Symphonic Band Memorializes Member
By Door County Pulse, Peninsula Pulse — August 27th, 2026
Erik Torkelson (center) rehearses with the Sturgeon Bay High School Jazz Band. Submitted.
The Peninsula Symphonic Band has renamed its summer band camp scholarship program the Erik Torkelson Memorial Scholarship, honoring the memory and legacy of longtime band and board member Erik Torkelson, who died in July.
Torkelson served as saxophone section leader for the Peninsula Symphonic Band and played alto and soprano saxophone with the associated Swingin’ Door Big Band. As a music educator, he taught elementary music for 34 years in the southwest Chicago suburbs before retiring in 2015 and moving to Door County with his wife, Tara. Torkelson also sang with the Dudley Birder Chorale in Green Bay and performed in numerous vocal and instrumental ensembles throughout his life.
The scholarship now named after Torkelson helps Door County instrumental students in grades 7 through 11 attend summer band camp to improve their playing skills and musicianship. Applications open each spring, with details to be announced closer to the mid-April deadline.
Donations in Erik’s memory may be made directly to the scholarship fund by mail at PO Box 84, Sturgeon Bay, WI, 54235, or online at peninsulasymphonicband.org/support.
Symphonic Band Rehearses For Off-Season
By Door County Pulse, Peninsula Pulse — August 13th, 2026
Peninsula Symphonic Band. File photo.
The start of rehearsals for the Peninsula Symphonic Band’s upcoming fall-winter season marks the second half of the community band’s 36th year of making music throughout the peninsula, as well as Jason Palmer’s final season as music director.
The first rehearsal of the season will be held on Monday, Sept. 14, at 7 pm, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1756 Michigan St. in Sturgeon Bay. Rehearsals will continue on Monday evenings from 7 to 8:30 pm at Prince of Peace.
The Peninsula Symphonic Band is a volunteer ensemble open to any high school or adult musician who loves making music with others. The band offers two seasons each year: spring-summer (April – July) and fall-winter (September – December). The band’s wide-ranging repertoire includes marches, patriotic selections, movie themes and popular music.
Approximately 75 musicians, including about 15 high school students, perform in the band, which currently has openings in all sections. For more information or to register, contact peninsulasymphonicband@gmail.com or visit peninsulasymphonicband.org.
Symphonic Band To Play During Boat Show
By Door County Pulse, Peninsula Pulse — July 9th, 2026
Local community ensemble the Peninsula Symphonic Band will provide live music for the 35th-annual Classic and Wooden Boat Show, hosted by the Door County Maritime Museum.
Listeners will hear concert band classics, patriotic selections and popular favorites during the show on Saturday, Aug. 1, at 4 pm, outside the Door County Granary, 72 E. Locust Court in Sturgeon Bay.
The concert is free, with donations encouraged to support the band and its summer band camp scholarship program.
The Peninsula Symphonic Band, composed of nearly 75 musicians, rehearses on Monday evenings in Sturgeon Bay welcomes new members year-round. For more information, visit peninsulasymphonicband.org or contact peninsulasymphonicband@gmail.com.
peninsulasymphonicband.org 