ECHOES OF WEST POINT: 

From its inception in 1817 until 1974, the West Point Band and all cadet musical activities were led by a series of innovative and dedicated musicians under the title of Teacher of Music. Teachers of Music were highly talented individuals selected for a position unique to West Point and the entire United States Military.  

Through the good graces of the Secretary of War James C. Calhoun and the Paymaster General, a Civilian Bandleader position was created on June 16, 1817 at the pay scale of a major to lead the new military band at West Point. These highly accomplished musicians — composers, pianists, violinists, buglers — from all over the world would provide a strong influence on the Academy's musical activities and would often impact the musical world far beyond the borders of West Point.  

There are so many fascinating and noteworthy leaders in the band’s history, all of whom have incredible legacies we can’t wait to share with you. But for now, let’s introduce you to the band’s sixth Teacher of Music, Charles Rehm. 

Rehm held the position from 1872 to 1887 and is credited with having written a myriad of songs and marches during his tenure. His compositional talents were highly respected at West Point and throughout New York, and he was highly regarded as a conductor and composer long before his time at West Point.  

Rehm was born into a family of musicians in Hanover, Germany. Beginning his music instruction at the age of nine, he was soon recognized as a child prodigy. At fifteen, Rehm joined the Seventh Infantry Band in Nienburg, Germany. We don’t know much about his time in Germany but by his arrival to New York City in 1854, Rehm was a well-recognized cornetist, and performed as soloist at numerous concerts. In 1856, he was elected as bandmaster at Dodworth’s Second Regiment Band, and in 1859 he joined the New York Philharmonic. 

While he was clearly successful as a performing musician, Rehm also garnered national attention with his compositions. In fact, in 1862 (several years before he was appointed as Teacher of Music), Rehm wrote Our National Union March. This patriotic march not only indicated Rehm’s well-established role in the composition world, but it also generated positive reviews from some very important people… including the President of the United States! Upon seeing the score to Our National Union March, President Abraham Lincoln was so impressed that he sent Rehm a personal note of thanks. 

"My Dear Sir,  It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the receipt of your favour of the 29th January, accompanying copies of your "National Union March." Permit me to thank you cordially for the honor done me and the kind feeling evinced by you.   I am very truly, Your [Obedient Servant],  A. Lincoln." 

Such an honor from a sitting president could only have inspired Rehm to expand his patriotic catalogue. Rehm’s compositions during his tenure as Teacher of Music include a fantasia polka Echoes of West Point (1874), Souvenir March (1881), West Point Parade March (1882), Newburgh Centennial March (1883), and Bell-Button Gallop (1885). 

After a successful tenure as Teacher of Music, Rehm resigned from West Point in 1887. He died soon thereafter at the age of 67 in New York City, leaving behind a wife, daughter, and son. 

While we don’t have recordings of Rehm’s compositions, the scores live on in the Library of Congress Archives as a lasting tribute from West Point’s sixth Teacher of Music. Below, you can see the first pages of each of Rehm’s West Point-inspired compositions.