Our Story

 In 1948 Lenora McLeish had a dream, she wanted to organize a band for the young musicians of Licking County that would broaden their musical talents, be a good activity for the summer months and bring another performing group to the area. She and her husband, John, did that in the Toboso area. The first band had 37 members. The following year Mr. Krietler (the extension agent at the time) asked the McLeish's to take the band County wide. This began The Licking County 4-H band.

The band accepts members ages 11-19 who attend school or live in Licking County and beyond. The band begins the first Wednesday of March and it continues through the end of May, with weekly practices every Wednesday. They then have a band camp that is normally held at the Hartford Fairground. While at camp, band members practice about seven hours per day. Activities are organized to help the members get to know one another, and to form friendships that last for years to come! Concerts begin immediately following camp, at least 2-3 per week. The band makes it's operating funds by having Socials. Parents from assigned school areas make food and sell it, while the band provides entertainment during the socials. Concerts by the band are open to the public and the admission is free. The band also serves at the resident band at The Hartford Fair. The band members and advisors spend the week at the fair and play 2 concerts a day.