This Massachusetts family was extraordinary accomplished in a wide range of musical and performance arts. Here they are posed with brass instruments and a large drum, but they also performed with violins (4 are on display) and even as a banjo quartet.
A collector, Scholom Pestcoe, has a cabinet card (different from this one) with identification on the back that he has helpfully published on his website. Here is the information from his site:
‘Mr. J. M. Shepard, First Violin, Bb Bass [Horn] & Basso Soolist (sic) [Soloist].
Mrs. ” “, Second Bb Cornet, Organist & Sop. [Soprano]
Miss Kittie Shepard, Cornet Soloist, Leader of Brass Band, Banjo Artist and Ballad Songstress.
Miss Laura Shepard, Bb Tenor [Horn], Baritone Soloist, Solo Violinist, Banjo and Character Sketch Artist, Wonderful Baritone Singer.
Miss Lessie S., Eb Alto [Horn] & Second Violin, Irish & Dutch Specialty Artist.
Miss Georgie S., Little Bass Drummer, Bb Tenor [Horn].
Master Burtin M. S. Plays Violin and Triangle, Vocal Artist and Bass Drum
The cabinet card has no maker I.D.
$50 – postage paid within US, $10 to Canada