History of Excelsior Band

The Excelsior Band has a very rich history. It was founded by John A. Pope to celebrate the birth of his son, John C. Pope in Mobile, AL on November 23, 1883.

The Excelsior Band has marched the streets of downtown Mobile for over 100 years in various Mardi Gras parades. Additionally, The band, which plays Dixieland and conventional jazz, is available for weddings, receptions, jazz funerals, conventions, and parades.

The band performs regularly along the Gulf Coast and is recognized for providing the unique sounds associated with the carnival season in Mobile, AL, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States.

The Excelsior Band is a ten piece marching brass band that consists of three trumpets, three saxophones, one trombone, a tuba, bass drum and snare drum. The group also performs as a quintet, as requested for smaller events, e.g. birthday parties, wedding receptions, conventions. The Members of the Excelsior Band come from diverse occupational background and all are highly touted in the Mobile area for their many years of musical contributions throughout the city.

The musical hodge-podge that makes up the Excelsior medley floats in the swing of Carnival cheer with such favorites as “Margie”, “Hello Dolly”, “St. Louis Blues”, “South Rampart Street Parade”, and, of course, “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

The Excelsior Band is also a proud member of the

The Mobile Chamber of Commerce
Mobile Bay Convention and Visitor's Bureau
and the