The Lincoln Municipal Band tradition continues in Lincoln, NE

By Barb Schmit

The Lincoln Municipal Band is a professional concert band, comprised of some of the area’s finest musicians, including regulars with such ensembles as Lincoln’s Symphony Orchestra, Nebraska Jazz Orchestra, Nebraska Brass, Third Chair Chamber Players, and The New Music Agency. Each summer the band presents free concerts on Sunday evenings at Lincoln, Neb.’s Antelope Park, bringing together thousands of people with a thirst for good music and community camaraderie.

Each concert includes a variety of selections, including patriotic music, marches, overtures, movie music, Broadway and other popular entertainment, and revolves around a central theme that spotlights community organizations, such as military service people and veterans, car clubs, community centers and teachers. Audiences this summer will enjoy featured vocal soloists Malley Keelan and Jana Holzmeier and instrumental soloists Jaime Tyser (trumpet, winner of the John Shildneck Young Artist Competition), Dean Haist (trumpet), Deborah Bouffard (trumpet), Terry Rush (trombone) and Ric Ricker (horn).

The Lincoln Municipal Band in 1949. (Lincoln Municipal Band)

The Lincoln Municipal Band performed its first concerts in 1907 at the state fairgrounds. Bands were very popular in those days, particularly due to John Phillip Sousa’s influence. Most towns had a band, and people would gather to listen to concerts in the park. Lincoln was no exception, and prior to 1907 Lincoln was home to several private bands, including Hohman’s Band, Jelinek’s Band and Hagenow’s Band. Many of the same musicians who played in these turn-of-the-century ensembles went on to perform in the Lincoln Municipal Band, which was authorized as the city’s official band in the same year as its first concert.

This history is common to other communities, as well. Many Nebraska towns still have concert bands, now comprised of volunteers who perform for a number of events throughout the year. These ensembles provide playing opportunities to musicians young and old and are many times a child’s first exposure to organized music. The concerts are often held in park settings, like the Lincoln Municipal Band does, where audience members can dress comfortably, enjoy food and beverages, relax and enjoy the outdoors atmosphere and interact with their friends and families while also having the great experience of hearing live music.

The Lincoln Municipal Band today. (Lincoln Municipal Band)

The tradition in Lincoln continues on a slightly scaled-back basis this year. The number of concerts and educational outreach projects has been reduced as a result of the economic downturn and lost or reduced support from a variety of sources. The Lincoln Municipal Band has recently announced a $27,000 fundraising campaign to recover from these losses and propel the band into the future. Please continue to support your local band by attending concerts, telling others about them and volunteering time and financial resources to ensure that the great traditions continue!