Monmouth Municipal Band Celebrates 95 Years of Music

By: Forgottonia Times™ Report

Photo courtesy of Madeline Wood, Monmouth Municipal Band Facebook

As the Monmouth Municipal Band approaches the end of its remarkable 95th season, local audiences still have two final chances to enjoy their spirited performances this summer. A staple of Monmouth's cultural landscape, the band continues to delight listeners with its rich sound, deep community roots, and enduring tradition.

The band’s legacy traces back more than a century. As Joy Boostrom recently shared in an interview with WRAM, the ensemble’s early incarnation emerged in 1913 under the name “The 3M Band.” “There are questions on whether it was the Monmouth Mining and Manufacturing who sponsored the band or if it was Monmouth Merchants and Manufacturers,” Boostrom noted. Following a period of transition and support from a new band tax in the 1930s, the group officially became the Monmouth Municipal Band—a name and identity that has remained ever since.

Thanks to the Illinois legislature’s 1925 passage of a municipal band tax, towns like Monmouth could support ensembles like this one through local funding, ensuring the arts remained accessible to all.

This summer's performances have celebrated nearly a century of music and community. While several concerts have already passed, there are two remaining opportunities to hear the band live: Friday, July 4th at 8:30 a.m. at the Monmouth Municipal Airport, and Thursday, July 10th at 7 p.m. at Strom Center. Both events will be joyful, community-driven music in inviting settings.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or first-time listener, attending one of these final performances is a great way to show appreciation for the musicians who keep this beloved tradition alive. Bring a friend and your love for live music—it’s a celebration not to be missed.