Back in the early years around 1870, the Columbus City Band was formed by music-loving settlers under John Stauffer and William Becker. The latter played the bass drums with the group. Later known as the Columbus Cornet Band, the organization disbanded in 1873.

As the community grew, the custom of regular weekly concerts was established, although no financial assistance was forthcoming from the city for some years. Instead, the local musicians were forced to depend upon contributions from merchants and other enthusiastic patrons.

One of the early customs was the serenading of various candidates during political campaigns -- a practice which resulted in contributions from the grateful contenders. The first band, which was later reorganized with the addition of new members, was discontinued during the Spanish-American War and the present Columbus City Band was later established. A concert schedule was set up which proved a drawing card for other communities, and the latter organization played at Fourth of July celebrations, fairs, parades and rallies of all types.

COLUMBUS CITY BAND
The first Columbus City Band, a "cornet" band, was begun in 1872, just sixteen years after the founding of the town. The first band met only occasionally. It was in existence about eight years.

It started again around 1881, but the second band disbanded during the Spanish-American War.

In 1899, the Columbus band was organized. At first the local merchants helped the members keep the group together by furnishing money. Eventually, the state legislature made it possible for municipalities to levy tax funds for the upkeep of a community band and the city has since provided for this community organization.

Columbus has always had its share of music lovers eager to affiliate with quartets and choral groups. In 1875, the local press announced a concert "of thirty voices, under the directorship of Professor C. W. Halleck," given at the Court House.

In 1936, the city of Columbus appropriated two thousand dollars annually, a sum sufficient to maintain the band's musical library, buy new instruments and pay each member a nominal sum for his services.

1949 WEEKLY CONCERTS
For many years, the band has held weekly Thursday-night practices throughout the year, taking only a short "vacation" in the winter seasons. Every summer, too, from about June 1 to September 15, the band presents weekly Friday night concerts in Frankfort Square.

Since 1947, the Columbus Apollo Club, made up of business and professional men, has grown up under the direction of Kenneth A. Johnson, and annual concerts are given in the city auditorium, at which both classical and semi-classical works and folk selections are sung.


(FOOTNOTE: * The Apollo Club disbanded in 1986 *)