Community Band Rehearsals Begin 2/11

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) continues its twenty-seventh season with its weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. Under the direction of Ashland University Director of Bands Joseph Lewis, Jr., AACCB is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this spring include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Symphonic Band on Sunday, May 3 at 4 p.m..

Open to all adults and high school students with the permission of the ensemble's director, requirements for AACCB membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

A nominal membership fee of $25 for adults and $15 for high school students is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Winter Band Concert Showcases a World Premiere & Xylophone Soloist

The Department of Music presents its annual Winter Festival Band Concert on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. Under the direction of Joseph Lewis, Jr., the concert will feature the Ashland University Symphonic Band and the Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB). The concert will offer a program of classic compositions for concert band along with some holiday favorites. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Ashland University Symphonic Band is comprised of the outstanding wind and percussion players at the University. The ensemble's program will showcase guest percussionist Elizabeth Procopio on xylophone as she joins the Symphonic Band on Floyd Werle's The Golden Age of the Xylophone. The Band will also perform the World Premiere of Dr. Stefan Swanson's (Visiting Assistant Professor of Music) Women of World War II. This portion of the concert will also include performances of Sousa's Semper Fidelis March and Morton Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium.

After a brief intermission, the 65-member Ashland Area Community Concert Band takes the stage. Established in 1993, the ensemble is designed for both university students and members of the Ashland community to continue their musical study and creative activity.

The Community Band's program begins with a Spanish Pasodoble Amparito Roca and an arrangement of Holst's In the Bleak Midwinter. The program will also feature pieces with guest conductors Dave Wolbert, retired Ashland City Schools music teacher, and Sean DeLong, Band Director at Ontario Local Schools. The program will conclude with a sing along of many Christmas favorites.

Community Band Begins Fall Rehearsals, Sep. 10

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) begins its twenty-seventh season with its weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, Sep. 10 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. Under the co-direction of Ashland University Director of Bands Joseph Lewis, Jr., and Dave Wolbert, AACCB is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Symphonic Band on Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 p.m..

Open to all adults and high school students with the permission of the ensemble's director, requirements for AACCB membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

A nominal membership fee of $25 for adults and $15 for high school students is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets by clicking on the "Buy Single Tickets" icon.

For further information, contact Joe Lewis at jlewisjr@ashland.edu or 419.289.5132.

Spring Band Concert, April 28

Ashland University Department of Music presents its final band concert of the 2018-2019 academic year on Sunday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre with the annual Spring Band Concert. Admission to the concert is free and open to all.

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) under the direction of Leonard Salvo, and the Ashland University Symphonic Band directed by Joseph Lewis, Jr., will perform a program themed "At Home and Abroad" as it features compositions from various cultures from American marches and a southern hymn to English and Korean folk songs as well as a fiesta. The event will also recognize the senior AU Band members for their dedication and contribution to the AU Band program.

Although the AACCB will perform Ralph Vaughan Williams' Folk Songs from Somerset which is the last movement of his "English Folk Song Suite" -- the remaining pieces are American based including Chorale and Shaker Dance with variations of the well-known Shaker hymn "Simple Gifts;" Samuel Hazo's Southern Hymn; and American We, one of Henry Filmore's most well-known marches. Guest conductor Dave Wolbert will lead the band in a performance of selections from Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story.

The University Symphonic Band will present an international program beginning with Clifton Williams Latin themed Symphonic Dance No. 3, Fiesta followed by Williams' Sea Songs, W. Francis McBeth's Israel influenced Kaddish and John Barnes Chance's Variations on a Korean Folk Song. The concert will continue with a performance of Pavel Tschesnekoff's Salvation is Created dedicated to the memory of former AU Director of Bands Mr. Gary Ciulla. Professor Emeritus Salvo will then be the guest conductor for Julius Fucik's The Florentiner, Grande Marcia Italiana, and the program will conclude with Olympiada by Hazo.

Community Band Begins Spring Rehearsals, Feb. 12

Under the direction of Leonard Salvo, the Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins rehearsals  on Tues., Feb. 12 at the regular time (7:30-9 pm) in the band room of the Center for the Arts. The band will be reading some new music as well as revisiting music that it worked on last semester. The band will perform with the University Band in Hugo Young Theatre on Sunday, Apr. 28 at 7:30 pm.

