Band History

The Fort Atkinson Community Band is made up of about 45 amateur musicians (wind & percussion) who enjoy coming together to make music in a "concert band" setting. Members come from all walks of life, have diverse backgrounds and experience, and range in age from teenagers to seniors.

The Fort Atkinson Community Band was founded in 1960 by conductor Grayson Babcock, as a "old-timers" band in conjunction with the public schools then annual instrumental "pops" concert , and has remained intact ever since. The band is most known as Fort Atkinson's "concert in the park" band, due to its long-standing tradition of performing in Barrie Park during the months of June, July and August. The FACB rehearses once a week, from March to August, and performs at various public concerts, parades, exchange concerts, and special event performances.

Wayne Crook has been the director of the Fort Atkinson Community Band since 1998.. Prior to that he was assistant conductor and a playing member since 1971. Wayne took over the conducting position from the band's original founding conductor. Wayne is a retired music educator of 38 years, with 35 of those years in the Fort Atkinson school district.