I find this in Regulations for the Army of the Confederate States
Article XII Regiments
74. When it is desired to have bands of music for regiments, there will be allowed for each, sixteen privates to act
as musicians, in addition to the chief musicians authorized by law, provided, the total number of privates in the
regiment, including the band, does not exceed the legal standard. [What ever that means?]
75. The musicians of the band will, for the time being, be dropped from the company muster-rolls, but they will be
instructed as soldiers, and liable to serve in the ranks on any occasion. They will be mustered in a separate
squad under the chief musician, with the non-commissioned staff, and be included in the aggregate in all
regimental returns.
76. When a regiment occupies serveral stations, the band will be kept at the headquarters, provided troops (one
or more companies) be serving there. The field music [Fifer & Drummer] belonging to companies not
stationed at regimental headquarters, will not be separated from their respective companies.
I find very few Regimental Returns in CSRs. I wonder if this may be why we find few musicians in regimental
rosters?