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Site updated:
02July2008
In the spring of 1976, several Ozaukee County residents sought an outlet for their musical talents.
Existing community bands in the area rehearsed and performed primarily during the summer because
they included student musicians among their ranks. LSB organizers decided they would form a
community band that would rehearse and perform primarily from September through May. Its purpose
then, as it is now, was to provide an opportunity for adult participation in a musical organization,
as well as cultural enrichment for the community at large.
The first director was Clyde Brehm. Brehm was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a
degree in music, and music director for the Kewaskum, WI school district.
The band held its first rehearsal on September 22, 1976. Not knowing who or how many musicians
would show up organizers were delighted when 30 musicians answered the invitation. Many of them
had not played their instruments for years and were a bit rusty, but they were persistent and were
pleased to have a venue for their musical talent. Together with a few music teachers and six
band directors as members the band began to take shape.
During the first three months of weekly rehearsals, word spread and the numbers grew to about 45
musicians ranging in age from 18 to 60. The band performed its first concert on Jan. 23, 1977 in
the Grafton High School auditorium. Selections included "The Magic Flute Overture", "Victory at
Sea", "The Cascades", "Highlights from Showboat", "Handel Suite", and the "Seventeen Come Sunday"
march from the first movement of "The English Folk Song Suite". Tickets were $1. Although there
were no reviews or newspaper accounts, the initial concert proved successful enough to launch the
band on its 30-year history. A second concert was held four months later on May 22, 1977.
In 1978 Albert "Bud" Asch became the second director of LSB. Asch was professor of music at the University of Wisconsin- Washington County. He was also director of the Moraine Symphonic Orchestra of West Bend. For the next 19 years, Asch led the band through weekly rehearsals and four to seven concerts per season. Venues included high school gymnasiums and auditoriums, community centers, churches, even shopping malls and outdoor parks. Concerts have been performed in Grafton, Cedarburg, Port Washington, Saukville, West Bend, Mequon, Slinger, Kewaskum, Fond du Lac, and Door County.
After 19 seasons with the Lakeshore Symphonic Band, Bud Asch retired from his position as conductor. As the band searched for a new permanent director during the 1996-97 season, rehearsals and concerts continued under the able direction of Lori MacRae, director of the Port Washington Band, and David Pierce, LSB member and retired band director.
The search ended in 1997 with the hiring of Louis Menchaca as the third director of the Lakeshore
Symphonic Band. Menchaca is Director of Instrumental Music and Chairman of the Music Department at
Concordia University, Mequon, Wisconsin. Under his direction the band continued to develop
musically and attract experienced musicians.
After eight years as director, Dr. Menchaca chose to devote more time to his family and other
commitments and resigned as our musical director.
Our current director Dr. Walter Rich is the fourth person to direct the Lakeshore Symphonic Band. Walter is Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Lakeland College. Dr. Rich received his bachelors and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in music education, and a Masters degree in tuba performance from Northwestern University.
Throughout our concert season, we present concerts in several formats. During the holiday season, we play our Cathedral Concert at Holy Hill, a beautiful landmark church in Richfield, Wisconsin. For our annual Concerto Concert we audition and feature the talents of an area high school musician. The winner of the annual concerto contest is awarded a scholarship during this program. Programming has also included appearances by guest conductors and guest soloists from professional groups such as The Milwaukee Symphony.
For many years the band charged admission to most of its concerts to offset expenses. However, since 2000 all concerts have been free to the public. Free public concerts allow everyone to enjoy the quality musical entertainment that the Lakeshore Symphonic Band provides. Donations are always welcome to help pay director's salary, scholarships, equipment, music, and venue rental. The band is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible.