Biographical Note
Henry Donch was born in Hessen, Germany, on October 14, 1834, and moved to the United States in the mid 1850s. After establishing himself in Philadelphia, he moved to Annapolis, Maryland, to join the Naval Academy Band and serve as organist in the Academy's chapel. While in Annapolis, he met and married Elise Brand, originally of Oldenberg, Germany. Donch then moved his family to Washington, D.C., where he joined the U.S. Marine Band in August 1862 and served approximately five years. Upon his discharge, Donch began leading ensembles such as Donch’s Band and Donch’s Orchestra at events around the city. He also taught at Georgetown University for twenty years, offering instruction in violin, flute, clarinet, cornet, guitar, and banjo. His professional ensembles performed at university events including commencement celebrations, club banquets, public debates, and alumni meetings. Like most ensemble leaders during that era, Donch owned a large collection of popular music for his ensembles to perform. Although parts were usually available for purchase, Donch occasionally did his own arranging. Donch and his wife had nine children: Charles (married Eva Schley), Augusta (married Albert Lepper), Louise (played piano), John (played violin), William (played cello and married Sarah "Minnie" McNish), Clara (married Alvin McNish Sr.), and Henry, Anna, and George Frederick, who died young. Henry Donch died on March 10, 1919, and was buried in Rock Creek Cemetery.