Press Release

City of Lakes Community Band Acquires Contrabass Clarinet Through Community Donations

September 9, 2025

Minneapolis, MN — The City of Lakes Community Band (CLCB) is thrilled to announce the purchase of a contrabass clarinet, made possible entirely through generous donations from community supporters. The addition of the instrument marks an exciting milestone in the ensemble’s 43-year history and significantly expands the band’s musical and artistic capability.

Contrabass clarinets are known for their deep, resonant sound and are rarely owned by community ensembles due to their high cost. Its addition will not only enrich the foundational timbre of the full band but also make it possible to perform repertoire that relies on the instrument’s distinctive low-register voice.

For long-serving clarinetist Elisabeth Hunt, the acquisition fulfills a personal dream decades in the making.

“I’ve honestly dreamed of playing contrabass clarinet with CLCB since I joined 24 years ago,” Hunt shared. “I knew the deep, rich tone of a contra[bass clarinet] would enhance the band’s sound and besides, they are a blast to play! I never thought the band would be able to afford one, so when I learned that donations from our community had made it possible, I was blown away and frankly overjoyed.”

The instrument will make its debut this season, bringing new depth and dimension to the ensemble’s sound. With the contrabass clarinet now part of the band’s instrumentation, CLCB can program major symphonic works and contemporary pieces that were previously out of reach, further advancing its commitment to artistic excellence.

“This purchase represents what is possible when our community believes in lifelong musicianship,” said Communications Director Marshall Muehlbauer. “The generosity of our donors directly enhances our artistic capacity and helps us continue providing high-quality, accessible performances for audiences throughout Minneapolis.”

Founded in 1981, the City of Lakes Community Band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to strengthening community through music and providing an inclusive, intergenerational space for musicians to rehearse, perform, and grow.

For more information about CLCB and upcoming concerts, visit www.cityoflakesband.org/concerts.