Perfect evenings with the Bay Village Community Band

A perfect evening at Cahoon Park with the Bay Villge Community Band. Photo by Denny Wendell

Why do we love Bay Village? One reason is because it offers a delicious small-town atmosphere, especially during the summer months.

Picture this perfect Sunday evening in Cahoon Park: The lake breeze is picking up and blowing through the slats of your reclined lawn chair. The sky is turning different shades of gold and rose and people are beginning to arrive around you, exchanging pleasantries and spreading out their picnic blankets on the grass. You close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you – birds chirp, the leaves rustle, children laugh, and suddenly there’s music. You chuckle under your breath because the scene unfolding in front of you is just too perfect.

In Bay Village, this magical evening happens on a monthly basis from June through September. And it’s all made possible with the Bay Village Community Band, which has been providing free community concerts since 1978. Mayor James Cowles wanted a hometown band and enlisted the help of Roland Hosmer, a retired Bay Village band director, to get the group started. 

Tom Hill took over co-directorship shortly after the band’s formation and eventually became the director in 1986. He still plays trumpet in the BVCB and takes an active role by leading the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of each concert and directing “Stars and Stripes Forever” as Director Emeritus at the end. It’s not unusual to see children running towards the gazebo as soon as the first few notes of the “Stars and Stripes” are played.

The next gazebo concert will take place on Sunday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. and will feature a big band theme. The final outdoor concert of the 2014 season is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14, at 6 p.m. During the colder months, the Band performs monthly at 7:30 p.m. in the Bay Middle School Cafetorium.

The Band is comprised of more than 60 volunteer musicians, ranging in age from 13 to 86. The repertoire varies widely and includes marches, patriotic songs, overtures, show tunes, big band, oldies and popular favorites. BVCB is currently under the direction of Mr. Timothy Stohs and is assisted by Mr. David Hager. Our directors are committed to helping musicians of all levels to improve their skills in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere. With your voluntary financial support, BVCB is able to perform free concert concerts, which provide musical experiences and playing opportunities to music-lovers and listeners of all ages.

On Thursday, July 24, at 7:30 p.m., BVCB and Huntington Playhouse will present a benefit performance of the musical “Catch Me If You Can.” This event is the primary fundraiser for the Band and proceeds will support programming for the 2015 season. A pre-show reception beginning at 6:30 p.m. is included in the ticket price of $20 in advance ($25 at the door) and may be purchased from Jim or Teresa Brewer (440-835-2164), any Band member, or at bvcb.org.

While the band is not playing during this benefit performance, we encourage you to join us for this entertaining evening!

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Volume 6, Issue 14, Posted 10:59 AM, 07.08.2014