You’ve seen them in parades and concerts all over Southeast Wisconsin and beyond. They carry a rich musical tradition of “Irish style” and tenacity. And they hold the title for the longest running, non-school affiliated, youth band in Kenosha.

In fact, Kenosha’s Catholic Youth Organization marching band is the the only one of its kind in the United States and has been making music for more than 68 years. It all began on an evening in late March 1939 when Peter Niccolai Sr. raised his baton and notes from 38 instruments rang out. It was the first rehearsal of the band formally named the Catholic Youth Organization Emerald Knights Band and Guard of Kenosha.

That night, kid musicians came from all 10 parishes of Kenosha: Holy Rosary, Mount Carmel, St. Anthony, St.Casmir, St. George, St. James, St. Mark, St. Mary, St. Peter and St.Thomas.

The origins of the band were rooted in a small group of high school students, all Catholics, that gathered informally at St. George School to sing the popular songs of the day. Three of the singers, Agnes Lazza, Ruth Rosing and Marjorie LeRoy, who were all members of Frank Bernardi’s All Girl Orchestra, got the idea that they could form their own orchestra. After interesting a few more friends in the concept, they discovered they were short on violins and cellos and long on drums.

So instead, the CYO Band was born.

As a part of our organization, the musicians of the CYO Band develop more than their musical skills; they learn what it means to work together toward a common goal, experience the thrill of accomplishment, and feel the pride of a job well done.

Music is More. Confidence. Self-discipline. Pride of workmanship. Maturity. What community wouldn’t want these values for its children? These things are not ours to give—they are things children must learn for themselves. We can provide young musicians with the opportunity to learn these values. One way is through the CYO Emerald Knights Band and Color Guard.