In the 1890s, Springfield had its own Cornet Band which gave regular performances in a bandstand on the southwest corner of Second and Main Streets. – Source: Springfield Historic Context Statement, 1999.
Early band director – Tim Wheeler. Source: Undocumented
Later band director – Albert Perfect
MUSIC ON PROGRAM FRIDAY EVE (Friday night at a meeting) of the Chamber of Commerce at the city hall It was decided to hold the next meeting In Morrison’s hall Friday ‘night, April 22, at 8 o’clock at which time refreshments will be served. An invitation was extended to the Springfield Cornet band to furnish the music for the evening, and the boys have promised to be there. There will be no charge and those that are really interested in promoting the welfare of the city are urged to be present at this time. It Is not the object of this gattering to reduce the wrinkles, but to arouse lasting interest in a booster organization of some sort, of which we are sadly in need. SPRINGFIELD LEGION CORNET BAND IS NAME DECIDED UPON Last Friday evening at the W. O. W. hall, members of the 4Ls and the American Legion, business men and farmers to the number of twenty five met and completed the organization of the band to lie extent of choosing the name of Springfield Legion Cornet Band as their official title, and elected the following officers: Fred Louk, president; Carl Senseney, sec treas.; Lee Clark, librarian; Fred Lemley, manager and Levi Neet, asst. manager. A majority of the members are fellows who have had several years experience, thereby placing them be yond the title of amateurs. After practicing only three months, Mr. Perfect, the leader, states that it is the best band right now that Spring field ever had. The boys are planning a concert in the near future and we feel certain that they will prove worthy of Mr. Perfect’s statement. Source: Springfield News, April 21, 1921.