Band History
The Indianapolis Municipal Band (IMB) began in 1949 as an employee activity of for the members of the Allison Division of General Motors. The Allison Military Band, as it was then known, contained about fifteen to twenty members and rehearsed at the Allison Plant in Speedway. In 1972, the Allison Band was seeking a new Music Director. Edgar Axsom, then the band director at Westlane Middle School in Washington Township, was selected. In the early 1980’s, Allison decided to phase out its sponsored employee activities and the Allison Band had reached a turning point. The band, its leadership and members decided to become an independent band. Transitionally, it became the Circle City Concert Band then quickly evolved into the IMB. The IMB was incorporated in 1983 and has operated under the governance of a Board of Directors elected by the members of the band since that time.
Seeking a new home, Mr. Axsom arranged residence for the IMB at Westlane Middle School. The IMB moved in, set up and began a twenty-year stay. While several individuals were involved in the incorporation of the IMB and an elected board was responsible for the band, the band became Ed Axsom’s band in many ways. Mr. Axsom continued as IMB Music Director and rehearsal space host and became business manager, personnel manager, and promotion manager as well. The IMB performed several concerts annually at venues across the city and gradually became known in the community as an active band playing a wide range of music from the concert band repertoire.
The membership roster of the IMB has never been constant as new members join while other individuals move into the ranks of former members. While always primarily an adult band, a number of talented high school students have played in the IMB before moving on to college and college music programs. Many current IMB musicians have had tenures of ten years or longer with the IMB. The senior member of the IMB is Ron LaFeber, Trumpet Section Director, long-time Treasurer, and now retired Allison employee.
In 2002, the IMB found that it needed to find a new home and rehearsal space. The Music Department of Ben Davis High School agreed to provide that home and the IMB made the second move of its life. After several years, the IMB moved down the hall to Ben Davis Ninth Grade Center, its current home.
In 2007, Ed Axsom decided to step down from his third-of-a-century as IMB Music Director. The IMB Board began a process to identify and select a new Music Director. As the process was ongoing, Richard Beach, long-time member of the IMB’s clarinet section and Assistant Music Director agreed to serve as Interim Director. On July 21, 2007 the IMB Board offered the position of IMB Music Director to Dan Bolin who agreed to accept the position. Soon after, Leroy Lane agreed to accept the position of Associate Music Director.
The IMB looks forward to its continued presence in the Indianapolis musical community for many years into the future.
View an IMB Organizational Summary.
View sample programs from our 2006 season.
.....More Band History
|
