Since 1936, the Waukegan Band has annually, each summer, provided the community with high quality music in a beautiful setting on the shores of Lake Michigan. FREE admission and parking for one and all.
Highlights from the past few seasons include a partnership with the Waukegan Chamber of Commerce in hosting an evening of fun and music, performing at the Waukegan Park District Independence Day Celebrations, and partnering with other Community Bands (the Waukegan Summer Youth, Round Lake, Arlington Heights, the 85th Army Band, the Milwaukee Festival Brass and the Great Lakes Navy Band included) for a memorable evening of music.
Mission Statement Governed by bylaws and a member handbook while operated by volunteers, the purpose of the Waukegan Band is: 1. To reaffirm the community concert band in American Music; 2. To contribute positively to the musical environment of the geographical area it serves; 3. To demonstrate the support of worthwhile cultural activities by persons in the Waukegan and surrounding areas, through quality performances in areas it serves; 4. To provide a forum for the continuing music education of the band’s membership and its audiences; 5. To develop a regular and supporting musical environment for the Waukegan Band through effective public relations and other musical organizations; 6. To provide an opportunity for individual music expression and growth among adult musicians which make up the band’s membership; 7. To assist in the musical education of young people, the future generation of adult musicians, through the presentation of concerts, clinics, festivals and/or scholarships.
Membership of the Waukegan Band is open to all adults 16 years of age or older without regard to their race, creed, sex or national origin. Musicians who are under age 16 may become members of the Waukegan Band at the discretion of the Musical Director upon completion of a successful audition, when there is a need to improve instrumentation and the player demonstrates above average ability. A byproduct of our years of performing is that we have acquired and are expanding a valuable library of band literature. Each year, our wind ensemble is a blend of talented new and veteran musicians from a variety of occupations with area students.
2024-2025 Governing Board of the Waukegan Band Foundation:
Officers Dan Brame, President Bill Adams, Secretary Charlotte Callahan Wozniak, Treasurer
Board Members Dierdre Cook, Co-Personnel Manager, Uniform & Scholarship Committee Sara Eikenberry, Co-Personnel Manager, Website Manager Don Glassel, board member Shari Green, board member Dr. Mark A. Taylor, Music Director, ex-officio board member Brittany Torkelson, Band Manager and Equipment Manager Donna Torkelson, Librarian Jordan Vincent, board member
We are a non-profit 501(c)3 community band made up of musicians that genuinely love sharing our time and talents with the residents of Lake County. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support from all of you. We have an exciting concert season planned for you and we look forward to the opportunity to continue to entertain you for many years to come.