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Band History
The Indianapolis Municipal Band (IMB) began in 1949 as an employee activity for members of the Detroit-Diesel Allison, a Division of General Motors. The band was called the Allison Military Band. According to records, the first meeting of the Allison band was in September 1948 in a Plant #3 classroom. The membership was designed for Allison employees and the performance functions included Allison activities such as bond drives, basketball games, fish fries, picnics, etc. The Allison Band was very active under the direction of James Calvert.
View a picture of the original Allison GMC Military Band, in full uniform.
In its first performance season in 1950, the Allison Military Band performed at the Methodist Church Fish Fry in Speedway and the West Washington Street dedication at Washington High School. The programs included songs such as National Emblem, Colossus of Columbia, Thunder and Blazes, His Honor, Nights of Gladness, E Pluribus Unum, Anchors Aweigh, On the Mall, Bombasto, Invercargill, Lassus Trombone, Americans We, Marine Hymn, and the Billboard March.
There were musical groups at Allision even prior to the Allison Military Band. As early as 1943 there were small musical ensemble groups that rehearsed after work.
View a picture of the Allison Pep Band from 1943.
View a picture of the Allison Military Band at Washington High School from 1963.
View a picture of the Allison Concert Band from 1971.
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