1865 - 1887

The United States Naval Academy Band
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Peter Schoff was born in Frankenbach, Bavaria in September of 1831. He immigrated to the United States and served in the US Cavalry as a Bandmaster from 1861 to June 10, 1865, attaining the rank of a Master Sargent. He joined the US Navy on June 12, 1865 to become the fifth leader of the Naval Academy Band. He and his wife Cecilia (Manahan) had seven children, Catherine, Christina, George, Jacob, Mary, Peter F. and Phillip. He was given the title of Professor by the local paper and lead the band through many performances including the nations centennial celebration in Philadelphia in 1876. Bandmaster Schoff retired on March 1, 1887 and moved to York, Pennsylvania.

A dance card, circa 1866.
note: the card credits "Deux-Temps," and "Cuban" (Waltz) by (Peter) Schoff.

An order issued by the Superintendent, Admiral Porter, referring to the musical abilities of a Midshipman Thompson. Admiral Porter was a lover of music and often used the Band for social occasions. So much in fact, that the students of near by St. John's College referred to the Naval Academy as "Porter's Dancing Academy." The order reads:
U. S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, MD.
Oct. 25, 1867
Order
Midshipman Thompson (1st class) who plays so abominably on a fish horn will oblige me by going outside the limits when he wants to practice or he will find himself coming out of the little end of the horn.
David D. Porter
Vice Admiral
Supt N.A.

Dress Parade with "Old Denver" leading the band, circa 1870.
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An advertisement from 1945 depicting an 1870 dress parade.
The drawing may not be totally accurate, but it's interesting.

1873 "Old Denver" as Drum Major in dress uniform.
He also served as Captain of the Watch.
Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Academy Archives

The Naval Academy Bandstand, 1876.

1877
High Resolution Photo
Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Academy Archives

1879
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An 1880 Dress Parade for the Superintendent.
High Resolution Photo

Parade in front of the Marine Barracks (on the site of Dahlgren Hall), circa. 1885.
High Resolution Photo
Photo courtesy of U.S. Naval Academy Archives

1865 - 1887

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