MONROE — The Monroe City Band will begin rehearsals for the upcoming summer concert series on Monday, April 8. 

The band rehearses weekly on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the Monroe Middle School band room. The band is always accepting new members and is especially in need of oboists, bassoonists, clarinetists and percussionists. Membership to the band is free and there is no audition process — simply show up at rehearsal. Band members consist of a wide variety of ages and backgrounds. Current members reside in Monroe and its surrounding communities, with many members traveling from all over southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois.

The band was founded in 1949 by Allan F. Barnard as a way for adults to continue to perform music after high school. Currently in its 70th year, the band will captivate the community with a full schedule of events and a wide variety of musical genres. They begin their summer concert series at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, June 3 in the bandshell at Twining Park. The summer season continues with performances on June 17, July 4, July 15 and July 29. There will also be a special “Diamond Birthday Celebration” in honor of the band’s 70th birthday on Sunday, Aug. 11. The band will conclude their 2019 season with the annual holiday concerts in December. 

Questions should be directed to Monroe City Band Director Brian Bruggeman at brianbruggeman@monroe.k12.wi.us or 608-328-7447.