The New Ulm Municipal Band will observe the 80th anniversary of its establishment Wednesday.

On March 4, 1946 New Ulm Municipal Band held its first rehearsal. Of more than fifty musicians who had already signed up, at least forty attended the rehearsal that took place at Brown and Meidl’s Music Store. The New Ulm Municipal Band was that it was the first New Ulm city band that invited women to participate.

Why has the New Ulm Municipal Band lasted for eighty years? An important reason the band is successful is that, each year, it welcomes music students from twelve years of age and higher. The adult band musicians teach the students, and often the adults learn something new from the students. Every year the New Ulm Municipal Band features a new set of musician.

This year’s, the Municipal Band will hold its first rehearsal at 7:30 p.m. March 31 at Cathedral High School’s band room.