THE LONG BEACH JUNIOR CONCERT BAND
A Historic Overview of the Band
The LBJCB was organized in 1952 by Marvin Marker, its present director who was a trumpeter in the
Long Beach Wilson High Band and Orchestra. He wanted a small concert group that would rehearse
weekly during the summer months. The band became an overnight success building to over 100
members who wanted to march parades. Dressed in multi-colored Hawaiian shirts, the Band began
marching in local parades, winning awards and building more membership.
It took 4 years to raise enough money for decent uniforms. When they arrived in 1956, the
band membership had fallen to about 50 musicians. Over the next few years the membership tripled
and auxiliary units were added. Trips to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Portland, Oregon's Rose
Festival and the 1957 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade kept interest high and fund raising brought
in more uniforms. By the early 1960's there were 156 uniformed musicians and 47 uniformed auxiliary
members, including banners, shields, flags, swing flags, and majorettes.
The band continued to prosper throughout the 1970's, 80's and 90's. Today the band is about 80
members and those who support the organization have loyalty and a desire to do their best. The band
continues to win many Sweepstakes and 1st place awards.
The band is a nonprofit, California Corporation and a designated charity under Section 501-C-(3) of
the IRS Code. It is supported greatly by the City of Long Beach and acts as the Official Host Band
for the city. Thirty-five to 45 uniformed appearances annually highlight the bands itinerary with at
least 80 rehearsals throughout the year. The band has appeared on national television countless
times, performed many half times for the former Los Angeles Rams; 2 ProBowls and 3 Super Bowl Spectaculars,
numerous sporting events at the Coliseum, Rose Bowl, and (Edison) Anaheim Stadium. They've been
featured in 13 television commercials. They've appeared in 3 motion pictures: Viva Kneivel, The Demon,
and the 1976 re-make of the film classic, King Kong.
Television Specials include: Truth or Consequences, the Ford Motor Company Anniversary Special, Norman
Lear's I Love Liberty, Ray Charles' First 100 Years of Recorded Music, Dick Clark's Good Old Days, special
with Annette Funicello and Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Stage, TV and film appearances with Ethel
Merman, Bob Hope, Frankie Avalon, Dick Van Dyke, Debbie Reynolds, Julie Andrews, Red Buttons, Gene Kelly,
Woody Herman, Margot Hemmingway, Liza Minelli, Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra have been exciting activities
for the Band.
They were honored to travel to the California State Capitol as the official band for former Governor
George Deukmejian's First Inaugural Ceremonies, and in August, 1997. Seventy members traveled to
Japan performing and touring in Osaka, Kyoto and representing
Long Beach in their sister city of Yokkaichi for its
Centennial Celebration. Extended trips were taken to to Prescott, Arizona and Hawaii.
72 years of local appearances include many Southern California parades and competitions,
the Miss Universe and Miss International Beauty Contests held in Long Beach, parades and concerts in Las Vegas,
Henderson and Green Valley, Nevada, and 67 consecutive years in the famous Hollywood Christmas
Parade.
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