Jerry Ernst began reenacting in the early '90's and from the start set out to find primary sources for the popular songs of the time of the Civil War and before. After years of part-time research at the Eastman School of Music, Johns Hopkins Univiersity, and other collections, hundreds of songs were compiled. This research was shared with artists and Jerry is credited on a few CD's before ever thinking of trying one himself.
After a couple years period or accurate reproduction instruments were obtined for presentations and small performances, and in 1999 a CD was made on MP3.COM to sell to a few pards in the 140th NY Volunteers. Before the site was closed as planned others started buying the CD as well, much to the surprise of Jerry. As Night March to Gettysburg scored well on MP3.COM, the next CD was put into motion, and the rest is the rest. The music is recorded using correct instruments for the time, and are based on the primary sources. The musical impression is that of soldiers in the field, not a professional concert musician, so some liberties with style and arrangement can be made, as long as they are done within documented playing styles of the time. Jerry Ernst is a regular performer at the Windham Heritage Music Weekend, and has appeared at various other events around the north-east. Jerry has CD's available at the Gettysburg Visitor Center, through CDBaby.com, and other outlets.
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