"AND THE BAND PLAYED ON"

             This engaging display chronicles the development of local bands, including high school bands, dance bands, and community bands, from the late 1800’s to the present. 

            This display is the achievement of the recently formed Music and Arts Committee, consisting of Jan Anderson, Sonja Chamberlain, Tom Fischer, Tom Ward, Chuck Olson, Pete Dahlstrom, and Tom Sherohman.  Together they scoured the county for stories, artifacts, and memorabilia.  They contacted individuals, band directors, and music teachers to gather relevant information, photos, and souvenirs.

            They learned that the Anoka Marching Tornadoes played at the 1977 Presidential Inauguration, and they have the photo to prove it! Thirty years later, the Blaine High School Marching Bengals performed in Washington at the 96^th annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

            Artifacts in the exhibit include instruments, band uniforms, and yearbook photos.  There is even a very special baton that was used in the filming of a major motion picture.