“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 Kettle Moraine Symphony 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 were performed in many communities throughout Ozaukee and Washington counties, along with Fond du Lac and even a trip to 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 music director. 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. The fourth music director, Dr. Walter Rich then assumed responsibilities as musical director and led the Lakeshore Symphonic Band for three years.

The 2011-2012 concert season introduced a new music director, Clayton Wachholz. Mr. Wachholz, then band director at Cedarburg High School, lead the ensemble until 2015.

With Mr. Wachholz’s departure, the Lakeshore Symphonic Band embarked on an 18-month search for their next music director. During that time, the band was skillfully led by several guest conductors. They included several members of the band who serve as conductors in area schools and community bands. Ultimately, the band selected Michael Zens to serve as its fifth music director. Mr. Zens, who taught in the Whitnall School District, began working with Lakeshore in 2017 and served as its director for two seasons.

Dr. Evan Chancelor led the band for the 2019-2020 season, which was cut short due to the pandemic. When the band resumed operations in the spring of 2022, it was fortunate enough to have gained Johanna Anderson as its director. Mrs. Anderson, who also serves as associate Director of Instrumental Music at Concordia Uni­versity Wisconsin in Mequon, brought fresh energy and ideas to a band that was eager to get back together and make music again.

Today the band has a full contingent of about 60 musicians who enjoy learning, perfecting and performing a wide variety of music. We hope you join us for our upcoming concerts as we move into our second 50 years of great concerts!