Excelsior Brass Band

The Excelsior Brass Band was a very influential Brass Band from New Orleans. It is considered today as one of the early bands of New Orleans jazz.

The Excelsior Brass Band was established in 1879 in Algiers (Louisiana ) from the Decker Brass Band. The band was led by Théogène Baquet to 1904; followed him as director George Moret (1904-1922) and after his death, Peter Bocage, who headed the band until its dissolution in 1931. The formation had ten to twelve (maximum 16) members. She performed normally in the cast three cornets or trumpets, two trombones, two clarinets, one alto horn, baritone horn, tuba, snare drum and bass drum. At times, the ensemble included a Mellophone. The repertoire included marches, dances, funeral music and hymns. She played on the balls of Mardi Gras and festivals as well as on boat trips to Baton Rouge, street processions or funerals.

Its members included John Robichaux, George Baquet, Alphonse Picou, Luis Tio, Lorenzo Tio Sr., Honoré Dutrey, Sam Dutrey senior, Henry " Red" Allen, Isidore Barbarin, Bunk Johnson, Louis Cottrell Sr., Ed Garland and Willie Humphrey. In the late 1950s Young tied the Excelsior Brass Band on their tradition.