ceremonies throughout the region, including in Elkton, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. Local appearances included political rallies and annual commemorations like Decoration Day at Angel Hill Cemetery. One of the most popular traditions was the weekly summer concerts held in the City Park, which drew crowds for evenings of music and community fellowship.