In the spring of 1976, several Ozaukee County residents sought an outlet for their musical talents. Existing community bands in the area rehearsed and performed primarily during the summer because they included student musicians among their ranks. LSB organizers decided they would form a community band that would rehearse and perform primarily from September through May. Its purpose then, as it is now, was to provide an opportunity for adult participation in a musical organization, as well as cultural enrichment for the community at large.

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The first director was Clyde Brehm. Brehm was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with a degree in music, and music director for the Kewaskum, WI school district.

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The band held its first rehearsal on September 22, 1976. Not knowing who or how many musicians would show up organizers were delighted when 30 musicians answered the invitation. Many of them had not played their instruments for years and were a bit rusty, but they were persistent and were pleased to have a venue for their musical talent. Together with a few music teachers and six band directors as members, the band began to take shape.

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During the first three months of weekly rehearsals, word spread and the numbers grew to about 45 musicians ranging in age from 18 to 60. The band performed its first concert on Jan. 23, 1977 in the Grafton High School auditorium. Selections included "The Magic Flute Overture", "Victory at Sea", "The Cascades", "Highlights from Showboat", "Handel Suite", and the "Seventeen Come Sunday" march from the first movement of "The English Folk Song Suite". Tickets were $1. Although there were no reviews or newspaper accounts, the initial concert proved successful enough to launch the band on its 30-year history. A second concert was held four months later on May 22, 1977.