A Century of Musical Excellence
The All-Ohio State Fair Band was founded in 1925 and was known as the All-Ohio Boys' State Fair Band. It was then, as is now, comprised of superior musicians from throughout the State of Ohio. The founder and first director was Jack Wainwright (1925-1931) of Fostoria. He has been followed by four other directors: Louis E. Pete (1932-1966), Jack O. Evans (1967-1969), and Omar P. Blackman (1970-1998). Donald F. Santa-Emma served as Director from 1999-2015 and Director Emeritus 2016-2022. Current Director, Brian W. Dodd, completed his 17th year on the staff in 2024 and celebrates 10 years as Director of the AOSFB in 2025.
The members of the AOSFB annually arrive at the Rhodes Center near the end of July to begin several intense days of rehearsal. The talented musicians then take part in a rigorous pre-fair schedule where they rehearse over 60 pieces of concert music of various styles and genres as well as numerous marches. Throughout the run of The Ohio State Fair the Band members perform nearly 90 concerts while continuing a long-standing tradition of entertaining Ohio's citizens.
Check out the 2024 AOSFB video and 2023 Band & Choir Highlight Slide Show.
Email [email protected] if you have any questions about the AOSFB Experience.
The All-Ohio State Fair Band was founded in 1925 and was known as the All-Ohio Boys' State Fair Band. It was then, as is now, comprised of superior musicians from throughout the State of Ohio. The founder and first director was Jack Wainwright (1925-1931) of Fostoria. He has been followed by four other directors: Louis E. Pete (1932-1966), Jack O. Evans (1967-1969), and Omar P. Blackman (1970-1998). Donald F. Santa-Emma served as Director from 1999-2015 and Director Emeritus 2016-2022. Current Director, Brian W. Dodd, completed his 17th year on the staff in 2024 and celebrates 10 years as Director of the AOSFB in 2025.
The members of the AOSFB annually arrive at the Rhodes Center near the end of July to begin several intense days of rehearsal. The talented musicians then take part in a rigorous pre-fair schedule where they rehearse over 60 pieces of concert music of various styles and genres as well as numerous marches. Throughout the run of The Ohio State Fair the Band members perform nearly 90 concerts while continuing a long-standing tradition of entertaining Ohio's citizens.
Check out the 2024 AOSFB video and 2023 Band & Choir Highlight Slide Show.
Email [email protected] if you have any questions about the AOSFB Experience.
These kids come in and maybe they don’t know each other, but they can make music together and that’s something they have in common. Their musical skills improve, and their leadership skills improve, and then they go back to their home high schools just better players and better leaders.
Brian W. Dodd, director
from Farm and Dairy, "Part of a legacy: Dodd named band director for All-Ohio State Fair Band," June 24, 2016
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