History
The origin of the Gem City Bands dates back to the early 1940s, or perhaps even the 1930s, when there was a concert band playing at the Siebenbueger Singing Society. At the same time, there was a concert and marching band at the 313th Machine Gun Battalion Club, located at 20th & Peach Streets, the present site of the Kings Rook.

Around 1950, the 313th Band combined with the existing Siebenbuerger Band and relocated to and was sponsored by the Siebenbuerger Singing Society. The band had several conductors during this time, including Adam Lehner, Joseph Lehner (Adam's brother), and Hank Russell. The band remained at the Siebenbuerger Club for over 20 years, but because of declining interest and a shrinking membership, it was felt that a new sponsor had to be found.

The band very briefly met at the Millcreek Moose Club. In 1970, an agreement was reached with the East Erie Turners (EET) Club for the band to move there under EET sponsorship. At the Turners, the band had six different conductors, including Hank Russell, Lloyd Johns, Ralph Perkins, Ned Trautman, Gary Peterson, and Tim McKinney. The band played annual spring and fall concerts at the Turners, as well as three summer concerts at the club's former outdoor facility, Turnwald. At its peak, and until the 1980s, the band drew 400 people or more for its concerts. At one point, the club even added risers to help accommodate the crowds.

In September 2003, after more than 30 years, the band and the East Erie Turners parted ways, leaving the band without a name and a home. Though unsure of the future, the full concert band and its new, smaller spin off—a swing/jazz band—still practiced at Wilson Middle School for several months, before landing at the new permanent home, St. John's Lutheran Church. The church, located just three blocks from the band's original home, offers a spacious rehearsal room and a large auditorium for spring and fall concerts. Betty McKinney served as director of the bands until December 2007. In March 2008, Gem City welcomed Dr. Scott Tomlison as the new director of both the Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble.

About the Bands
Both the Concert and Jazz Band present spring and fall concerts at St. John's Lutheran Church, as well as numerous other nursing home and community performances throughout the year.

The Concert Band, consisting of 50+ members, is very versatile, playing music such as old overtures, show tunes, traditional concert band pieces, movie scores, and marches. The Concert Band rehearses each Tuesday night from 8:00 to 9:30.

The Jazz Band was formed in 2003 by then-conductor Tim McKinney as a smaller, spin-off group dedicated to performing jazz, big band, and swing sounds from all eras. The Jazz Band has a large repertoire that includes such jazz greats as Sammy Nestico, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Buddy Rich. The 18-20 piece Jazz Band rehearses on Tuesday nights from 6:15 to 7:45, prior to Concert Band practice.