All-Ohio State Fair Band Omar P. Blackman Memory Page

In Memoriam Omar P. Blackman AOSFB Staff -  1955-1998 Director of the All-Ohio State Fair Band - 1970-1998

Omar P. Blackman Memory Page 2

It is with much sadness, that we announce the passing of Omar P. Blackman on Thursday, June 8, 2006. Mr. Blackman was Director of the All-Ohio State Fair Band from 1970 -1998 and served on the staff beginning in 1955.  It was under his leadership and dedication that thousands of young Ohioans experienced the All-Ohio State Fair Band.  The Alumni Association passes along condolences to his wife Millie, who has dedicated the last several years to his care. Funeral services were held on Monday, June 12 and Mr. Blackman was laid to rest at  Sunset Memorial Park in North Olmsted, Ohio. You may find the death notice from cleveland.com here. The obituary article from the  Plain Dealer may be found here. The Omar P. Blackman Scholarship Fund has been established with the AOSFB Alumni Association. Full information concerning the scholarship will be announced during the 2006 Ohio State Fair. Funds made payable to the AOSFB Alumni Association may be sent to: Omar P. Blackman Scholarship Fund AOSFB Alumni Association 8106 Parmenter Drive Parma, OH  44129 Please share you memories of Omar P. Blackman by emailing gallagher@aosfb.org. Please include your name, instrument and years you played at the Ohio State Fair.

Enjoy the many memories and messages about the many ways in which he touched the lives of many musicians, colleagues and friends.

Omar Blackman has been my hero, teacher, colleague, mentor and friend.  As a high school student, he was my Band Director, got me into the All-Ohio Boys' Band, and was my inspiration to pursue a career in Music Education.  As a Band Director in the Cleveland Schools, it was always a pleasure to work with Mr. Blackman on the All City Band staff, contests, conventions, and other projects.  He set the standard for all of us.  It was a "dream come true" when Omar asked me to join the staff of the All-Ohio State Fair Band.  It was an honor and privilege to serve this wonderful organization for 27 years and it truely was the highlight of my career.  I will never forget the influence Mr. Blackman had on my life and will be ever greatful for his guidance, advice, and friendship.  Thanks Omar! John Zipay Clarinet 1958-1961 Assistant Director Woodwinds 1976-2003

Well, I thought I would start by sharing a great memory.  I believe was '94.  He stepped up to the podium and all I could do was smile.  It was the beginning of "hell week as we called it.  Amazingly, after all of his years of directing AOSFB Omar announced that he had JUST learned that the first week was called "hell week" HA!  We all laughed so hard! Omar was so great!  He will be missed dearly! Jennifer Wendeln (Edwards) Trumpet 1993-1995 Buckey Brass 1995

I was a member of the '55-57 bands playing trombone and remember Omar well.  Omar was a kinds and gentle man and I admired him.  We will miss him. John E. Raile Trombone 1955-1957

Such a loss.  Kids now a days have no idea what a great man he was.  He really inspired me when I was in the Band and to this day he has made me a great leader at what I do.  Thanks Omar! Dana Motter Percussion 1987 - 1990

My sincere sympathies to the family of Omar Blackman.  I was privileged to be in his first Boys' Band.  He had a deep love for not only his work but for "his band kids."  He always made it fun!!  On Fair remembrance I had was the stage band, which I played drums in, played the WRFD tent.  Doc Lemon, one of their DJ's, always emceed the show at the etent.  We went to Omar and asked for our final parent's concert, if we could have Doc emcee for us.  He had no problems with it and even had some fu with us and Doc on stage.  A great man! I had the pleasure of taking a group of choir kids to the state fair about 10 years ago to perform.  The Band was playing ina tent near by.  He took the time to chat with me for a few minutes before the band had to leave.  The one thing I can say about Omar. . . his heart was larger than his stature. The world is saddened by his exit, but Heaven has been greatly improved by his entrance. Jeff Tincher John Marshall High School All-Ohio Boys' Band

