Circusdom
Frederick Alton Jewell, born in Worthington, Indiana, was a prolific musical composer who wrote over one hundred marches and screamers, including Battle Royal (1909), Floto’s Triumph (1906), Quality Plus (1913), E Pluribus Unum (1917), Supreme Triumph (1920), The Screamer (1921) and The Old Circus Band (1923).
At the age of 16, Jewell ran away from home and joined the Gentry Bros. Dog and pony Show as a euphonium player. He also played calliope.
After making excellent impressions with successful circus officials, Jewell rose through the ranks. He eventually landed himself as leader of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Band. He also played in or directed the Hagenbeck-Wallace Circus and the Sells-Floto Circus.
Jewell retired from circuses in 1918. He travelled to Iowa and took leadership of the Iowa Brigade Band. From there, he began his own publishing company and moved back to his hometown, Worthington, where he served as high school band director, as well as a steady composer of band music. He also directed other local bands in Florida and Indiana.
Frederick Jewell died in 1936 at the age of 61 in Worthington.
Circusdom is one of his most popular marches, skilfully arranged for brass band by Bert Van Thienen.
The arrangement features on the Prima Vista Musikk CD, Grimethorpe Entertain.