About
The Canfield Community Concert Band is an all-volunteer band open to musicians of all ages and abilities from the entire Mahoning Valley. Rehearsals are Tuesday evening from 7-9 pm at Canfield High School.
The band first performed as a marching band with 12 members for the Bicentennial Parade in Canfield, Ohio in 1976. The band continued to march in Canfield’s Fourth of July Parade through the 1980’s. In later years, the band made their appearance in the annual parade on a flat-bed truck. Since 2006, the band, which has grown to an average of 52 performers, limits itself to concert performances. The band carries on the fine tradition begun by Harry Faucett who formed the band, acted as band manager, and was the only remaining charter member when he passed away in December of 2005.
Paul Rossi was the band’s first director. He was followed by Arthur Horvath, Alex Simion, John McCormick, Sal Lovano, Ed Schlegel, Jr., Eric Keylor, Anthony Cebriak, and Brian Harris. The current director is Eric Bable.
Focusing their attention on music of many styles and genres, the band performs free summer concerts for the public. Venues for the band performances have included the Canfield Village Green, Austintown Township Park, Firestone Park in Columbiana, Morley Pavilion, and Buhl Park in Sharon. The band also has provided musical entertainment for residents and friends at the health care facilities of Shepherd of the Valley, Assumption Village, Copeland Oaks, and Park Vista. The band’s performance history further encompasses Special Olympics opening ceremonies, Salem Veterans Memorial dedication, Salem Jubilee Parade, the arrival of Santa Claus in Canfield, and Operation Blessing.
A memorable event in the band’s performance history took place in August of 2008 with the Austin Pipe Organ Concert featuring composer and organist Thomas Pavlechko at the Calvary Baptist Church in Boardman. The band premiered an original composition by Mr. Pavlechko entitled Solemn Procession. A professional recording was made of the evening’s special performance.
The Canfield Community Band is not limited to musicians from Canfield. Band members also come from the communities of Salem, East Palestine, Columbiana, Girard, Austintown, Boardman, Poland, Niles, Youngstown, Rogers, Howland, Liberty, North Lima, and Louisville.
Along with coming from different localities, band members also represent a wide range of ages and occupations. The younger members of the band are students attending schools in the neighboring communities of Canfield, Austintown, Boardman, and North Jackson. Current adult members, some of whom are enjoying retirement, include business owners, medical personnel, homemakers, autoworkers, retail sales personnel, educators, technology specialists, ministers, financial advisors, and---band directors.