AACCB is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

Membership is open to all adults and AU students. Students still in high school may also participate with the permission of the ensemble's director. A nominal membership fee of $25 for adults and $15 for high school students is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester.

Community Band Rehearsals Begin Sep. 11

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) begins its twenty-sixth season with its weekly rehearsals on Tuesday, Sep. 11 from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. Under the direction of Ashland University Professor Emeritus Leonard Salvo, AACCB is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Symphonic Band on Saturday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m..

Open to all adults and high school students with the permission of the ensemble's director, requirements for AACCB membership are: 

• the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); 
• an interest in playing for enjoyment; 
• desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; 
• an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and 
• availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings. 

A nominal membership fee of $25 for adults and $15 for high school students is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets by clicking on the "Buy Single Tickets" icon.

For further information, contact the Community Band director Leonard Salvo at lsalvo@ashland.edu.

Concert Celebrates "The Masters" & More

Ashland University Department of Music presents its final band concert of the 2017-2018 academic year on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre with the annual Spring Band Concert. Admission to the concert is free and open to all.

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) under the direction of Leonard Salvo, and the Ashland University Symphonic Band directed by Joseph Lewis, Jr., will perform a program themed "The Masters" as it features major composers within the band and orchestra world. The event will serve as a celebration for the AACCB's 25th anniversary, and will recognize the senior AU Band members for their dedication and contribution to the AU Band program.

The AACCB will feature soloists John Robinson, euphonium, performing Rhapsody for Euphonium and Concert Band, and Tom Reed on saxophone performing his arrangement of three nostalgic pieces entitled Radio Days. Their portion of the program will also present A Festival Prelude by Alfred Reed celebrating the ensemble's 25th season, Hands Across the Sea by Sousa and The Light Eternal by James Swearingen remembering the 4 chaplains who gave their lives to save others when the SS Dorchester was attacked and sunk during WWII.

The University Symphonic Band will perform Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, Holst's Second Suite for Military Band in F, Grainger's Irish Tune from County Derry and Children's March, Mackey's Foundry, and conclude with Williams' Olympic Fanfare and Theme.

Winter Festival Band Concert, Dec. 9

The Department of Music at Ashland University presents its annual Winter Festival Band Concert on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. The concert will feature the Ashland University Symphonic Band directed by Joseph Lewis Jr., Ashland University Director of Bands, and the Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) under the direction of Leonard Salvo. The concert will offer a program of classic compositions for concert band along with some holiday favorites. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Ashland University Symphonic Band is comprised of the outstanding wind and percussion players at the University. The ensemble begins Saturday's concert with Procession of Nobles, the fifth piece based on the opera-ballet Mldada by Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov; followed by Minnesota Portraits by Samuel R. Hazo, which includes three movements depicting snapshots of Minnesota in winter. The band’s third piece is an instrumental adaptation by Eric E. Whitacre of his a cappella choral work Lux Aurumque. The Symphonic Band's program concludes with Leroy Anderson's holiday classic Sleigh Ride.

After a brief intermission, the 65-member Ashland Area Community Concert Band takes the stage. Established in 1993, the ensemble is designed for both university students and members of the Ashland community to continue their musical study and creative activity. The Community Band’s program begins with T'is a Gift by Anne McGinty, which was composed as a tribute to three band members who lost their lives aboard TWA Flight 800; followed by John Philip Sousa’s most melodic and best-written marches, Fairest of the Fair; and the fifth movement of Robert Russell Bennett’s Suite of Old American Dances titled Rag. The Community Band will finish the concert with two collections of some of the most popular Christmas carols and songs in A Most Wonderful Christmas and Christmas Music for Winds, which includes holiday favorites from Jolly Old St. Nicholas to Angels We Have Heard on High, Silent Night and more.

Area Chorus & Community Concert Band Announce Fall Schedules

Two community music ensembles at Ashland University [Ashland Area Chorus (AAC) and Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB)] announce their fall schedules including rehearsals, concerts and membership requirements.

