Herman Bellstedt was a German-born cornetist, bandmaster, composer, arranger, and teacher. He performed as a soloist with the Cincinnati Reed Band, the Red Hussar Band, and the Gilmore Band before starting his own band in 1892, the the Bellstedt-Ballenger Band, which he acted both as conductor and soloist. He joined the Sousa Band in 1904 as a soloist, the Innes Band in 1906 as soloist and assistant conductor, and the Denver Municipal Band in 1909 as director. His last known position dates to 1913, when he accepted a teaching appointment at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. He composed marches and cornet solos for band, as well as other pieces for piano, violin and orchestra.