The band was founded in 1920, and participated in its first Mummers Parade on
New Year's Day in 1921.[2][3]
By 1949, this ensemble was the largest string band to make an appearance in Philadelphia's Mummers' Day Parade.[4]
History
Aqua String Band's 2010 Performance - "It's About Time!"
The band was organized on April 2, 1920, by Elmer W. Leyrer and Fred J. Kesel Sr., and was incorporated into the String Band Association in 1945. Kesel introduced the
glockenspiel to string bands, which has now become a signature and defining sound.[5] The name, "Aqua", poked fun at the
Volstead Act which banned alcohol under
Prohibition.[6]