Beginning Monday, August 28, Ashland Area Chorus rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:45 p.m. in Room 242 of the Center for the Arts. Initially meeting on Tuesday, September 12, the Community Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

Entering its nineteenth season, the AAC is dedicated to a mission of learning great music and singing it beautifully. The chorus is open to all singers from Ashland and surrounding counties and includes Ashland University faculty, staff and students as well as other singers from the wider community. Though no formal audition is required for membership, AAC members must be pitch accurate (sing 'on key') and be able to learn and perform their parts successfully. Previous choral experience is helpful.

AAC's theme this semester is Sing We and Chant It! Music from the Heart of England, featuring madrigals by William Byrd, Thomas Morley and Orlando Gibbons, and sacred works by Thomas Tallis, Imogene Holst, and Ralph Vaughan Williams. In addition to performances in AU's Fall Choral Concert on October 29 and Festival of Lights on December 10, the Ashland Area Chorus will be singing an extended prelude and service music at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Cleveland on Sunday, December 3 at the 5:30 p.m. Mass.

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins its twenty-fifth season and is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Concert Band on Saturday, December 9.

Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

Membership in AAC and AACCB is open to all adults. Students still in high school may also participate with the permission of the ensemble's director.  A nominal membership fee of $25 for adults and $15 for high school students is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets by clicking on the "Buy Single Tickets" icon.

For further information, contact the Chorus’ director Libby Slade at eslade@ashland.edu or (419) 685-5460; or Community Band director Leonard Salvo at lsalvo@ashland.edu.

Community Band Plays Fathers Day Concert

Once again, the Guy C Myers Memorial Band Shell will present the Ashland Area Community Concert Band under the direction of Leonard Salvo for its annual Fathers Day Concert on Sunday, June 18 at 8 pm. The concert will include patriotic favorites, Highlights from My Fair Lady as well as guest clarinet soloist Tom Reed on Cavallini's Adagio and Tarantella Solo for Clarinet and Band. The concert is free and open to public with freewill donations accepted. Held rain or shine, call the rain site hotline at 419.281.3018 after 5 p.m. the day of the concert to see if it is relocated to Hugo Young Theatre.

Community Band Rehearsals Begin 9/13

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band under the direction of Leonard Salvo begins its twenty-fourth season with rehearsals on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.  AACCB is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Concert Band on Saturday, December 12.

Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. AACCB is open to all adults. Students still in high school may also participate with the permission of the ensemble's director.

A nominal membership fee of $25 is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Ashland Area Chorus & Community Concert Band Announce Fall Schedules

Two community music ensembles at Ashland University [Ashland Area Chorus (AAC) and Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB)] announce their fall schedules including rehearsals, concerts and membership requirements.

Beginning Monday, August 24, Ashland Area Chorus rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:45 p.m. in Room 242 of the Center for the Arts. Initially meeting on Tuesday, September 8, the Community Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

Entering its eighteenth season, the AAC is dedicated to a mission of learning great music and singing it beautifully. The chorus is open to all singers from Ashland and surrounding counties and includes Ashland University faculty, staff and students as well as other singers from the wider community. Though no formal audition is required for membership, AAC members must be pitch accurate (sing 'on key') and be able to learn and perform their parts successfully. Previous choral experience is helpful.

This fall, the chorus will participate with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra in "A Joyful Opening" of the new Robert M. & Janet L. Archer Auditorium on Saturday, September 12. The chorus will also perform in Ashland University's performance of Handel's Messiah on November 22, and at the annual Festival of Lights on December 13.

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins its twenty-third season and is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Concert Band on Saturday, December 12.

Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

Membership in AAC and AACCB is open to all adults. Students still in high school may also participate with the permission of the ensemble's director.  A nominal membership fee of $25 is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Variable Winds Band Concert, Sunday, May 3

Ashland University Department of Music concludes an eventful 2014-2015 academic year on Sunday, May 3, 4:00 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre with the annual Variable Winds Band Concert. The Ashland Area Community Concert Band under the direction of Leonard Salvo, and the Ashland University Concert Band directed by Kenneth Will will perform and senior Concert Band members will be recognized for their dedication and contribution to the AU Band program. Admission to the concert is complimentary and open to the public.

