Titanic's Orchestra

* Titanic's orchestra-Concertmaster and first violinist Wallace Hartley in center. Clockwise from upper left: Fred Clarke, bass-viol; Percy C. Taylor, piano; Theodore Brailey, piano; J.W. Woodward, cello; John Law "Jock" Hume, second violin; George Krins, viola. Not shown is another cellist, Roger Bricoux. ** From the collection of Daniel Allen Butler, author of Unsinkable, The Full Story Of RMS Titanic.

Wallace Hartley was the Titanic's bandmaster. He was most recently on the Mauretania at the time he had gone over to the Titanic-an opportunity he could not pass up. Hartley was well known for his violin playing by many traveling First Class passengers. Soon after the Titanic hit the iceberg, Hartley gathered the Titanic's orchestra and started playing on the deck near the entrance of the Grand Staircase. They played lively tunes to try to keep passengers calm and the atmosphere cheerful. At around 1:45am, Hartley and his musicians were now wearing their lifebelts and continuing to play. They had been playing for about an hour now. Bandmaster Hartley had released his men and wished them luck. The band however continued to play and stuck together until the very end. It's unknown if any of the band's orchestra were aware of the fact that there were not enough lifeboats and their chances were slim to survive, however they never did stop playing. At Approximately 2:15am, the ship's bridge sank under water, washing many people into the sea. The song, "Nearer, My God, To Thee" was still being played and could be heard by all. Soon, the stern began to rise high into the air, eventually throwing the orchestra into the waters, along with many others still aboard. It was said the when Bandmaster Hartley's body was found in the ocean, he was still clutching his violin.

John-"Jock" Law Hume was the Titanic orchestra's second violinist. Jock had once been part of the Olympic's band. Jock's mother had urged him not to go back to sea, however he was soon to be wed in a few weeks and decided the money was good and well needed. Jock's body was recovered and buried at Fairview cemetary. His gravestone stated simply: "Jock Law Hume-Died April 15,1912."

Pianist Theodore Brailey had previously been on the Carpathia. His body was never found.

Cellist Roger Bricoux had also been previously on the Carpathia. His body as well was never recovered.

Fred Clark was the orchestra's bass-viol player. Clark's body was recovered and buried in Mount Olivet cemetary.

George Krins had played the viola and his body was never found after the disaster.

J. W. Woodward was another cellist. He too was never found.

P. C. Taylor was also a pianist and was also lost at sea.

This page is dedicated to the Titanic's Orchestra for their heroism and bravery the night of April 14/15,1912. May they always be "Nearer, My God, To Thee."