All-Ohio State Fair Band
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    • In Memoriam: Donald F. Santa-Emma
    • In Memoriam: Omar P. Blackman
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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.
Alumni of the.....
All-Ohio Boys' Band, All-Ohio Youth Symphony,
All-Ohio State Fair Girls' Band, All-Ohio State Fair Boys' Band,
and the All-Ohio State Fair Band
....click here!



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

Are you a vocalist looking for an Ohio State Fair musical experience?

Learn more about the All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir
Visit www.aosfyc.org

All-Ohio State Fair Band

PO Box 27
Bladensburg, Ohio 43005


Contact Us

Brian W. Dodd, Director
Edward P. Gallagher, Director of Operations
General Information - [email protected]

AOSFB Favorite Links

The Ohio State Fair
​All-Ohio State Fair Youth Choir
Learn more with the Columbus Dispatch
See & hear the AOSFB perform Stars & Stripes Forever
Picture
©2024 All-Ohio State Fair Band, Inc.  All rights reserved.  EOE-AA.
  • Home
  • Dates & Schedules
    • 24 Daily Schedules
  • News
  • Staff
  • Apply for the 2025 AOSFB
  • Photos & Videos
  • Fun Stuff
  • History
    • In Memoriam: Donald F. Santa-Emma
    • In Memoriam: Omar P. Blackman
    • In Memoriam: John A. Zipay
  • Supporters
  • Alumni
    • Alumni Day
  • Countdown to 2025