Creative Copy is the Wisconsin Arts Board's bi-weekly newsletter distributing relevant information and important resources to artists and arts organizations in Wisconsin. If you think we missed something, or if you have a question, email vivienne.timchenko@wisconsin.gov, and if you haven't yet, make sure to subscribe to the Wisconsin Arts News and Creative Copy!
The photo displayed above is a close up of Forward! Marching Band playing at the Saturday Dane County Farmers’ Market. Forward! Marching Band is a roughly 30-piece activist street band from Madison, Wisconsin. They are a community-based, democratic, music-making collective that believes in using music to help fuel social change, have fun, and build community.
Community Bands
Music can be found in every space, community, city, and culture. Existing in all parts of the world, community bands are uniquely uniting, and give people a voice not just through words, but through music, too. They provide opportunities for youth, educational resources, cultural enrichment, and most importantly, bring together people from diverse backgrounds and age groups. Most community bands are volunteer musical ensembles, bringing local musicians together to perform for civic, cultural, and social purposes. Community bands vary in size, and typically include brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments (although some are also marching bands). Hundreds of community bands are active in Wisconsin, with some being founded in the 1800's, and all having deep roots in their communities.
If you've ever wondered where to find your local community band, this resource list is for you! We've listed a few directories below, but please be aware some information in these directories may be outdated. Additionally, an internet search for "community band" in [your county, city, town, area] may help you find your local community band(s) a little bit quicker.
Association of Concert Bands: Member Bands
Concert Bands in WI
The Community-Music Contact List
Wisconsin Musical Groups: Community and Big Bands