State Band Rehearsal Space Bill Plays On In Senate

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota's state band is one step closer to a permanent home.

The group, which began more than 115 years ago and once caught the eye of legendary composer John Philip Sousa, has spent decades practicing in the basement cafeteria of a state building near the Capitol. A Senate committee passed a bill Monday to formalize that arrangement, guaranteeing rehearsal and storage space for the group.

That would eliminate one headache for the band, which is also finding it harder to tour in the face of rising instrument transportation costs. Band president Craig Allen told the Senate Committee on State and Local Government that membership hovers around 50 people, and he's always looking for more.

Minnesota's state band has played in several European countries since its founding in 1898. Members practice on Wednesday nights.

Sen. Dan Hall, R-Burnsville, was concerned the bill would set a precedent for others looking to keep state buildings open later than normal.

"I think bands are great," Hall, the lead Republican on the committee, said. "But I think we ought to think about what this could say to other groups."

Allen said band members have key-card access to the building for a limited time, which has never led to security problems.

Other lawmakers have introduced bills to direct some of the state's arts and cultural heritage funding to the band. The rehearsal bill next heads to the Senate floor.

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