Local band spreads joy through the power of music
by Laura Bednar
Even after 55 years, the Cuyahoga Valley Concert Band hasn’t lost its passion for music and the community members who enjoy its performances.
The band started in 1969 as the Bedford Concert Band to offer seniors the chance to see live music. The goal is still true today, as most of the performances are for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Sagamore Hills resident Joe Blasko joined in 1988, and after the band needed to find a new rehearsal space, he led them to the Northfield Baptist Church on W. Aurora Road.
Polly Strong, a Sagamore resident and church member, knew Blasko from the neighborhood and got permission from the church for the band to practice in its community center. On Monday nights, musicians can be found rehearsing seasonal tunes from spring through fall and holiday-themed music in the winter.
Along with the move came a name change to reflect where members were coming from and the new location.
“The church likes to serve the community any way we can,” said Strong. In return, Cuyahoga Valley Concert Band performs for church members annually at the summer and/or Christmas festivals.
Director Ed Wiles of Hudson said the band includes 26 musicians ranging in age from 30 to 80, with the occasional high school student. Some members are retired, others come straight from work to rehearsals or performances. Over a dozen cities are represented in the band: Sagamore Hills, Aurora, Hudson, Macedonia, Twinsburg, Seven Hills, Stow, Bedford Heights and more.
Wiles has been the conductor for six years, since the previous director retired. Band member and Sagamore resident Jim Virost said Wiles was a substitute director and the group asked him to take on the role. Wiles has two masters degrees in conducting and church music. He plays the trumpet, piano and is a church organist. “We are lucky to have him,” said Virost.
Director is the only paid position in the group. The musicians are volunteers, and the group is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Virost said the group is funded through performance fees and donations.
Virost said the band aims to have roughly 25 to 30 people, as most of the venues cannot accommodate larger bands. Though the pandemic halted band activity due to health restrictions and shuttered venues, the musicians returned to playing with the same zeal as before.
Early in their return, the band performed outdoor gigs, and musicians had masks and instrument covers as an added safety precaution.
“We are excited to be playing again,” said Wiles. “We are stronger than ever.”
Sagamore residents Dale and Debbie Hassing have been part of the group for over 20 years. Both have played in other community bands and continue that involvement today.
“Playing keeps you young and it’s a nice, friendly group,” said Debbie, a clarinet player.
Dale said playing drums in bands has been a lifelong goal. He has played since high school, starting by drumming along to Big Band music. “It’s exercise,” he said. “I learned these people [musicians] keep going.”
In addition to performances in nursing homes, the group plays at outdoor events such as the Bedford Strawberry Festival.
Cuyahoga Valley Concert Band plays approximately 10 to 12 times a year and interchanges 16 pieces of music for their performances. Virost, a band manager, said the music is chosen based on inventory and audience interest. The pieces are geared toward a mostly senior audience.
“We choose music that is identifiable and relatable,” he said. The outdoor concerts have a more diverse audience, so Wiles said the band includes tunes that are more accessible and traditional.
Blasko added that band leaders “like to challenge the band” with an occasional classical piece. This year’s theme is “Shake, Rattle and Swing,” a combination of marches, Americana, patriotic tunes, jazz and the ’50s. Some titles include “What a Wonderful World,” “Hound Dog,” “The Entertainer” and “Sweet Caroline.”
Sagamore resident Debbie Thomas, band librarian and booking agent, said it is an honor to contribute to the local community. “When we play at venues, I enjoy seeing we’ve affected and made an impression on someone’s day,” she said.
Blasko echoed this sentiment, saying, “The whole band feels that way, it’s our mission.”
Sagamore Hills residents (l-r) Jim Virost, Dale and Debbie Hassing, Bob Pike, Joe Blasko, Debbie Thomas and Bob Rateno are all members of the Cuyahoga Valley Concert Band. Photo by Laura Bednar.
Wiles said the audiences respond well and are encouraged to clap along, dance or participate in any way they are able.
He said most performances are in southern Cuyahoga County or northern Summit County, though the band is willing to travel. Wiles said the band takes jobs people invite them to take and has often returned to the same places over the years. “All [places] have a different character,” he said.
The band has played at Brentwood Healthcare Center on W. Aurora Road for many years. Brentwood representative Shelby Cramer said the center tries to schedule the band whenever it is available because it is in demand by the residents.
“Hosting live music and interactive events at our facility not only brings enjoyment and happiness to our residents but also provides the opportunity to gather as a group and socialize with other residents,” she said. “It helps stimulate their memories and prompt them to reminisce on their lives and share stories about happy times.”
Those interested in joining the band can email cuyahogavalleyconcertband@gmail.com or call Debbie Thomas at 330-322-3244. ∞
Dale Hassing (on drums) practices with
the band at Northfield Baptist Church.
Photo by Laura Bednar.
On our cover (photo): The Cuyahoga Valley Concert Band celebrates its 55th year with a program featuring Americana, jazz, ’50s and patriotic tunes. Many Sagamore residents are members of the band, which rehearses at Northfield Baptist Church. Photo by Laura Bednar.