The Ashland Community Concert Band will open the concert with selections celebrating American tunes including the first three movements (Intrada, Chorale and March) of Clifton Williams' Symphonic Suite, Clare Grundman's American Folk Rhapsody No. 3, Samuel Hazo's Southern Hymn and Savannah River Rhapsody by Robert Sheldon.

After a brief intermission, the University Concert Band will perform a program of different cultures with a Amparito Roca, a Spanish pasodoble from  Jaime Texidor, Malcolm Arnold's Four Scottish Dances, Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre and conclude with Morton Gould's American Salute.

AU Instrumental Ensembles Offer a Variety of Free Concerts

The Department of Music at Ashland University is presenting four very different instrumental concerts the week after Thanksgiving which are all free and open to the public.  From two recitals each featuring multiple student chamber ensembles to the annual TubaChristmas and concluding with the Winter Festival Band Concert, music fans can enjoy live music performances all week.

Beginning on Tuesday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall, the first recital of the student chamber ensembles will present a clarinet trio under the direction of Dr. Thomas Reed, as well as brass, string and trumpet ensembles instructed by Michael Metcalf, Jane Reed and Gary Davis, respectively.   On Wednesday, December 3, the featured ensembles will include a saxophone quartet directed by Dr. Reed along with a Jazz combo and the percussion ensemble led by Jeff Neitzke.

With two concerts on Saturday, December 6, the day begins with the annual TubaChristmas at 11 a.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. Patrons are advised that the times for this year's event are one hour earlier than in previous years. The concert is free and open to the public and area tuba, euphonium and baritone players are invited to perform. Musician registration will begin at 9 a.m. followed by a rehearsal at 9:20 a.m.  The registration fee for participating musicians is $10 and includes a 2014 TubaChristmas button.  The TubaChristmas carol book is also available for $10.00. Musicians are asked to bring their own folding stand.

TubaChristmas is an idea conceived by Harvey Phillips, Professor of Tuba at Indiana University. Mr. Phillips wanted to demonstrate to the public what a beautiful sound a mass ensemble of tubas and euphoniums could make and to provide an opportunity for fellow low brass players to celebrate the season with the community. TubaChristmas is dedicated to the memory of Mr. William J. Bell.  It’s a fun, holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy.

On Saturday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre, the Winter Festival Band Concert will present the Ashland University Wind Ensemble directed by Ken Will, Ashland University Director of Bands, and the Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) under the direction of Leonard Salvo.

The 40-piece Ashland University Wind Ensemble is comprised of the outstanding wind and percussion players at the University and from the community.  The ensemble begins Saturday's concert with Ralph Vaughan Williams' "Flourish for Wind Band" followed by Percy Aldrige Grainger's "Irish Tune from County Derry" which is based on the Irish melody "Londonderry Air." The Wind Ensemble closes their portion of the program with Frank Ticheli's two movement piece "Cajun Folk Songs" featuring solo alto saxophone.

After a brief intermission, the 65-member Ashland Area Community Concert Band takes the stage. Established in 1993, the ensemble is designed for both university students and members of the Ashland community to continue their musical study and creative activity. The Community Band's program begins with the stirring opening fanfare, silver screen opulence and lush lyricism of Alfred Reed's "Alleluia!! Laudamus Te" followed by John Wasson's "Sea Song Fantasy" which is a medley of sea songs and chanteys, and "The Gallant 7th", a march by John Philip Sousa composed and dedicated to the 7th Regiment, 107th Infantry, of the New York National Guard. They conclude the program with two Christmas medley's including John Wasson's "In the Christmas Mood" and Warren Barker's "It's Christmas."

ASHLAND AREA CHORUS & COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND ANNOUNCE FALL SCHEDULES

Two community music ensembles at Ashland University [Ashland Area Chorus (AAC) and Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB)] announce their fall schedules including rehearsals, concerts and membership requirements.  Beginning Monday, August 18, Ashland Area Chorus rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:45 p.m. in Room 242 of the Center for the Arts. Initially meeting on Tuesday, September 2, the Community Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.
 
