The Scenes Behind A Mummers Band

The Hegeman String Band – Mummers in Philadelphia

The Mummers Parade in Philadelphia is right around the corner, with ten days to go. I want to introduce you to the Hegeman String Band, in which I was allowed to do an exclusive interview with them these past two weeks. (fyi – This article was originally written in December 2011. Each String Band is a little different, but it gives you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.)

History of the Hegeman String Band

There is a lot of history that surrounds the Mummers in Philadelphia, dating back to the mid 1800’s. More info – click here. The first official parade was held January 1, 1901. The Hegeman String Band was formed on November 2nd 1920, when Ernest A. Hegeman, a music store owner, broke away from his former band. The band is like the 4th or 5th oldest Mummers Band.

Thanks to the Great Depression in 1930, Ernest Hegeman disbanded Hegeman because he didn’t have enough money to put on a show. Three years later, Ernest and Al Fink cut a deal to bring Hegeman back, so they could compete. Ernest Hegeman died in 1935.

Frank Dougherty tells us, “Since the Great Depression, Hegeman has performed at World War II USO Victory Canteens, paraded with Roy Rogers and Trigger, and played at Atlantic City’s Steel Pier with Ed Sullivan, when the Broadway columnist emceed vaudeville acts instead of a national TV show.”

Dougherty goes on to say, “In 1959, Hegeman serenaded Lyndon B. Johnson with “The Yellow Rose of Texas” – the same year that wily Texan tried to snatch the Democratic presidential nomination from John F. Kennedy. With the exception of the Ferko String Band, and perhaps Aqua, few clubs have a historical portfolio rivaling Hegeman’s.”

*Info from Frank Dougherty, Daily News Staff Writer

The Hegeman Experience & Atmosphere

The Hegeman String Band starts practicing in January, once a month on Tuesdays, up until September. From September to December, they practice twice a month, on Sundays and Tuesdays. In December, leading up to the Mummers parade, they practice on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Practices usually last two hours, sometimes up to four hours, depending on how Captain John Baron feels regarding their progress.

There is a lot of practice that goes into preparing for the Mummers Day Parade on New Years Day. This is the last Sunday Practice before using major props.

The Hegeman String Band ages range from 12 to 68 years of age. On New Years Day, there are approximately 70 members in the Mummers Parade, baring any injuries from New Years Eve. <ha ha>

Hegeman is also coed and was the first coed Mummers band in 1991. Chrissy Canuccio was the first female to join Hegeman’s. But there was a problem then, because you needed 50 members to participate, and Hegeman only had about 25 at the time. The band was able to get enough members in time to participate and not only ended up winning 1st overall, but was the only coed band to-date to have placed 1st overall. They then won 1st again in 1995. Chrissy had stepped away for many years, did get married, and is actually back this year. There are only five coed bands today.

At the Hegeman String Band’s Club House –

Each Mummers club is different. Some are like fraternity homes with large rooms and a large bar, or just a small cozy place to relax at. Here are a few of the members playing Christmas songs as others trim the Christmas tree. (Bob, Bob and Dan Sickels – This is Dan’s 50th year struttin down Broad Street. <far right on the Sax>) The overall atmosphere is very relaxed and everyone is extremely friendly and polite. This was my first time at the Hegeman Club and they made me feel very welcomed, at home. Thanks Tom, Bob, Louise, Sarah, Bob, Frank, Dan, John, Emily, Maureen, Ryan, and others…..

Who funds the Hegeman Band & Club

People don’t realize, but the cost for certain bands could run from $20,000 to $100,000 a year. Hegeman has their member dues and also receives money for renting out their club for events. The band also makes money from special events such as weddings, parades, and more. There is a designer who also designs the costumes and props, in which the band has a company that makes the actual costumes. The band members will also help with specific costumes, props, and stage work. It’s a team effort, with long hours outside their normal lives such as those that have 9 to 5 jobs.

Two weeks until the real thing.

As you can see, there is some scafolding in the background. Here they are getting use to where the props would be staged. There will be approximately 50 to 60 Marshalls who will help with the props and moving them during parts of the performance. I have been honored to have been asked to be one of these Marshalls, and I look forward to the experience.

After spending 2 weekends with the Hegeman String Band, now you have a better idea on how it all happens on New Years Day. I’ll be sharing a part 2 and a part 3 in the next 2 to 5 days. Part 2 will have some more videos leading up to the Mummers Parade and what goes on around the clubs in the last 3 weeks of the year. Part 3 will show the final stage, the end result, on how the Hegeman String Band appears after a years worth of hard work and dedication.

(fyi – This article was originally written in December 2011. Each String Band is a little different, but it gives you a glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.)