Submitted by barnard on
The Wild Rose Community Band, led by Sheryl Brownlow for the past 6 years, holds a rich heritage dating back to the 1900s. Notably, one of its distinguished members was James Ward Jeffers, born in 1879, a talented Euphonium player in the Wild Rose City Band. Jeffers' musical influence extended beyond, as he taught Meredith Wilson the art of drums. Wilson's journey led him to play the piccolo alongside John Phillips Sousa and later to compose "The Music Man," drawing inspiration from the life of Ward Jeffers, who eventually departed Wild Rose to establish boy bands in Iowa.
The current Wild Rose Community Band, re-formed in 2017 by a passionate group of musicians, continues the tradition of providing musical delight to the local community. Their performances resonate with audiences during Wild Rose Days, at King Army Retirement Home, and in collaboration with Legion bands in Milwaukee. Rehearsals take place at Wild Rose High School and are warmly open to anyone interested in joining the band, fostering a diverse membership ranging from 12 to 80 years old, boasting approximately 35 talented members.