Missud, Jean M.

From Salem Links and Lore
  • Jean Missud (1852-1941) was the long-time director of the highly acclaimed Salem Cadet Band, which he directed for 63 years, setting a national record for band longevity. The talented Missud was born in Nice, France in 1852. After showing aptitude for music at an early age, he played clarinet in the USS Sabine's ship band. His naval career was brief, and after arriving in Boston in 1870, he left the navy to pursue a career in music.
  • The Salem Cadet Band featured woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. It grew from the dozen original members in 1878 to close to 30 members by 1900. For 25 years it was the official musical organization for the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Boston. Locally they played regularly on the Salem Common and the Salem Willows. Hamilton Hall on Chestnut Street was another frequent venue, providing music for Salem Assemblies, playing a mixture of waltzes, two-steps and lanciers. They also toured major cities and Canada quite regularly.
  • Missud was also a talented and prolific composer and some of the pieces the band played were his compositions. In 1881 his compositions were published in Boston under the title "Salem Assemblies for Waltzes."
  • A tribute was paid to Missud on the 50th anniversary of his band leadership when a Testimonial Concert and banquet was given by past and present members of Salem Cadet Band.
  • Missud was married to Emma Walden, daughter of Joseph F. and Mary Walden. He died in Marblehead at age 89, on July 18, 1941. He is buried in Harmony Grove Cemetery Salem.
  • After Missud's death, a member of the band, George Rigby continued his legacy of bringing music to Salem, in his aptly named, "Rigby's Band." This band marched in parades and performed in concerts for more than 30 years. In 1996, Rigby donated a bass drum used by the Salem Cadet Band to the Peabody Essex Museum, where many of Missud's personal diaries and compositions are held.
  • The bandstand at the Salem Common was dedicated to the memory of Jean Marie Missud at the dedication of the "Washington Arch" on July 4, 1976.

See Also

  • Vertical File in Salem Collection - Missud, Jean
  • Vertical File in Salem Collection - Bands, Salem Brass
  • "Remembering Salem's most beloved band leader" Salem Evening News, Mar.20, 2002, p.A3
  • "Jean Missud, famous as composer, band leader, dies in his 90th year" Salem Evening News, July 18, 1941. p.1
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