Does this sound familiar?

“Band was my favorite class in school, and I want to stay connected with that part of myself.”

“I’m proud of the world-class music scene we have in Minnesota, and I’m excited that band will now have a place on the main stage.”

“Band was where I found connection, confidence, and community. I want every young person to have that same chance.”

Your invitation

We’re with the band!

Introducing Band Champions—a season-based membership program that helps you connect with your love of band, support world-class performances, and invest in the next generation of student musicians.

This is your chance to move from loving band to leading its future by helping band take center stage.

(Student volunteers at the first Minnesota Winds concert)

  • "This is an organization with something utterly positive to say, with an exuberance to celebrate this music, and with the passion to build something new."

    Roma Duncan, Principal Piccolo, Minnesota Orchestra & band kid

  • "Minnesota Winds is important. It’s a new voice, a new time, and your support means an incredible amount."

    Manny Laureano, Principal Trumpet, Minnesota Orchestra (retired) & band kid

  • "Minnesota Winds is blazing a trail that will enrich our musical community and support an important component of the middle and high school environment: concert band."

    Paul Babcock, President & CEO, MacPhail Center for Music & band kid

Your Membership

You and your favorite people can experience world-class band music together

30% off tickets to our inaugural season

Get the best seats in the house
with early access to ticket reservations

First dibs on concert reservations

Go behind-the-scenes with composers, conductors & musicians deepening your connection to band

Exclusive access to pre-concert talks

Directly support school band programs and the next generation of band kids in Minnesota

Part of your membership fuels the Band Boost Fund

Featuring a custom design by a local artist that celebrates band and the very first season of Minnesota Winds

A limited-edition Minnesota Winds t-shirt

Invest in bringing the first season to life!

$25 tax-deductible donation to Minnesota Winds

Available exclusively for members! Our limited-edition tee features custom art by Minnesota designer Brian Geihl (former band kid—saxophone!) of Dogfish Media. Available in unisex sizes XS to 2XL. Support band and look good doing it!

Your tee

Meet the Co-founders

By band kids, for band kids

We didn’t just play in band—we grew up in it.

Band was where we learned to listen, to lead, and to show up for something bigger than ourselves. It gave us a place to belong and inspired us to keep growing—note by note, year by year.

One night, years after graduation, Meagan sat in the audience at a concert of her former college band and heard Symphony No. 4 by David Maslanka for the first time. By the final note, she was in tears. That moment sparked the questions at the heart of our work:

Why isn’t there a professional concert band in Minnesota? And why don’t students see their art form celebrated on the main stage?

We created Minnesota Winds to answer those questions. To build what we always wished existed: a professional concert band rooted in the energy and excellence of school band, that honors where we come from and helps shape where band goes next.

We’re so glad you’re here, and we hope you’ll join us for a spectacular first season!

—Meagan Bachmayer & Katherine Bergman, Co-founders

Photos of Katherine

  • "Band has sparked the raging fire of love for music that will be with me for the rest of my life."

    Zackary (Blaine, MN)

  • "The main reason why I love being a band kid is that no matter what is going on in our lives we can come to band and not worry about anything else."

    Chloe (Buffalo, MN)

  • "Band is a way for people to find themselves . . . it is, without a doubt, the class I look forward to the most."

    Tyler (Pierz, MN)

Your membership = real impact

Becoming a Band Champion isn’t just about tickets and t-shirts. It’s about pride, visibility, and momentum for a powerful art form that shaped your life—and still shapes lives every day in classrooms across Minnesota.

This is your invitation to give back to the community that shaped you, fuel the future of band in our schools, and be first in line for world-class music and behind-the-scenes access.

BAND CHAMPION FIRST SEASON PASS

$130

Support the first season with all the best benefits!

30% off concert tickets

Early access to ticket reservations

Access to pre-concert virtual talks

Give back to band with 4% of your season pass going directly to schools

A limited-edition t-shirt designed by a local artist

$25 tax-deductible donation to bring the first season to life

FAQs

Is this membership tax-deductible?

Yes—partially. Your $130 membership includes benefits with an estimated fair market value of $100. So if you join, $30 is tax-deductible (donation to Minnesota + your contribution to the band boost fund). You’ll receive a receipt with this breakdown for your records.

Want your full contribution to be deductible? You can make a separate donation here »

What if I don’t live near your concerts or can’t attend every event?

No problem! Being a Band Champion is about more than just showing up in person. Your membership supports student musicians, school programs, and the visibility of band as an art form.

Plus, you’ll still get access to exclusive behind-the-scenes content, member updates, and pre-concert talks—no matter where you live.

Can I gift a membership to someone else?

Absolutely. A Band Champion membership makes a meaningful gift for a music teacher, band parent, or longtime band friend. Just email us after checkout and we’ll help you set it up!

How long does my membership last?

Your membership lasts for the full first concert season—fall 2025 to spring 2026.

Can I get a refund for my membership?

Yes, if something in your life changes, we will honor requests for refunding any portion of your membership you haven’t yet redeemed.

Still have questions?