HISTORY OF THE BAND

The Greater Greenwood Community Band was founded in 1993 by Duane O Neil, a local resident that wanted to play his instrument again after a long hiatus. After contacting Jon Sutton, the local high school band director, he was put in contact with Dr. Joe Naumcheff, a retired Ball State University trumpet instructor, and together they began to form what is now known as the Greater Greenwood Community Band.

Announcements in the local papers enticed twenty-seven musicians to attend an organizational meeting in mid-May. The attendees were so enthusiastic about the formation of a band that the first rehearsal was scheduled and held the first week of June 1993.

At the end of 1997, Dr. Joe retired from the band and was replaced by Mr. Ed Holeman in 1998. Mr. Holeman led the band until the end of 2004 when he also retired from conducting. Mr. Ray Hauser assumed the position of director in 2005.

The band has grown now to nearly 80 members. Many of the original 27 musicians are still in the band today. Most of the musicians live in or around the Greenwood area.

The band has been funded by the city of Greenwood since its inception and is also governed by an elected Board of Directors.