What is the AOSFB, who makes up the staff, and how are members chosen?
The All-Ohio State Fair Band has been a featured attraction at the annual Ohio State Fair since 1925. Millions of fairgoers have experienced the thrill of hearing the band conclude each concert with an exciting performance of John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever.”
Participation in the All-Ohio State Fair Band is a unique musical and social experience. The 14-day experience offers valuable opportunity to perform more than 65 pieces of varied band literature including pieces that have appeared on the OMEA Large Group music list. Performances take place in numerous State Fair venues and include both traditional concert and marching concerts. The Band performs at The Ohio Statehouse on July 28.
The Band’s distinguished and experienced staff is comprised of musicians and educators who strive to provide an outstanding direction and supervision to each member. During their stay at the Ohio State Fair, members work with peers who share similar interests. These relationships develop into friendships that last a lifetime.
Individuals apply for membership in the All-Ohio State Fair Band through an online process at www.aosfb.com. Upon submission of the online application each parent/guardian will receive an email with a link to the parent consent form and each band director will receive an email and link to the recommendation form. The application period is from February 1 through March 30, 2020 and all parent and band director forms must be submitted online by April 10, 2020.
Membership is determined by student proficiency, instrumentation needs of the band, and geographical considerations. All instruments are needed, including oboe, bassoon, Sousaphone and French horn.
Participation in the All-Ohio State Fair Band is a unique musical and social experience. The 14-day experience offers valuable opportunity to perform more than 65 pieces of varied band literature including pieces that have appeared on the OMEA Large Group music list. Performances take place in numerous State Fair venues and include both traditional concert and marching concerts. The Band performs at The Ohio Statehouse on July 28.
The Band’s distinguished and experienced staff is comprised of musicians and educators who strive to provide an outstanding direction and supervision to each member. During their stay at the Ohio State Fair, members work with peers who share similar interests. These relationships develop into friendships that last a lifetime.
Individuals apply for membership in the All-Ohio State Fair Band through an online process at www.aosfb.com. Upon submission of the online application each parent/guardian will receive an email with a link to the parent consent form and each band director will receive an email and link to the recommendation form. The application period is from February 1 through March 30, 2020 and all parent and band director forms must be submitted online by April 10, 2020.
Membership is determined by student proficiency, instrumentation needs of the band, and geographical considerations. All instruments are needed, including oboe, bassoon, Sousaphone and French horn.
What are the dates for 2020?
Band members arrive beginning at 8:30 am on Saturday, July 25 at The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair in Columbus and are expected to participate through 5:30 pm on Saturday, August 8. There is an optional extra day for selected members on August 9.
Only those available for the entire range of dates from July 25-August 8 should apply.
Only those available for the entire range of dates from July 25-August 8 should apply.
Who can apply for the AOSFB?
Instrumentalists who are currently in the 9th - 11th grades are eligible to apply for membership.
Only 12th graders who were members of the AOSFB in 2019 may apply.
Each applicant must have the endorsement and recommendation of his/her school instrumental director and receive permission from a parent/guardian.
Only 12th graders who were members of the AOSFB in 2019 may apply.
Each applicant must have the endorsement and recommendation of his/her school instrumental director and receive permission from a parent/guardian.
How much does it cost and is there a membership fee?
- The only required costs to players are transportation to and from Columbus, uniform items purchased from the AOSFB which are approximately $125, owning all white tennis shoes and socks and any spending money.
- There are no membership fees.
- All meals and housing while in Columbus are paid for by the Ohio State Fair. Members are fed and housed in the Rhodes Center at The Ohio Expo Center & State Fair
- No instruments are furnished except large percussion.
- Limited financial assistance is available for those that apply and are qualified.
Is financial assistance and/or scholarships available?
A limited amount of financial assistance is available. Information about applying for assistance may be requested after being accepted in the AOSFB. There are a few questions that the applicant must answer to determine eligibility for assistance. The member must usually pay a minimum of $40-$50 for uniform items.
Three scholarship awards are available:
Three scholarship awards are available:
- Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame Scholarship for a member attending Ohio State this coming fall.
- The All-Ohio State Fair Band Alumni Association presented to a graduating member of the AOSFB.
- THe O'Lear Family Scholarship for someone attending the school of music at Youngstown State University.
Before going to the application be prepared to provide all of the information listed below on your online application.
Applications are available only online.
Accurate and active e-mail addresses for you, your parent/guardian
and your band director are essential.
Band members are expected to be at The Fair from July 25-August 8 to participate fully participate. We understand that emergencies arise.
We are flexible on the needs of members who may take no more than 24 hours away.
These arrangements and challenges should be mentioned during the application process and upon acceptance.
Applications are available only online.
Accurate and active e-mail addresses for you, your parent/guardian
and your band director are essential.
Band members are expected to be at The Fair from July 25-August 8 to participate fully participate. We understand that emergencies arise.
We are flexible on the needs of members who may take no more than 24 hours away.
These arrangements and challenges should be mentioned during the application process and upon acceptance.
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Information about you:
Name Date of birth Address Phone (1 number is required) e-mail (This is where all official application correspondence will be sent!) Grade in school at the time of completing the application Instrument: music experience music awards information about participation in OMEA solo & ensemble contest private music teacher (if applicable) instrumental proficiency Other interests, Alumni information (for those that have been members of the AOSFB) Family members who have been members of the AOSFB |
Information about your parent/guardian:
Name mail (A link to the consent form will be sent to this address, which must be different from your e-mail address.) Phone Address (if different from your address) Information about your school: School name Address Zip code Information about your school music director/teacher: Name e-mail (A link to the recommendation form will be sent to this address.) phone |
Limited financial assistance is available. Info available after members are accepted.
There are three Scholarship Awards available to current 12th graders
AOSFB Alumni Scholarship
Ohio State Fair Hall of Fame Scholarship for an individual attending Ohio State in Fall 2020
The O'Lear Family Musical Scholarship at Dana School of Music at Youngstown State
NEW member applicants will receive electronic & mailed status information by April 15
Returning member application process for 2020:
* Applications received by February 15 will be emailed their status by February 29.
* Applications received by March 1 will be emailed their status by March 15.
* Applications received by March 15 will be emailed their status by March 25.
If you have questions about the application or have challenges
Contact: Ed Gallagher, Director of Operations at E.Gallagher@expo.ohio.gov
