During the early years of the twentieth century, community bands were as important to mid-sized towns as professional sports teams are to large cities today. Among the most renowned band directors in the Midwest in those days was G. Oliver Riggs, who was employed at one time or another by Crookston, Bemidji, Grand Forks, St. Cloud, and other cities, eventually building a reputation as one of the most successful directors of youth bands in the United States. This biography follows the career of G. Oliver, his talented wife Islea, and their children, through times of war, peace, economic hardship, and personal tragedy. Ultimately, this is a story about civic pride, community participation, and the power of music to transform lives and connect people across generations.-- From publisher's description.