In 1999, the St. Johnsbury Band will embark on its 170th year.

Founded in January of 1830, the St. Johnsbury Band is the nation's third oldest band in continuous existence. Only the West Point Military Band (1827) and the Allentown, PA Band (1829) are older. Originally known as "The Brass Band" the group played under that name until 1859 when it became known as "The Cornet Band." During the Civil War years, the organization played at rallies held in Monument Square (courthouse) for the purpose of enlisting men for the Union Army. Although, the band played at many locations, the primary sites for concerts held in these early years was in a bandstand situated in the triangular area at the north end of Main Street known as "Arnold Park."

 The first President for which the band had the honor of playing was Benjamin Harrison. He was escorted in a parade on Underclyffe to the Col. Fairbanks mansion. In 1885, the band became known as "The Serenade Band." In 1893 the band played at the St. Louis Exposition. At the turn of the century there were 25 members in the band. It was at this time the "St. J. March" was written. In 1912, the voters of St. Johnsbury began annual allocation of $1,000 to defray band expenses. This string of funding was unbroken until 1979. Happily, voters restored the funding in 1980. Also in 1912, a competing band in town joined ranks with "The Serenade Band" and the group became the "St. Johnsbury Consolidated Band" which has been shortened to "The St. Johnsbury Band." In 1912, Teddy Roosevelt was present as the band played a concert at the courthouse.

During the 1920's and 1930's the St. Johnsbury Band organized an international band association and sponsored several band festivals which included groups from Vermont, New Hampshire and Canada. Crowds attending these concerts numbered in the thousands. In the World War II years 23 band members served in the armed forces. Many were decorated for meritorious service and quite amazingly, all 23 members survived the war. With the departure of these members to war, women were allowed into the organization for the first time. Their contribution since that time has been significant.

The 1950's saw an effort made to repair the bandstand at the courthouse. Throughout the 1960's and 1970's, the band has played Monday night outdoor concerts and in Memorial and Veteran Days Parades In 1978, Arthur Fiedler of the Bosotn Pops became honorary conductor of the band. In past years, the group has played at the Danville Fair and the Peacham Foliage Festival.

During Christmas and other occasions, members of musical groups from St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute combine with the band to perform concerts for the public.

Traditional Monday night concerts are held throughout July and August.