The Mother of the School Band Movement

Browne Greaton Cole had a reputation as a virtuoso coronetist. At age 18 she was invited to join the Clara Schumann Orchestra, an all woman orchestra. Those who heard her play said that she had a beautiful tone, and she was especially noted for the brilliance of her triple tonguing. Her playing was praised by Herbert L. Clark, cornet soloist with the Sousa Band.

She quit playing in 1898 to raise her family. In 1920, the Cole family moved to Ocala, FL. This is where her husband retired and she went to work, serving as the music teacher in the Ocala Schools. She organized a boys band, the first band in Florida. The school provided little money and the band was supported by Browne’s enthusiasm. Notably, the band won first and second place at most of the contests. Also, Browne was one of the founding members of the Florida Band Masters Association. During WWII the Ocala High School Band was in the front rank in parades and patriotic meetings and also selling war bonds. Browne also directed glee clubs and an operetta. She wrote a song, Kingdom of the Sun, and a collection of Harmony Gems arranged by her for boys’ voices. She was published in the School Musician, The Etude and Jacob’s Band and Orchestra Monthly.  She also wrote short stories and two novels under the pen name of Carmen Gay.