Songs of the Civil War era were presented. Sung by soldiers in camps and on the march, the songs were learned by the people at home and performed at rallies and family musicales. Ranging from songs of abolition to sentimental ballads, portrayals of army life, and patriotic anthems, they represent the attitudes, values and beliefs of both the Union and Confederacy. Performers included singer Cindy Miller and singer and pianist Alan Jones. Music historian Michael Lasser placed the songs in historical context. 
The program “No Army Without Music: The Songs of the Civil War” was held in the McGowan Theater in conjunction with the National Archives exhibition, “Discovering the Civil War,” marking the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.