MONROE — A longtime staple in the community, Monroe City Band is celebrating seven decades of presence this year — and hopes to continue the same success that’s made it a treasure in Monroe.
Brian Bruggeman, who also serves as the Monroe Middle School band director, is now the director of the City Band, after being recruited to get involved by Randy Schneeberger.
Schneeberger was a longtime Monroe music teacher and City Band director for 16 years. When he retired, Bruggeman was happy to take over the group that plays an integral role in town.
“I just started playing and I haven’t stopped,” Bruggeman said of being part of the band. “The group is awesome.”
Bruggeman said there are between 40 and 60 people in the City Band depending on the season, and each have different stories and experiences to share. He appreciates how each of the members brings themselves fully to practices and performances.
The summer group tends to be larger with college students involved, and depending on life situations, people come and go. However, Bruggeman said they’re always looking to add new members and welcome back those who have taken a break.
“They’re always welcome,” he said.
Bruggeman said anyone is welcome to join Monroe City Band and although they keep a keen eye out for the elusive percussionists and double reed instrument players, any instrument is welcome to join.
He said one of the wonderful things about Monroe City Band is that anyone can participate – much like Frances Wells, who is 88 years old, and has been a staple for the group.
“You can still participate, appreciate, enjoy and give back,” he said. “The group exists for the community. Our true focus is to provide musical entertainment to the community.”
The group has three band groups including a holiday concert band, a stage band and a summer band group with different seasons throughout the year. The summer season concluded in July and in October will start the holiday concert band practices.
Bruggeman, technically a City of Monroe employee, chooses the music, coordinates people and develops themes and songs for the group. He said he’s grateful for a network of people who graciously help him.
As the group turns 70, it’s given Bruggeman a chance to reflect on the group’s purpose, and his own father turning 70 the same year has put it in perspective.
“As we celebrate 70 years — that’s the lifespan of my father,” Bruggeman said. “That’s the part of it that gave me the understanding that this is larger than anything I’ve ever done in my life. I want to continue it for the community — and for the people that come after.”
He said Monroe City Band is just one of many things that makes Monroe shine.
“There’s all these little things that set us apart and above other communities,” Bruggeman said. “This doesn’t happen everywhere.”
The future of Monroe City Band is bright, Bruggeman said, and the he hopes to continue the success seen over the last 70 years. The people, he said, are what make up such a special band. He hopes in coming years to attract more listeners and give more back to the community.
The Monroe City Band is funded through a budget through the City of Monroe and holds their annual fundraiser in March with the stage band concert. Most instruments are owned by those who play them, but has a small music library. Percussion instruments are borrowed from Monroe Middle School.
