About Melbourne BandWorks
Connecting Community Through Music Since 1965.
For six decades, we have filled Brevard County with free live music. What started as the Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB) has grown into a family of ensembles: a full concert band, a jazz orchestra, a rock & roll show band, multiple specialty ensembles , and a free summer program for young musicians. Melbourne BandWorks is the name that finally fits all of us.
60+
Years of music
Free concerts since 1965
120
Musicians
From young adults to musicians in their 80s
20K
Concertgoers
In a typical year
27K
Volunteer hours
Given by our members each year
Who We Are
Many ensembles. One musical community.
Over the years, "the band" became so much more than one band. Signature Winds carries on the concert band tradition. The 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra keeps big band swing alive. Rock & Roll Revue fills dance floors. Our specialty ensembles bring saxophones, brass, French horns, Dixieland, and close harmony to churches, retirement communities, festivals, and celebrations across the Space Coast.
In 2026 we adopted the name Melbourne BandWorks to reflect that whole family. Same organization. New name. Broader identity. The history you helped build is moving forward with us.
About one-third of our musicians are professional performers or music educators, many of them alumni of military bands and nationally known groups
"It [Signature Winds] is widely recognized as one of the finest in the nation."
Col. Hal Gibson, former conductor of the U.S. Army Field Band and frequent guest conductor
OUR MISSION
To bring free concerts to area residents and visitors, to promote music appreciation and education, particularly among young people, and to give our members an avenue for musical performance and growth.
OUR VISION
Music.
Community.
Connection.
Melbourne BandWorks strives to be the premier community music organization in our region: known for outstanding performances, vibrant audiences, and exceptional ensembles that attract talented musicians to Melbourne, while providing high-quality music for concerts, celebrations, and events throughout our community.
WHAT MAKES BANDWORKS... WORK?
Built on three pillars.
MUSIC.
What brings us together.
From concert band favorites to jazz, chamber music and special performances, music is at the center of everything we do.
COMMUNITY.
What gives the music meaning.
Our performances create opportunities for musicians and audiences of all ages to connect through live music.
SUPPORT.
What keeps the music playing.
Volunteers, donors, sponsors and community partners make our ensembles and programs possible.
Our Story
It started with 16 musicians.
It started in 1965 with 16 musicians and a conductor named A.V. "Chick" Catterton. Six decades later, the band he launched has grown to about 120 musicians and has carried Brevard County's music far beyond home: to the Bahamas, Brussels, and Amsterdam, to the Bicentennial concert at Kennedy Space Center, and to a performance for President Ronald Reagan during his visit to Brevard.
Through it all, the heart of the band has stayed the same: free concerts, played by neighbors, for neighbors. The City of Melbourne has been a partner from the start, providing the Melbourne Auditorium for our concerts at no charge.
MILESTONES
Six decades of music.
1965
Chick Catterton launches the Melbourne Municipal Band with 16 musicians and free community concerts.
1976
The band performs at the nation's Bicentennial concert at Kennedy Space Center.
2008
Claire Christy and Art Martin founds Summer Youth Band, free music instruction for local students.
2013
Swingtime and the Swingtimers Trio start the annual New Year's Eve Gala tradition.
2015
A 50th anniversary concert at the King Center, with Swingtime and the Community Chorus of Brevard.
2017
The Concert Band performs at the Association of Concert Bands National Convention, and Rock & Roll Revue is born.
2021
Col. Hal Gibson receives the National Band Association's Al and Gladys Wright Distinguished Legacy Award at our holiday concerts.
2023
A second national convention performance, in Orlando.
2024
"A Musical Salute" honors Col. Hal Gibson's 100th birthday with every living former U.S. Army Field Band conductor on one stage. Swingtime becomes the 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra.
2025
Our 60th anniversary, and the "American Saga" workshop concert with Col. Thomas Palmatier.
2026
The Concert Band becomes Signature Winds, and the organization becomes Melbourne BandWorks.
A Band That Becomes Family
Some of our musicians have been with us for most of the band's history. Bassoonist Mary Allen joined nearly 60 years ago and still plays today. Clarinetist Robin Krasny's mother, Althea Krasny, was one of the band's original charter members.
"I was literally born into the band."
Robin Krasny, clarinet
"MMB always gives me joy."
Mary Allen, bassoon
"It is rare to find a community music group so large and far reaching."
Staci Rosbury, Conductor
The people behind the music
Leading, teaching, and honoring our own.
OUR CONDUCTORS
Meet the conductors behind the music:
-
Staci Rosbury
Signature Winds
-
Kurt Schulenburg
The 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra
-
Art Martin
Rock & Roll Revue
Youth
Band
MUSIC EDUCATION
We believe the next generation of musicians deserves a place to start. Since 2008, our free Summer Youth Band has given students in grades 6 through 12 hands-on instruction every summer. About 70 students take part each year, with free lessons, help getting an instrument, and a public concert at the Melbourne Auditorium to finish the season. Talented students also join us as featured soloists.
THE PAUL SCOTT AWARD
Each year, the Board of Trustees honors one member or volunteer who has shown serious dedication and made outstanding contributions to the band. Created in 1996, the award is named for Paul T. Scott, an accomplished musician and U.S. Army Band veteran who drove from the far side of Orlando to every rehearsal, and eventually moved to Melbourne to be closer to the band he loved. The award is presented at the Annual Membership Meeting.
Where to find us
Main Concert Hall
Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd., Melbourne, FL 32901
Rehearsals
Julia D. Good Rehearsal Hall, 1924 Melody Lane, Melbourne, FL 32901