Lincoln Holroyd

Lincoln Holroyd (May 9, 1881 – February 12, 1961) was an English-American cornet player. He was cornet soloist with Arthur Pryor and Patrick Conway, and appeared with the John Philip Sousa Band. He was an active performer, band leader and music educator in Utica, N.Y., from 1905 until his death in 1961.

Early life Lincoln was the son of wool sorter Edwin Holroyd and grandson of the poet Abraham Holroyd of Bradford, England (April 2, 1815 – January 1, 1888). Abraham's efforts were endorsed by wool manufacturer Titus Salt.

Lincoln Holroyd was born in Bradford, England, and emigrated to Bordentown New Jersey at age 12. Leaving School at 15, he supported himself by working in stores while studying music and at 20 joined the Third Regiment Band of New Jersey. (Ziyara Bugle, February 1961).

Holroyd moved to Utica, NY, in 1905 upon the invitation of Franz Rath.

Cornet soloist

Lincoln Holroyd's performing career was profiled in the Utica Observer on March 25, 1916:

The following excerpt from the "Catalogue of the Utica Conservatory of Music 1922-1923" places him as the Brass Instructor at the Conservatory and cornet soloist at the Majestic Theater (both posts formerly occupied by B.A. Rolfe).

Herbert L. Clarke, cornet soloist of the John Philip Sousa Band, was entertained by Holroyd while in the city of Utica for two performances at the Majestic Theater.

Band director/organizer

In May 1921, Holroyd joined Utica Shriner's Ziyara Temple and began to organize a band. He held the position of band leader for 40 years until retiring from the post on February 2, 1961.

Among the bands he directed and organized were the Utica Free Academy, Proctor High School, Ziyara Shrine Temple, Boy's Club and The Masonic Home Band.

On August 1, 1924, Holroyd's Municipal Band was filmed on Genesee Street in a silent movie titled Clothes, directed by A.J. Cunningham.

Death

Lincoln remained active as a band director and performer until his death. According to the Ziyara Bugle, he attended morning rehearsal, "directed the Band for the first selection and then finished the entire rehearsal in the ranks".

Later that evening, he suffered a heart attack and died on Sunday, February 12, 1961, aged 79.