Aqua String Band

[1] 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.

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.

In 1987, the group was attempting to purchase Germania Mannerchor clubhouse for their home base.