Manhattan Municipal Band
A Century of Community Music and Tradition
The Manhattan Municipal Band has been a cherished part of Manhattan, Kansas, since its founding in 1920. For over a century, the band has brought together musicians from all walks of life—including Kansas State University students, faculty, and staff; local educators; military personnel from nearby Fort Riley; and dedicated community members—to perform free summer concerts at the Larry Norvell Band Shell in City Park. These performances feature a diverse repertoire, ranging from patriotic favorites to classical and contemporary works, fostering a sense of unity and pride within the community.
Under the direction of Dr. Frank Tracz, the ensemble continues to uphold its mission of providing high-quality musical experiences for both performers and audiences. The Manhattan Municipal Band not only offers musicians a platform to share their talents but also serves as a vibrant cultural fixture, enriching the city's summer evenings with the joy of live music. Whether you're a seasoned performer or a community member seeking to enjoy a local tradition, the Manhattan Municipal Band welcomes you to be part of its enduring legacy.
Please see the links below for our information.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us by email at mhkmunicipalband@gmail.com
2025 Member Schedule
2025 Official MMB Roster
2025 Literature List
Interested in playing with us?
Are you a musician who enjoys performing, connecting with your community, and keeping a proud local tradition alive? The Manhattan Municipal Band welcomes dedicated wind, brass, and percussion players from all backgrounds to audition and be part of one of Kansas’s oldest and most respected community ensembles.
Whether you're a current student, educator, active or retired military member, or a passionate local musician, we’d love to hear from you. To learn more about performance opportunities or express your interest in joining the ensemble, please contact Dr. Frank Tracz, Director of the Manhattan Municipal Band.
📧 ftracz@ksu.edu
📞 (785) 532-3816
Come be a part of the music that brings Manhattan together each summer!
Who we are
Manhattan, Kansas has had a tax-supported Municipal Band since 1920 when the city adopted a tax levy for that purpose. The band played its first concert on the lawn of the Riley County Courthouse. Over the years the band's membership has come from all conceivable walks of life, including students, staff, and faculty from Kansas State University, Manhattan Christian College and surrounding public schools, as well as military and civilian personnel from nearby Fort Riley, representatives of the community's diverse private sector, clergy, and retirees.
The Manhattan Municipal Band is very proud of its history and its place as a central part of life in Manhattan, Kansas. Nearly every resident of this town has somehow been touched by the municipal band, whether as a performing member or as part of our audience. As we close in on a century of service to central Kansas we look forward to continued growth and excellence. If you are, or have ever been a member of the Manhattan Municipal Band, we hope that you will always take pride in that affiliation. If you have ever been a member of our audience we thank you for your support and hope for your many returns. If you have never attended one of our performances we hope that you will take advantage of that opportunity very soon so that you can experience this wonderful community we call home. For more information, please follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ManhattanMunicipalBand