State Fair Band
Inauguration of Gov. Ted Strickland & Lt. Gov. Lee Fisher
The 100 members of the Band took part in a brief and productive rehearsal where they revisited AOSFB march standards. The Rhodes Center was unavailable for rehearsal as the space was being used for an Inaugural Ball - so the band met in the DiSalle Center.
The Official Swearing-In Ceremony was rain soaked with many of the attendees ankle deep in mud on the Ohio Statehouse Lawn. The Band was positioned on the steps with the woodwinds taking shelter between the large granite pillars of the building.
This event was much different than the last Taft Inauguration that was forced inside due to inclement weather and permitted only 45 band members to participate. The Band has also participated in the ceremonies of George Voinovich and Richard Celeste. Both of those events were held outside on typical January days in Ohio - very, very cold and snowy.
Many thanks to Mr. Santa-Emma for all of his efforts in coordinating the event with State Fair and Inauguration personnel. A round of applause goes to Jim "TANK" Esswein for getting all of the music, raincoats, and space ready for the event. Also, we appreciate staff members Luiz Coehlo, Ed Gallagher, Lisa Gallagher, Norm Maneri, NIck Quallich, Jennifer Radwan, and Melissa Spangler for volunteering their time along with Band Alum and supporter Dr. Robert Gardner for assisting throughout the day.
A tip of the hat goes to The Ohio State University Marching Band for lending the raincoats. They assisted in providing a uniformed look and were so helpful in the rain.
Enjoy the pictures and start counting the days until the 2007 State Fair!
