City bands embodied early Montana communities

The history of the Missoula City Band in many ways mirrors the history of Missoula, Montana. Since Missoula's virtual beginning – the time Montana was only a territory and not yet a state – the Missoula City Band played.

Through two world wars and the Great Depression, through a surge of pioneers moving west and into contemporary times, its horns blew, reeds vibrated, drummers drummed and cymbals crashed. And our community has enjoyed many great performances.

"The Missoula City Band: Stories in Time" reaches back to the band's establishment in 1865, and brings readers to the end of the 20th ce...