The Medalist Concert Band performed its first concert on January 27, 1969, and since then, the group has given approximately 1,000 concerts. Medalist’s season runs from September through July and includes an average of 16 concerts. Four of those concerts are part of the annual Bloomington Center for the Arts Performance Series; other concerts are performed at schools, churches, and seniors’ centers. During June and July, Medalist gives a series of concerts in parks across the Twin Cities.
The Medalist Concert Band has earned a reputation as “one of the foremost community bands in the nation,” as described by the National Band Association. Performance highlights from the band’s history include invitational appearances at state, regional, national, and international music conventions; concert tours of Norway and of the Netherlands and Germany; and receipt of the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Silver Scroll Award, given annually to the top two community bands in the United States.
Medalist also has a strong commitment to music education:
- In 2009–2010, Medalist founded the Earl C. Benson Concerto Competition, a performance contest for high school band students. Students from approximately 200 high schools are invited to submit application materials. The winner appears as a featured soloist at a Medalist concert and receives a $1,000 scholarship.
- In June 2018, Medalist sponsored the first annual Summer Band Camp for Bloomington band students going into sixth grade. Medalist members work with Bloomington music educators to plan, promote, teach, and administer the camp, held at the Bloomington Center for the Arts. Approximately 60–70 students take part in this free camp.
- Each year, Medalist participates in workshops with music educators in training, allowing them to practice their conducting skills with a full ensemble of experienced musicians and the guidance of mentor conductors.
Financial support for the Medalist Concert Band is provided by the City of Bloomington, the Medalist Fine Arts Association, and various individual, foundation, and corporate donors. Special thanks go to Allan and Deborah Schneider and to Schmitt Music and Groth Music.
To learn more about Medalist Concert Band, contact Jerry Luckhardt, conductor and artistic director.
Upcoming Performances
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