Southeast-In-and-Around-Magazine_473888

6 In & Around | Relax & Repeat | August 2025 inaroundmag.com N ow in its ninth year, the Wylie Commu- nity Band continues to strike a chord — bring- ing together generations of musicians, li ing up young performers, and creating mo- ments of connection through music. Founded by longtime mu- sic educator Ross Grant, who had experience leading other community bands in the Me- troplex, the “O cial Band of Wylie” is part of a thriving adult recreational instrumen- tal music scene, supported by the Dallas Wind Symphony and local colleges. “Almost every town in the DFW has a community band, and it’s kind of like an em- blematic thing,” Grant said. “It is probably the biggest hub of adult recreational instrumen- tal music in the United States.” With about 100 members on its roster and 70 perform- ing regularly, the band per- forms on Sunday a ernoons ve to six times a year at ven- ues ranging from school au- ditoriums to the prestigious Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas. “I’m very biased, but I re- ally do think it’s a real spe- cial thing in the community,” Grant said. “Wylie is not Pla- no. Wylie is not Richardson. It’s not McKinney or Allen in terms of the whole media and chamber of commerce type scene, but our band really is comparable to the bands in all those high-falutin’ towns.” Grant and his wife, Liz, have a combined 65 years of teaching experience, includ- ing three years co-directing bands at Community High School. He spent 40 years directing high school bands in DeSoto, Azle, Irving and elsewhere, and trained future educators at TCU. Liz now plays clarinet for the Wylie Community Band. Together, they’ve helped make music a lifelong pursuit — not just for themselves, but for musicians in Wylie and beyond. “ e school district has been incredibly supportive,” said Grant, who initially part- nered with former Wylie High Creative Arts and Band Di- rector Mike Lipe. “He provided the contacts and knew a lot of band par- ents and people who he could invite to come play. And sud- denly we had a group,” Grant said. “We gave a concert in May, and then he took a job in San Antonio.” One of those contacts was French horn player Brian Swanson, a Wylie native and father of ve who joined the band in 2016 a er hearing from his former band director. “ e chance to reunite with Mr. Lipe to make music was very exciting,” Swanson said. Aside from Lipe, Grant credits Glenn Lambert, Todd Dixon and Greg Hayes — all former band directors — with helping establish and sustain the band. e district provides re- hearsal space, percussion equipment, and stands at no cost. “ is strong partnership has allowed the community band to grow, use high-quality facilities, and maintain close ties with local music educa- tors and students,” Grant said. e band operates as a 501(c)(3) nonpro t with no annual dues, no attendance requirements, minimal fun- draising and a 20-member board. Where music, family meet Grant’s easygoing ap- proach has created an inviting environment for players of all levels — from high-level mu- sicians to recreational players. He spreads parts around so di erent musicians can play featured sections and keep the experience fun for adults who “don’t want to feel like they’re By Sonia Duggan I&A LOCAL A Community of Musicians RossGrant