Trade Strengthens Musical Program
Members of the Wallace Elks Drum and Bugle Corps returned from the Montana State Elks Convention in Great Falls last month with more than memories and a sense of accomplishment—they brought back a collection of gently used instruments that will expand opportunities for new musicians in the Silver Valley.
The Great Falls Elks Lodge made the trade during the convention, exchanging instruments for the Wallace group’s performance. The arrangement reflects a practical solution to two distinct needs: Wallace’s growing membership has outpaced the organization’s ability to provide instruments for all musicians, while Great Falls faced a different reality. The Montana lodge once operated its own drum and bugle corps, but the ensemble disbanded years ago as participation declined and financial pressures mounted.
For Wallace’s musicians, the addition means something tangible. “We’re excited to have more instruments available for our new band members,” said Scott Birkbeck. “This gives them the opportunity to explore different instruments and switch if they’d like to try something new.”
Some of the instruments carried physical reminders of their previous lives—cases bearing the names of musicians from decades past, a quiet acknowledgment of the men and women who once played them in Great Falls.
A Rare Distinction in American Elks History
The Wallace Elks Drum and Bugle Corps occupies a unique place in American Elks history. Historical records suggest it is the last continuously active Elks-sponsored drum and bugle corps still operating in the United States. The organization’s oldest known photograph dates to 1921, anchoring the group’s roots more than a century in the past.
The Montana convention provided a national stage for that heritage. Elks National President and Grand Exalted Ruler Tim Jaeger performed alongside the Wallace musicians, a recognition of the corps’ enduring significance within the fraternal organization.
The performance itself left a mark on the musicians who made the journey north. “We all felt an incredible sense of pride performing for the Montana State Elks,” said Stevyn Schmidt. “They were so appreciative of our performance, and their enthusiasm made us feel like rock stars.”
Community Tradition Continues
The Wallace Elks Drum and Bugle Corps represents more than a musical ensemble. It reflects the values and traditions that have sustained Shoshone County communities through economic cycles and demographic changes. The group’s persistence—spanning more than a century in a small mountain town—speaks to the commitment of local Elks members who have funded and supported the musicians across generations.
The instrument trade with Great Falls reflects the practical reality facing many small-town organizations: growth in membership and interest can outpace available resources. By working within the Elks network, the Wallace lodge found a solution that benefited both communities—sustaining a valuable tradition in Wallace while honoring the history and legacy that Great Falls’ musicians had created.
For young people in Wallace interested in learning music and joining a community organization with real historical depth, the expanded instrument inventory removes a barrier that might otherwise have blocked their participation. The cases bearing previous owners’ names also serve as a tangible connection to the broader story of Elks-sponsored music across the nation.
The success of the Great Falls convention appearance and the resulting instrument donation set a positive momentum for the corps as it looks ahead. Building and maintaining a drum and bugle corps in a county with fewer than 13,000 residents requires sustained commitment from both the Elks organization itself and the young musicians who choose to participate.
What Comes Next
The Wallace Elks Drum and Bugle Corps will continue recruiting and training musicians in the Silver Valley. The expanded instrument collection should allow the group to accommodate more newcomers and provide flexibility as musicians explore different instruments within the ensemble. Community members interested in supporting or joining the corps can connect with the Wallace Elks Lodge for information about participation and performance opportunities throughout the year.