ABOUT US

Fralinger is renowned throughout the world for very unique musical instrumentation and an uplifting performance style!

  • Most consistent top prize winner over the last 25 years:

    • Won first, second or third prize in 18 of the last 25 New Years’ Day parades

    • 18 First Prizes overall

    • From 2003-2010, the band won an unprecedented eight consecutive first prizes, and was awarded first prize in 10 of the last 16 NYD parades!

  • Organized on December 18, 1914 by John J. Fralinger, M.D., a Philadelphia physician, pharmacist and also the team doctor for Connie Mack’s Philadelphia Athletics. 

  • WE RECENTLY CELEBRATED OUR 103rd ANNIVERSARY!

  • Reorganized in 1974 as a nonprofit organization governed completely by the membership

  • progressive and innovative Mummers String Band organization:

    • First string band to vocalize

    • First String Band to emulate brass instrument sounds with reed instruments (1971)

    • First String Band to feature the Big Band sound (1972) and Dixieland Jazz (1973)

    • First String Band to receive Philadelphia Mayor’s Achievement Award (1975)

    • Herb Smith (Music Director Emeritus), Mike Rayer (Presentation Director Emeritus), and Bill Bowen Jr. (Captain Emeritus) – all members of elite Mummers’ Hall of Fame

  • Significant engagements:

    • Walt Disney World Festival of Fantasy Parade (2017)

    • 100th Anniversary proclamations from the City of Philadelphia, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and U.S. House of Representatives (2014)

    • Toronto Ukrainian Festival (2012)

    • Mardi Gras – New Orleans, LA (1973 and 2012)

    • Hong Kong International Chinese New Year Parade (2007)

    • Walt Disney World SpectroMagic® Parade (2007)

    • Official 2008 World Series Champion Philadelphia Phillies “Whiz Kids” pep band (since 1990)

    • Pennsylvania Governor Edward G. Rendell Inaugural Parade – Harrisburg, PA (2003)

    • Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett Inaugural – Harrisburg, PA (2011)

    • Miss America Pageant Parade – Atlantic City, NJ

    • Pearl Harbor Memorial Concert – Honolulu, HI (1997)

    • Baseball Hall of Fame Parade – Cooperstown, NY

    • Selected for “America’s Bicentennial Celebration” television special (1976)

    • Appeared in Brian De Palma’s movie, “Blow Out” (1981)

    • Appeared in Philadelphia Constitution Bicentennial Parade (1987)

    • Appeared at Disney’s New York premieres of “Pocahontas” (1995) and “Hercules” (1997)

    • Dick Clark’s “Freedom Festival” television special (1989)