In the early 1900s, Robbinsdale was a small community on the northwestern edge of Minneapolis, with a population of just 520.
Because city leaders and citizens were eager for the community to grow, William F. Grenell and George O. Smith proposed a Robbinsdale Civic Band to promote that growth. Members of the Grenell and Swift families were instrumental in starting the “Robbinsdale Civic Club Band” in 1906, consisting of a dozen or so members of all ages, mostly family members.
As the membership increased, the name was changed to the Robbinsdale City Band, as it remains today. Over the years it became arguably the best known civic-sponsored musical organization in the upper Midwest.
Its rise to fame came under the directorship of Paul W. Larson, who conducted the band starting in 1938, until he enlisted in World War II. The band played on with an interim director, and Larson returned to direct the band for another two years, until 1946.
After Larson resumed his studies at the University of Minnesota, band member Robert H. Mendenhall claimed the podium from 1947 to 1964. For these 17 years he devoted himself to honing a top-notch city band.
Other long-tenured and talented directors include Roger Thompson (1969-1991), and Michael Serber (1991-2021). Chad Green became the band’s conductor in 2002.
Throughout its history the band has been in great demand around the state for celebrations and concerts. Invited to take part in the first Minneapolis Aquatennial parade, the band was honored as “The Governor’s Own Band” in 1938 and 1939. At the 1941 Aquatennial Northwest Band Contest, our Robbinsdale musicians under Paul Larson’s direction received a score of 100%.
Playing and marching in the Aquatennial Parades over the years, the Robbinsdale City Band was chosen Grand Open Champion twenty-one times and Torchlight Parade winner seventeen times. An example of dedication leading to success, Mike Serber as a young member of the Marching Band, remembers helping Roger Thompson measure the streets of downtown Minneapolis so as to execute precise steps and turns.
Performing at the Minnesota State Fair, Robbinsdale’s own has a siignificant distinction: It was the only band to receive the title of State Champion Band for seven consecutive years.
In 2004, Serber faced the reality of dwindling interest in marching. The band was not allowed to compete in school categories and found itself unable to compete with other large bands. Serber changed the style of marching to a small “combo” to provide parade entertainment.
The band celebrated its Centennial in 2006 with a variety of events and honors. 
Local composer Shelley Hanson was commissioned to create a piece titled “Whiz Bang” for the centennial. That same year, Director Michael Serber composed “The RCB Centennial March” in honor of the occasion. Both of these world premiers continue as part the band’s musical repertoire.
Though the marching band ceased to exist in the early 2020s, the band continued to perform as two strong units: the 20-piece Jazz Band playing hits from the 1940s to ’70s, and the 45-member Concert Band performing show tunes, concert pieces, patriotic marches, kids’ favorites, and more. Concerts have taken place around the Twin Cities, including Como Park in St. Paul and the Lake Harriet Bandstand in Minneapolis.
Audiences have often mentioned that the Robbinsdale City Band concerts reminded them of “the way our country used to be.” The band members have responded that they take pride in showing it’s the way our community still is!