Our History
The current Crystal Lake Community Band was established in 1984 as an affiliate of the Crystal Lake Park District. The band was founded by a small group of amateur musicians seeking an outlet for their love of music. From the outset, the Band has always sought adult members from all walks of the community and prided itself on its ability to bring music of a consistently high level to the public. Currently, the Band boasts a roster of approximately eighty members including both professional and dedicated amateur musicians. Members come from twenty different communities in Illinois and Wisconsin.
The band year is divided into three seasons: Spring (which is highlighted by the Spring Pops Concert), Summer (which showcases outdoor concerts-in-the-parks in local communities), and Winter (where the Christmas Pops Concert is featured). The "Pops" format is designed to bring a mixture of serious, seasonal and popular music to the public. All performances offer variety and typically include works by composers as diverse as Shostakovich, Grainger, Sousa and Ellington. The Band regularly offers Guest Soloists (both from within and outside of its ranks), Jazz Band Features, Brass Choirs and other small ensembles to its concert-going audiences. Special Marches are offered during the summer season that can involve the participation of audience members -- particularly children who are invited on-stage to help conduct. Throughout the past eight years the band has performed during three trips to Europe as well as recent performances in Alaska.
