Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Arts Access topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Minnesota State Band seeks $65,000 to fund statewide performances and school outreach
Summary
Senate File 822 would appropriate $65,000 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund for Minnesota State Band tours that provide free public concerts and school outreach across outstate Minnesota; bill was laid over for possible inclusion.
A senator presented Senate File 822, which would appropriate $65,000 in fiscal year 2026 from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund to support Minnesota State Band public performances across the state.
Craig Allen, a percussionist with the Minnesota State Band, described the band’s volunteer mission, noting that the ensemble has toured small towns statewide and integrates school visits and community outreach into its trips. “All of our concerts are free. All of our members are volunteers,” Allen said, listing recent stops including Litchfield, Hutchinson, Chatfield, Moose Lake and Wadena.
Keith Liuzzi, conductor of the Minnesota State Band, told the committee the ensemble’s outreach includes in-school coaching and joint concerts with local high schools. “When we get to the point where we touch kids' lives… it ratchets up the effect of what we're doing,” Liuzzi said, describing plans for upcoming concerts and joint appearances in Grand Rapids and Cloquet.
The committee did not vote on the bill during the hearing; Chair said Senate File 822 will be laid over for possible inclusion.
