History

The Great Falls Municipal Band started in 1894 as the Black Eagle Band, formed by the town's biggest employer, the Boston Montana Consolidated Copper and Silver Mining Co.  The Anaconda Company bought the smelter in 1910.  The band then became affiliated with the city.  The Band has performed concerts in the Gibson Park for 128 consecutive seasons making it one of the oldest bands in the nation.  Over the years, the Municipal Band has been in demand to play for assorted dignitaries, special events and dedication ceremonies.  In the late 1930s the band played at the dedication of the Fort Peck Dam which was attended by President Franklin C. Roosevelt.  The band also performed for the visits of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.  Recently, the organization expanded to include the Community Band and the Community Jazz Band, groups whose mission was similar and congruent with the Municipal Band.

The purpose and mission of the Great Falls Municipal Band, Inc. is foster the development in the community of an appreciation of the musical arts, by promoting and producing, or causing to be produced, musical productions and entertainments, and by taking part in activities having that end in view.  The organization will also operate concert bands and/or similar ensembles of varying size, to reaffirm the community position in instrumental music, to provide an opportunity for individual musical expression and growth among the membership, and to provide an opportunity for contact and association between and among musicians.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Falls Municipal Band, originally known as the Black Eagle Band, embarks on its 132nd consecutive season in 2025.  Although sponsored in its infancy by the Boston and Montana Smelter Company, the band reorganized in 1905 and acquired its current name.

Over the years, the Municipal Band has been in demand to play for assorted dignataries, special events, and dedication ceremonies.  In the late 1930;s the band played at the dedication of Fort Peck Dam which was attended by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.  Dedication ceremonies in Great Falls have included the dams on the Missouri River, the Warden Bridge, and both the old and new airports.  The band also performed for the visits of John F. Kennedy and Ronald Reagan.

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Tributes to Bud Nicholls

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