The Minneapolis Police Band
Inducted 2006
Major General George Emerson Leach and Arthur Bolte formed the Minneapolis Police Band in 1917. Leach was elected mayor of Minneapolis after retiring from the United States Army. Bolte, a musical instrument salesman, thought he could sell a lot of instruments if he started a City Band. Mayor Leach believed the Police Department needed a better image (some things never change), hence the start of The Minneapolis Police Band. The band consists of a Concert Band, a Marching Band, and a Swing Band. The Marching Band has been the official Escort Band for the Minneapolis Aquatennial Parade since the parade began in 1940. During the first two years starting in 1917, the band was composed of Police Officers only. In 1919, civilian members were allowed to join the ranks, and in 1969 the first women were admitted.
