The Minnesota Music Hall of Fame gained a new member this year: Chaska resident Myron Muehlbauer. He received the award as part of the 36th annual induction ceremony, held April 25 in New Ulm.
Muehlbauer is a New Ulm native, where he began his music career as a trumpet player. He also picked up clarinet and tenor saxophone while growing up, and he served as student band director at New Ulm Cathedral High School.
While still in high school, he played in his father’s family band, Boots and His Buddies, and then expanded his reach by playing with other area polka bands. Muehlbauer, a man of many talents, also added alto saxophone and flugelhorn to his repertoire.
Throughout his 47-year career with Ziegler Inc., Myron continued to take on nearly 60 music jobs each year. Even though he retired in 2024, he’s still playing music, with 51 events on his schedule this year. He regularly plays with Kris Keltgen & The Riverside Dutchmen, Adam and The Jolly Jammers, Chuck Thiel & The Jolly Ramblers, and The Jolly Huntsmen (during Oktoberfest season).
Over the years, Muehlbauer has kept track of his playing history. In 52 years, he’s played with 62 different bands. By the end of last year, he’d performed as part of 3,034 different music jobs.
When asked what his favorite instrument is to play, Myron says he really doesn’t have one.
“Originally, I was a trumpet player, but I really enjoy playing my main three instruments (tenor sax and clarinet being the other two),” he said. He enjoys playing polka but also counts swing as a favorite type of music.
The Music Hall of Fame achievement has been very meaningful to Myron.
“I’m not sure it’s completely sunk in to me yet, but I’m grateful for the many friendships and musicians I’ve met over the years,” he said. “What makes me happy is seeing other people enjoy the music that we play.”
