Music played at the major battles was not uncommon. At Gettysburg, a British observer noted: "At the height of the cannonade, a Confederate band of music, between the cemetary and ourselves, began to play polkas and waltzes." The bands were from the 26th North Carolina and the 11th North Carolina Regiments. The band books of the former have been preserved. What is unusual about the band of the 26th is that it was a Moravian band from Salem, NC.

A Union band played for observers who had come in their carriages to observe the progress of th battle.

The Irish tune to "Gary Owen" was played by everybody, but it is known mostly for its association with the 7th Cavalry. "St. Patrick's Day in the Morning" also was popular with Union troops.