While the fiery words of Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas are taking center stage during this weekend's sesquicentennial events, the sounds of the 1st Brigade Band are playing an integral role in bringing history to life.

"The band is a living museum," said Paul Schmidt of Lindenhurst, a member of the band, which is headquartered in Watertown, Wis. "The 1st Brigade Band is the foremost Civil War brass band in the country ... and has the largest collection of authentic instruments. We only play authentic instruments from the Civil War."

Schmidt plays a B-flat bass saxhorn, an instrument invented by the same man who invented the saxophone. The only saxhorn still used in a modern band is the cornet, he said.

Schmidt's horn was made in Boston during the 1860s. It's among about 250 antique instruments used by the 1st Brigade Band, some of which were acquired "before they became collector's items," Schmidt said. Others have been donated to the band by people or charitable organizations.

Schmidt says the people who donate the instruments are happy that the instruments are "used and appreciated instead of locked up in a museum."

The 1st Brigade Band got its start in 1857 as the Brodhead Brass Band in Brodhead, Wis., which at the time was just a year old. Ten untrained but willing men started the band, and in 1858 the band was invited to Freeport for the second of seven Lincoln-Douglas Debates.

Within two years, the band would respond to the call of the Union Army.

Today, the 1st Brigade Band performs more than 40 times a year in concerts, parades, military balls and worship services.

About 80 musicians are members of the band, though not all perform at the same time. Schmidt said about 20 members made the trip to Quincy.

"The music of that period is unlike anything else from American History," Schmidt said. "It's a combination of sadness and joy."

The band takes great care of their instruments but doesn't "baby" them, he said.

"We don't have them shined up," he said. 'We want them to be in their natural state. But we always keep a close eye on them."

The band's appearance in Quincy is made possible, in part, by the generosity of Wis-Pak, which is headquartered in Watertown and has a production facility in Quincy.

Quincy University is housing the group.

Schmidt said the 1st Brigade Band has played at other Lincoln-Douglas Debate sesquicentennial anniversaries in other towns, including Freeport, this year.

"It's very nice," he said of Quincy's celebration. "This is our last one for the season."