In 1897 there was a group of Milwaukee Patrolman who would gather at the South Side Station (District Two) to practice their whistling
skills. Patrolman William Stupenagel decided to organize this group into a band and was appointed "bandmaster." The band became
quite popular, and soon outgrew the Southside Station. Looking for a place to practice they moved to an abandoned morgue on
Broadway Street and were soon recognized Police Chief John Janssen and given the official title of the "Milwaukee Police Band." They
played their first concert on April 9, 1898 for members of the department.
On October 7, 1922 and November 17, 1923, the band had the honor of playing with John Phillip Sousa. In November 1924 the band
made an appearance at the city tree lighting ceremony and has not missed a tree lighting since.
skills. Patrolman William Stupenagel decided to organize this group into a band and was appointed "bandmaster." The band became
quite popular, and soon outgrew the Southside Station. Looking for a place to practice they moved to an abandoned morgue on
Broadway Street and were soon recognized Police Chief John Janssen and given the official title of the "Milwaukee Police Band." They
played their first concert on April 9, 1898 for members of the department.
On October 7, 1922 and November 17, 1923, the band had the honor of playing with John Phillip Sousa. In November 1924 the band
made an appearance at the city tree lighting ceremony and has not missed a tree lighting since.
1898 picture of the band outside of the Central Station.
2008 Concert Poster
2008 Band at Special Olympic Event.
2009 Band picture at the annual Police Memorial ceremony.
Marching in Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade
1985 Milwaukee's Great Circus Parade rolls down Wisconsin
Ave.
Ave.
1919 Band assembles for a group picture after a fall concert at Lapham
Park.
Park.
1989 The Police Band assembles in front of the Courthouse for a photo.
1929 The Band poses for a picture on the steps of the downtown
Library. (Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
Library. (Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
1958 The Band in concert. (Photo courtesy of the Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
1983 Band gathers for a picture outside of the Academy. (Photo courtesy of the
Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
Milwaukee Police Historical Society)
