The Lakeland Community Band began in 1978 under the direction of Charles Minelli. From the beginning, the Band drew members of all ages from many local communities. We also have some “snowbirds” who come from all over the United States and Canada and participate in the Band during the winter months.  The Lakeland Community Band originally held rehearsals at Florida Southern College, performing their concerts at the Lake Mirror Center Auditorium and once at the Bartow Civic Center. As the popularity of these concerts grew, The Lakeland Community Band soon outgrew the Lake Mirror Center Auditorium.  Concerts were moved to Youkey Theatre in The Lakeland Center.

With the retirement of Charles Minelli, the Band took on a new name, the Lakeland Concert Band. Ralph Landmeier and Vic Larsen shared the job of conducting the Band.  A nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation with a Board of Directors was formed in 2001.  The Lakeland Concert Band, with the support of contributions and grants, now has it own percussion instruments and performs at Youkey Theatre in The Lakeland Center and at Branscomb Auditorium at Florida Southern College. The Lakeland Concert Band is currently under the direction of Vic Larsen, providing music entertainment to the citizens of Lakeland and surrounding communities.