Aurora March Hughes, Harry R.

Aurora March
by: Harry R. Hughes

Original Copyright: 1915

By: Fillmore Bros. Co.

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 Hughes, Harry R.

DOB: 1891 (Kentucky)

DOD: 1937 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Harry Hughes was born in the state of Kentucky on November 17,

1891. Although it is not known how or where he obtained his music
education, he became an excellent performer on trombone and also
played the xylophone, marimba, and calliope.

At the age of 22, Harry left home to become a trouper-musician with

the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show. The next year, 1914, he played
trombone with the Sparks Circus, and he moved to the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus in 1915. During
these years, he did much arranging and composing for the circus bands in which he played.

Tiring of travel, Hughes married shortly after World War I and settled in Atlanta, Georgia. He soon
established himself in that city's music circles. He joined Local 148-462 of the American Federation
of Musicians and began to play trombone in Atlanta theaters. In the early 1920s, he performed in pit
orchestras for silent movies.

During the depression, Hughes joined the Works Progress Administration Orchestra in Atlanta but
could not resist the urge to return to the circus. In 1934, he joined the Downie Brothers Circus band.
Two years later, Merle Evans recruited him to play first trombone with the Ringling Brothers shows
near Pittsburgh, where he remained for the rest of his life. On June 5, 1939, while on the night train
between shows near Pittsburgh, he died of a heart attack. His remains were returned to Georgia, and
1
he is buried in the National Cemetery at Marietta.

Aurora (march) was published in 1915 by the Fillmore Bros. Co. Aurora was written for virtuoso
performers and so, is considered difficult. The highly regarded march was recorded in Robert Hoe’s
2
“Heritage of the March” project, as were all 5 of his known published works.

1
Rehrig, William H., Heritage encyclopedia of band music. (1991), Westerville, OH.
2
Smith, Norman E., March music notes (1986), Program Note Press (Lake Charles, Louisiana),
p.211

Program note researched by Marcus L. Neiman

Medina, Ohio

Additional information on either the composer or composition would be welcomed. Please send
information to
marcusneiman@zoominternet.net