Omar Blackman was a diligent and dedicated instrumental music teacher as evidenced by his remarkable success as director of bands at Collinwood, John Marshall, and St. Ignatius High Schools as well as the All-Ohio State Fair Band. Omar was highly esteemed and admired by his co-workers and left a lasting influence on his students. I have lost a dear friend and fellow musician. May I extend my warmest condolences to Milliw and his family. Joseph Lanese  from cleveland.com

Omar was a man who loved life and knew how to live life to its fullest.  I will miss his laugh and fantastic sense of humor.  He was a very special to our family. I'm sure many people will remember him fondly who were involved in the All-Ohio State Fair Band.  He gave his musical talents in many untold ways.  His faith carried him through to the end of life and left us an example of giving, loving and being all one can be. Uncle Omar, I love you. Sue McFarland from cleveland.com

Omar was a wonderful man, director, and leader.  He certainly made my years at the Ohio State Fair fun and exciting. Sande Haldiman, former Ohio State Fair staff member from cleveland.com

I was a French Hornplayer in the AOSFB from 1993-1995.  Two of my other brothers were in the Band at the same time.  I have since spent four years in the Air Force and six years in the Air National Guard.  I still find myself humming Armed Forces Salute to this day. One of my favorite memories of the the All-Ohio State Fair Band was one time when Omar got up on the podium to direct a concert on the Rhodes Center Lawn.  He raised his hands to start the first piece, but unbeknownst to him, the Band had a nother piece in mind.  I don't remember what piece we were supposed to play, but when Omar started to direct, there was a drum roll.  He looked down at his music with a look of "That is not right...." and then the Band proceeded to play the theme music of 20th Century Fox. What I remember most was next - his smile of gratification.  It had been a hot and rough day for him.  The song wasn't very long, but it sure made his day.  He was so happy, honored, and proud (and I believe humbled) that the Band honored him for the moment. The State Fair Band touches so many lives, and not just the players. That is what I learned that day. Mark Adler French Horn  1993-1995

I am deeply saddened by our loss.  Omar P. Blackman was one of the greatest influences on my life during my high school years and my years performing in the AOSFB.  Omar helped me to make one of the hardest decisions of my life and I have been forever grateful. I thank Mrs. Blackman and his family for letting the AOSFB have him for all of the years he gave to us. LaRea Buskirk-Grause Clarinet 1983-1985

I have thought of the AOSFB many times over the years.  The three years I spent in the Band were very rewarding.  I felt it was a great honor to represent my state at the Fair.  I will always remember those nights in the Rhodes Center and the long rehearsals.  I learned a lot of discipline and felt I did a lot of "growing-up" while I was there.  Thanks you Mr. Blackman. Lenny M. Shank Alto Sax 1975-1977

My heart goes out to Mrs. Blackman and all family and friend during this time of loss.  I greatly enjoyed my four years in the AOSFB and my time there would not have been the same without Omar P. Blackman's presence.  He was always such a joy to be around. Heather Patti AOSFB 1993-1996  from cleveland.com

I loved this man dearly.  He was a huge influence on my music.  All the years at John Marshall, Boys' Band and on the staff.  We had great times, ones I will never forget or would give up for anything.  Freon the week from hell to the two years of touring county fairs, Cotton Bowl Parade, and the Dixie Band that I had the pleasure of starting and kept going for the years I was on staff.  We had the honor of playing Schmidt's October Fest on the fairgrounds - what a blast. FRee Bahama Mamas and the beer.  The staff was a blast.  Omar would send us down to Root's Kitchen in the Rhodes Center at night to raid the fridge.  We ate great and the stories are too many to tell.  He will be missed greatly by everyone he crossed paths with.  I know I will. We love you Omar, Oh yes we do! Ray Varga Clarinet, sax, banjo John Marshll High School All-Ohio Boys' Band 1970-1972, Staff 1973-1977

To Mrs. "B" and Omar's whole family . . . as you already knew, there was a much bigger extended family of his.  I was lucky enough to have gone to JMH and AOBB under the direction of Omar.  What a guy . . . what a life . . . what a legacy . . .and remembered always. Steve Werner John Marshall High School All-Ohio Boy's Band 1973-1974      from cleveland.com

More to come.......