Pops Band History

The Wuerl Band

Photo taken in 1933

The Municipal Band

Photo Taken in 1939

Two concert bands formed in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in the 1930's. Adolph Wuerle brought the Wuerle band together in 1930. In 1933, the Wuerl Band became the Official City Band. In 1936 G. F. Schlei became the director of the newly formed Municipal Band. Interestingly, at this time both of these bands consisted of only male musicians. The Board of Public Works of Sheboygan was authorized to contract with both of these bands for a summer concert series. The bands played during the summer on alternating weeks at a the local band shell.

William Haack

The Wuerl Band and the Municipal Bands played music in the Sheboygan area for over 50 years. During this time several different directors took the baton and lead the band. William Haack was the longest serving director. Mr. Haack was an early member of the Wuerl Band and became the director of the Municpal Band in 1938 when G.F Schlei fell ill. Bill continued to direct the Municipal Band until he retired in 1983. It is clear that Mr. Haack was a great leader and impacted many of the musicians that still play in our community.

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/227819379/william-f.-haack

The Sheboygan Pops Concert Band

In 1989 Wuerl Band and the Municipal band joined forces and formed the Sheboygan Pops Concert Band. Neil Mahnke was the first director of the Sheboygan Pops and was the band leader until he retired from the group in 2021. The band appreciates all of Neil's dedication. He continues to support the band by attending the band concerts as an audience member.

Neil Mahnke, Director of the Sheboygan Pops 1989-2021

Neil has been the longest serving director of the Pops Band to date. He was instrumental in creating the family atmosphere of the band and may be our biggest supporter. Thanks for everything Neil!

Greg Kiehl

Greg Kiehl served as the director of the Pops Band from 2022-2024. Greg brought great ideas and great energy to the band, including innovative concerts, new members and increased fundraising ideas. Greg plays French horn in the band from time to time and is still a great supporter of our group!

Diane Remy

Diane Remy was a very special friend to the Sheboygan Pops Concert Band. For many years she gave the band a little flash by leading the group in parades as drum major. She had wonderful energy, sometimes a little too much for the musicians trying to keep up behind her. In addition, each year Diane would join the band in a concert at Fountain Park where she would showcase her students in a program that she coordinated with music the band was playing. As a special treat Diane would dance herself, exhibiting her expertise in the latin style of dance. Diane was also one of the band's most loyal fans attending almost all of the band concerts each year right up until she passed away in 2024.

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