Concert Band

John Philip Sousa was no stranger to Minnesota. He and his band performed here more than 100 times, including at the State Fair, and he even composed two marches inspired by our state. But there's so much more that connects the March King with Minnesota.

Concert band is a large part of classical music, yet many composers don't get the recognition they deserve for contributing to the genre. Here are 10 band composers you should know — besides the March King, John Philip Sousa.

From military to minstrel, and big band to jazz, Black band leaders have helped shape the urban soundscapes in America throughout our history. Here are four worth checking out.

Looking for a patriotic soundtrack for your July Fourth celebration? We've programmed a 4-hour playlist of classical and Americana music to go with whatever you're doing on Independence Day, from cooking out to watching fireworks.

Congratulations to band director Michael Serber, who recently retired from the Robbinsdale City Band after more than 50 years with the ensemble, including 31 as its leader. To celebrate, here’s a look at the storied band from our archives, including a 360 video of a performance in St. Paul.

Alfred Reed's 'Russian Christmas Music' has become a majestic mainstay of the concert band repertoire since its debut in 1944. As the work marks its 77th anniversary, it's worth retelling how remarkable its world premiere was. Listen now to this timeless piece.

Drum and bugle corps are back this summer for the first time in more than two years because of the pandemic. Anoka-based River City Rhythm’s field show is making its only Minnesota appearance on Thursday in Rochester, along with several other corps. Until then, enjoy these performances from when the corps’ horns visited Minnesota Public Radio in 2019 for a special recording session.

During the holiday season, concert bands perform many seasonal classics, but most are just arrangements of existing orchestral pieces. Here are five works for the holidays written specifically for band.

The St. Olaf Band celebrated its 125th year in 2016, prompting two authors with connections to the Northfield college to write a history book about the ensemble. Take a journey through its storied past in 'Milestones and Memories of the St. Olaf Band, 1891-2018.'

Celebrate the Fourth of July with our salute to U.S. military bands. Listen now to the wide variety of music they play, and explore their history in our special program 'To Honor and Inspire.'