In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].” 

Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.” 

With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.  

In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].” 

Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.” 

With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.  

In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].” 

Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.” 

With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.  

In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].” 

Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.” 

With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.  

In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].” 

Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.” 

With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.  

In 1782, Colonel Christian Febiger of the Virginia Line wrote to General George Washington, “The men very uneasy about Pay and other necessarys [sic]... they would not march without monney [sic].” Fortunately, this gentleman officer had a secret weapon, “I was on the spot with... an excellent Band of Music to play them off... all was quieted... they march on chearfully [sic].” 

Febiger’s band was the first of its kind in Virginia. Established in Philadelphia over the winter of 1779, the 2nd Virginia Regiment’s “band of music” was formed of Virginian-born soldiers, trained by a German music master, and functioned as both a wind and string ensemble. The band provided music for social events, recruiting, military ceremonies, and even pacified obstinate soldiers. In Febiger’s own words, his musicians were “Equal to any Band in this Country” and “had more Influence... than would the Oratory of a Cicero.” 

With the story of Col. Febiger’s band at its center, “Equal to any Band in this Country” offers a historically immersive program combining dramatic readings with marches, opera arrangements, and musical divertimenti that served as the soundtrack of the French, American, and British armies that converged at Yorktown in 1781. Featuring works by André Grétry (1741–1813), François-Joseph Gossec (1734–1829), Timothy Olmsted (1759–1848), John Reid (1721–1807), Johann Christian Bach (1735–1782), and others.  

Join Music of the Regiment for the ensemble’s NYC debut as we explore the musical life of one of the most influential clarinetists you’ve probably never heard of!

Bernhard Crusell’s life (1775–1838) encapsulates the most important period in the popularization of the clarinet. From lowly beginnings as the son of bookbinder, his fortunes were dramatically changed by the opportunity to serve as a military bandsman. This program showcases the works of Crusell and the teachers who shaped him: Franz Tausch (1762–1817) and Jean-Xavier Lefèvre (1763–1829).

First published on January 10, 1776, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense played a vital role convincing the American public of the necessity of independence. Appealing to average colonists, Common Sense became an overnight sensation, selling approx. 500,000 copies to a population under 3 million. Six months later, Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence.

The VMHC will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the publication of Common Sense with a special evening program. Guests will enjoy a historically inspired meal and drinks, historic music performed by members of Music of the Regiment, and an intimate performance by Monticello’s veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker, portraying Thomas Jefferson and reflecting on the special relationship between Paine and Jefferson. 

Enjoy a festive evening at the Hilton Garden Inn Suffolk Riverfront celebrating the return of General Lafayette to Suffolk. This event will echo the banquet at which Lafayette was entertained on February 25, 1825.

On January 25, 1825, the Virginia General Assembly and other dignitaries, including Chief Justice John Marshall, hosted Lafayette in Richmond with a dinner and ball. Exactly 200 years later to the day, the VMHC will commemorate the anniversary of this dinner with a special evening program at 6:30 pm. (doors open at 5:45 pm).