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.
Applications for the 2016 AOSFB were available online through March 31. The members of the 2016 AOSFB will arrive at the Rhodes Center on
July 23 to begin several intense days of rehearsal. The talented musicians will take part in a rigorous pre-fair schedule where they will rehearse
close to 60 pieces of concert music of various styles and genres as well as numerous marches. Throughout the 2016 Ohio State Fair the Band
members will perform nearly 90 concerts while continuing a long standing tradition of entertaining Ohio's citizens.
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), Omar P. Blackman (1970-1998) and Donald F. Santa-Emma (1999-2015), who has
retired after 17 years as director and 42 years on the staff. Brian W. Dodd, a ten-year member of the staff as Assistant Director, Percussion, was
named the ensemble's sixth Director in November.
Each year there are various new experiences for the Band - including rehearsing in the Buckeye Building in 2015 as well as the continuation of
numerous AOSFB traditions which included Ballyhoo-ing through the grounds, performances on the Rhodes Lawn and performances at the
Lausche Building and The Coliseum....as well as a concert in Ashland on August 6! It will be exciting to see all that 2016 brings to the AOSFB
with our new director, Brian W. Dodd.
superior musicians from throughout the State of Ohio.
Applications for the 2016 AOSFB were available online through March 31. The members of the 2016 AOSFB will arrive at the Rhodes Center on
July 23 to begin several intense days of rehearsal. The talented musicians will take part in a rigorous pre-fair schedule where they will rehearse
close to 60 pieces of concert music of various styles and genres as well as numerous marches. Throughout the 2016 Ohio State Fair the Band
members will perform nearly 90 concerts while continuing a long standing tradition of entertaining Ohio's citizens.
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), Omar P. Blackman (1970-1998) and Donald F. Santa-Emma (1999-2015), who has
retired after 17 years as director and 42 years on the staff. Brian W. Dodd, a ten-year member of the staff as Assistant Director, Percussion, was
named the ensemble's sixth Director in November.
Each year there are various new experiences for the Band - including rehearsing in the Buckeye Building in 2015 as well as the continuation of
numerous AOSFB traditions which included Ballyhoo-ing through the grounds, performances on the Rhodes Lawn and performances at the
Lausche Building and The Coliseum....as well as a concert in Ashland on August 6! It will be exciting to see all that 2016 brings to the AOSFB
with our new director, Brian W. Dodd.
| AOSFB Favorite Links |
| EMAIL Contacts Brian W. Dodd, Director of AOSFB Edward P. Gallagher Director of Operations AOSFB Alumni General Information |
| - EOE - |
Are you a vocalist looking for an Ohio State Fair musical experience? Learn more about the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir by visiting aosfyc.org |
| Brian W. Dodd, Director |
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