The Music Man Comes Home – 76 Trombones and a Whole Lot of Pride

There are some things in a community that never lose their magic. For those of us in Mason City, one of those things is The Music Man.

Recently,  NIACC welcomed the national tour of  as part of its Performing Arts Series, and I was lucky enough to attend both nights. The performances were fantastic, but what made the experience even more special was how excited the cast was to be performing in the original River City itself.

Before the second show, many of the cast members spent time exploring, and visiting Meredith Willson’s boyhood home, Music Man Square, and the museum dedicated to his work. At one point, a barbershop quartet even sang outside the ice cream parlor – something that felt like it had leapt straight out of the musical itself.

We are incredibly proud of Meredith Willson and what he created, of course. But what really struck me was seeing how much it meant to the cast to experience the town that inspired the story. Their enthusiasm reminded me how special this heritage really is.

I truly believe one of the reasons Mason City promotes music so passionately is because of The Music Man. Music, whether instrumental or vocal, is celebrated here in a way that becomes part of everyday life. My own three children can play several instruments, not because they’re musical prodigies, but because that’s simply the culture here. Music is encouraged, supported, and shared.

At the end of the second performance, we had a fun little moment that perfectly captured the spirit of it all. My husband, Mason City’s mayor, had the chance to take a picture with the “Mayor of River City” from the show. It felt like a delightful blending of real life and the stage.

And every year during our local Band Festival parade, when the  marching band comes down the street playing 76 Trombones , I tear up (Every. Single. Time). I was in that band once. All three of my kids marched as well—two on bass drum and one proudly in the front row as a trombone player.

I know some people get tired of hearing about Meredith Willson and The Music Man. But honestly, I think we’re BLESSED. What he created wasn’t just a musical – it was a gift to this community. And decades later, that gift continues to shape our culture, inspire our musicians, and remind us that sometimes a small town can leave a very big mark on the world.

And if you ask me, that’s something worth celebrating.

Moments like these are a beautiful reminder that a community is more than streets and buildings. It’s the stories, traditions, and shared pride that make a place feel like home. Music is a part of our history and it part of who we are today. It’s one of the many reasons I feel so fortunate to live and work here. Helping people find their place in a community with this much heart, history, and harmony is truly something special.