Expert: Kenton Scott - 9/7/2008

Question
My grandfather played in a community band that travelled in the 1920's thru the 1940's in Virginia and North Carolina.  I have now discovered his horn (my father had it tucked away in his basement den), and am trying to see about when it may have been made.  It is a Pan American model, made by the Pan American Band Instrument and Case Company in Elkhart, Indiana (this is engraved on the bell).  I am told by the local High School band director that this is what was known as the "first marching French Horn."  It looks and sounds very much like a Baritone to me, and it is in very good shape.  I am a trumpet player (for almost 40 years now), but enjoy playing this newly discovered toy.

The serial number on the E flat is:  P33531

I appreciate any help you can be, thank you!

Bob LaPrade

Answer
Hi Bob,

Calling it the first marching French Horn is an interesting perspective.  The Alto horn was THE alto voice of the brass band and later the concert band from the invention of valved brass instruments in the mid 1800s, and up into the first couple of decades of the 20th century when first mellophones and then French horns were able to supplant the alto horn.  

Your Grandfather's horn dates to 1927.  

The brass bands of the 1800's played a significant amount of the time outside, though not necessarily just marching, and the alto horn was very much a part of it.