Entering its seventeenth season, the Ashland Area Chorus is a mixed choir of about 50 singers from Ashland and surrounding counties.  The fall semester’s repertoire will include pieces by Bernstein and Whitacre, several sixteenth-century madrigals, and arrangements of traditional carols.  The chorus will participate in the Ashland University Fall Concert, October 12, and the annual Festival of Lights on December 7. Though no formal audition is required for membership, AAC members must be pitch accurate (sing 'on key') and be able to learn and perform their parts successfully. Previous choral experience is helpful. 
 
The Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins its twenty-second season and is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Concert Band on Saturday, December 6. Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings. 

Membership in AAC and AACCB is open to all adults. Students still in high school may also participate with the permission of the ensemble's director.  A nominal membership fee of $25 is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester. For further information, contact the Chorus’ director Libby Slade at eslade@ashland.edu or (419) 685-5460; or Community Band director Leonard Salvo at 419-289-5132 or lsalvo@ashland.edu.

SALVO CELEBRATED AT FINAL UNIVERSITY BAND CONCERT AFTER 26 YEARS ON THE ASHLAND PODIUM

Ashland University Department of Music concludes an eventful 2013-2014 academic year and the 26-year tenure of Professor Leonard Salvo as Director of Bands on Sunday, May 4, 4:00 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre with the annual Variable Winds Band Concert. Under the direction of Salvo, the Ashland University Concert Band and Ashland Area Community Concert Band will perform a program including pieces of celebration and song along with an opportunity to recognize senior Concert Band members for their dedication and contribution to the AU Band program. Admission to the concert is complimentary, open to the public and is a wonderful opportunity to congratulate Mr. Salvo on his retirement. 

The concert begins with the Ashland Area Community Concert Band performing John Williams' Midway March which was composed for the classic World War II motion picture Midway, followed by James Curnow's Freedom Road which is a set of variations based on the spiritual "Follow the Drinkin' Gourd." The third piece, Shenandoah, is described by composer Frank Ticheli as the "mood ranges from quiet reflection, through growing optimism, to profound exaltation." The Community Band concludes its portion of the concert with Songs of Earth, Water, Fire and Sky by Robert W. Smith who drew upon authentic Native American dances and chants as inspiration. 

After a brief intermission, the Ashland University Concert Band begins their portion of the concert with James Curnow's Fanfare and Flourishes for a Festive Occasion which is based on Marc-Atoine Charpentier's "Te Deum."  The concert continues with Gustav Holst's Second Suite in F for Military Band performed in four movements.  The first movement is a march using several English folk tunes followed by the ballad Song Without Words for the second movement, and Song of the Blacksmith for the third.  The fourth and final movement, Fantasia on the Dargason, is based on an English country-dance tune with each section of the band exchanging the tune back and forth in variation.  The AU Concert Band will then perform Edwin Franko Goldman's The Chimes of Liberty, one of the great patriotic marches of our time; and conclude with Chorale and Shaker Dance including variations of the well known Shaker hymn, Simple Gifts.

Leonard Salvo has served as director of bands at Ashland University since 1988. During that time he grew the Eagle Marching Band from 17 members to 85, and founded the Ashland Area Community Concert Band. In addition to his work with the University concert band, wind ensemble, community concert band and marching band, he taught courses in conducting and music education.

Before coming to Ashland, he held positions at Indiana State University as assistant director of bands, and as assistant band director for the University of Toledo.  Mr. Salvo also spent 17 years in the public schools of Michigan. During that time, bands under his direction gained a national reputation through performances for the Mid-West International Band & Orchestra Clinic (Chicago), The Mid-East Conference on Instrumental Music (Pittsburgh), The Midwestern Conference on School Vocal and Instrumental Music (Ann Arbor) and the Eastern Michigan Contemporary Music Festival, Karel Husa composer/conductor (Ypsilanti, MI).  Ensembles under his direction have received critical acclaim from some of the nation’s most respected composers and conductors including Robert Page, Donald Erb, Anthony Iannaccone, Claude T. Smith, William D. Revelli, H. Robert Reynolds, John Whitwell, Harry Begian, Mark Kelly and Karel Husa.

