History

The Maumee Community Band, sponsored by the city of Maumee and fully funded through the city's recreation department, provides an outlet for musicians from a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience to learn and perform music of all types. Dedicated to making a positive contribution to the musical environment of the area it serves, the Band seeks to provide an opportunity for individual musical expression, enjoyment, and growth among its members and to enrich the activities of the community.

A community band in Maumee was first imagined by Maumee residents Jerry Kiger (trumpet player and former director of the Maumee High School band) and Donna Cottier (clarinetist and former Blade reporter). They enlisted the help of Maumee recreation director Don Kramer (trombone player) and presented the idea to the Maumee City Council. The Council agreed to support a community band financially and the school board agreed to allow the band to use school facilities, equipment, and music for rehearsals. The newly sanctioned Maumee Community Band met for the first time in March of 1979.

Utilizing the skill and talents of an all-volunteer membership, the Maumee Community Band presents a variety of concerts throughout the year, from its summer concert series, "Music by the River," to an annual holiday concert. The band participates regularly in a number of annual community events including the Maumee/Perrysburg 4th of July celebration, the Uptown Maumee Craft Show, and the Wolcott House Yard Sale. In addition to supporting Maumee's community events, the Maumee Community Band has played at festivals around greater Toledo, including the Harrison Rally Days in Perrysburg, the Grand Rapids Apple Butter Festival, the Lucas County Courthouse Centennial Celebration in downtown Toledo, and the Summer Family Festival at The Toledo Museum of Art. Performances are also held at a variety of area churches, nursing homes and shopping malls.

Since its founding, several hundred musicians from across the Toledo area have participated in the Maumee Community Band. Over the years, membership has averaged about forty-five musicians. The current roster includes over sixty members--people of all ages, from all walks of life, and with all levels of musical training. The band comes together weekly for rehearsal and is currently under the direction of Kevin Heidbreder. Past directors include Rich Dubler, Rod Hamman, John Brick, Jack Kiger, Tom Giffen, and Mark Sczublewski. Rehearsals center around a wide variety of music. From traditional band music and marches of the turn of the century to show tunes and contemporary contest-level concert band works; from compositions by Sousa and Holst to music by Cole Porter and John Williams, the band's repertoire includes music to please all tastes and skill levels.