OUR MISSION

The Minnesota State Band is the only remaining State Band in the United States and is the Official Band of the State of Minnesota. Formed in 1898, we are also the oldest operating community band in the state. The Minnesota State Band is one of the few community bands anywhere that regularly travels internationally. The Band has represented the State of Minnesota on six International Goodwill Tours since 1986. While international travel is important, the band sees its primary mission as providing high quality music to the residents of Minnesota.

The Minnesota State Band is funded, in part, by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund as appropriated by the Minnesota State Legislature with money from the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.

THE LATEST NEWS

MSB 2011 Concerts

On November 16, 2011 the Band will perform our Fall Concert at the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis. The concert will honor our Veterans with lively patriotic music and marches. Particular emphasis will be on music from the American Civil War era in recognition of the 150th year anniversary of the War. Selections will include Clare Grundman’s The Blue and the Gray (a Civil War Suite), Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait, narrated by special guest James Ahrens , John Williams’ Hymn to the Fallen, and always a crowd pleaser, Rossini’s William Tell Overture. The concert is free and open to the public and begins at 7 pm.

On December 14, 2011 the band will perform a Holiday Concert at the Lakeview Lutheran Church in Maplewood. We will be joined for this concert by Canon Brass, who performed with the band at Como Park in August. This concert is meant to thank two very special groups of patrons. First, we wish to thank all of the Associate Members of the Minnesota State Band who through their generous donations have helped to make this year’s fundraising one of our most successful. Second, we wish to thank the Members of the Lakeview Lutheran Church. During the State Government Shutdown in June, the State Band was prevented from rehearsing at our usual location, the State Transportation Building. When Lakeview Lutheran heard of our problem, the church graciously offered space for the band to store equipment and to rehearse for our summer season free of charge.

Our Holiday Concert starts at 7 pm, with a reception to follow. And if you didn’t have a chance this summer to get your own Minnesota State Band Teddy Bear, come to the concert. The soft and cuddly Teddy Bear is a special gift for a new or renewing associate membership of $20.00 and makes a lovely gift.

WHAT OUR BAND NEEDS

While at one time the band received funding from the State of Minnesota that funding was ended several years ago due to budget cuts. Our band is now operated as a non-profit organization with an all-volunteer membership. Each player pays an annual membership fee to support the band as well as devoting many volunteer hours in concerts and rehearsals. We humbly seek your tax-deductible contribution to help keep our tradition alive for the next 100 years.

ANOTHER WAY TO CONTRIBUTE: BECOME AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER

The Minnesota State Band is proud of the many people who have taken an active interest in Minnesota's community band. Our Associate Member program was created for individuals like you, who would like to be on-going active supporters of the State Band.

As an Associate Member, you will receive periodic newsletters regarding band activities and events, reminders before major concerts and a special lapel pin identifying you as an honored Associate Member.

Yearly membership dues are $20.00; larger donations are also greatly appreciated. All donations are tax deductable. Your generous gift will provide the funding we need to continue our active concert schedule.

Thank You For Your Support!

HIRING THE MINNESOTA STATE BAND

Subject to our existing schedule, the Minnesota State Band welcomes the opportunity to perform for your city, organization or company for events throughout the Midwest. Just send us an email with a contact number to booking@minnesotastateband.org and we'll give you a call.