With a Bachelor of Music Education from Eastern Michigan and a Master of Music degree from The University of Michigan, Mr. Salvo was also honored by The Music Department of Eastern Michigan University as an Outstanding Alumnus and was invited to serve as visiting lecturer and conductor. An active member several professional organizations he has twice been elected to serve as president of the Ohio Private College Instrumental Conductors Association. He takes an active role in campus life and has been recognized as the Outstanding Advisor for Student Organizations at Ashland University for his work with the Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity and university bands.  At the 2013 Ashland University Homecoming, Mr. Salvo was presented the honorary title of Kentucky Colonel by the State of Kentucky by former band members Jay & Kim Hartz as representatives of the State of Kentucky.  Commissions for Kentucky Colonels are given by the Kentucky Governor and the Secretary of State to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service to a community, state or the nation.

AU WIND ENSEMBLE & ASHLAND COMMUNITY BAND CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY SEASON & REFLECT ON DEC. 7

Under the direction of Leonard Salvo, Ashland University Director of Bands, the Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) and Ashland University Wind Ensemble present their annual Winter Festival Concert on Saturday, December 7, 7:30 p.m. at the University’s Hugo Young Theatre.  Featuring music celebrating the holiday season and reflecting on the events of December 7, the concert is free and open to the public.

The 40-piece Ashland University Wind Ensemble is comprised of the outstanding wind and percussion players at the University and from the community.  The ensemble begins Saturday's concert with Anthony Iannaccone's "Plymouth Trilogy" comprised of three contrasting movements including a saxophone solo, followed by Hymn of St. James by Reber Clark which is based on the hymn "Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence." The Wind Ensemble concludes their portion of the program with Leroy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride," one of the world's most popular pieces of Christmas music.

After a brief intermission, the 55-member Ashland Area Community Concert Band takes the stage. Established in 1993, the ensemble is designed for both university students and members of the Ashland community to continue their musical study and creative activity.  In 1995, it was recognized by Cleveland's WCLV FM as "one of Ohio's finest Community Concert Bands."  The Band begins their program with "Midway March" by John Williams followed by Claude T. Smith's arrangement of "God of Our Fathers."  The third piece of the program includes selections from Lionel Bart's delightful musicalOliver! including Consider Yourself, Where Is Love, I'd Do Anything and Who Will Buy. The Band will then perform Robert Palmer's "Overture on a Southern Hymn" which is based on one of the most popular Southern folk hymn tunes "Wondrous Love."  The concert concludes with Robert Sheldon's arrangement A Most Wonderful Christmas which includes Winter Wonderland, I'll Be Home for Christmas, Santa Claus Is Comin' to Town, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, and It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. 

ASHLAND AREA CHORUS AND COMMUNITY CONCERT BAND ANNOUNCE FALL SCHEDULES

Two community music ensembles at Ashland University, Ashland Area Chorus (AAC) and Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) announce their fall schedules including rehearsals, concerts and membership requirements.  Beginning August 19, Ashland Area Chorus rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:45 p.m. in Room 242 of the Center for the Arts (formerly the Arts and Humanities building). Initially meeting on Tuesday, September 3, the Community Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

Entering its sixteenth season, the Ashland Area Chorus is a non-auditioned mixed choir of about 65 singers from Ashland, Richland, Medina, Wayne, Holmes and Crawford Counties.  The fall semester’s repertoire will include pieces by Duruflé, Rachmaninoff and Rutter as well as a new arrangement of a traditional American hymn commissioned for the Chorus.  The Chorus will participate in the Ashland University fall concert, October 13, and the annual Festival of Lights on December 8. For membership, previous choral experience is helpful and encouraged. 

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins its twenty-first season and is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a concert at the Ashland County Fair on Tuesday, September 17, and a performance at the University with the Ashland University Concert Band on Saturday, December 7. Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

Membership to AAC and AACCB is open to anyone.  However, students still in high school must have permission by the ensemble's director.  A nominal membership fee of $25 is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester. The membership fee is payable through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/music. 

 

For further information, contact the Chorus’ new conductor Libby Slade at eslade@ashland.edu or (419) 685-5460; or Leonard Salvo, Director of Bands, at 419-289-5132 or lsalvo@ashland.edu.