Like the majority of the better‐class prisons, Minnesota’s penitentiary
has the honor of having within its walls a well‐equipped band and
orchestra. They are in charge of an experienced citizen‐music teacher, and
have made remarkable progress since organization. About nineteen members
compose the band, mostly men who have a long time to serve.
The orchestra provides music for the services in the prison chapel, and
when entertainments are given provides the musical numbers on the program.
Of late years it has attained a degree of efficiency that has been
commended very highly by prominent visitors to the institution.
The band gives a concert each morning during the summer months and also
during drill exercises, which take place in the yard every Sunday
immediately after chapel service. Concerts are also given in the park on
holidays, when the men are enjoying outdoor freedom, which the inmates
appreciate very much, helping wonderfully to break the dull, routine
monotony of prison life. The band and orchestra cost the state very
little, its instruments are paid for out of the fees received from
visitors, who pay a twenty‐five cent admission to see the institution.
This amount is donated for the benefit of the library fund.