| The band was organized in 1989 to entertain the Van Wert
community with marching band music. The band's originator was Herman "Larry"
Stittsworth (now deceased). The first performance by the band was the Fourth
of July Parade in Van Wert Ohio. During the first year, the band also
marched at a Van Wert High School football game. The band has also marched
at the opening day ceremonies at the Van Wert County Fair, surrounding
community parades, the Peony Festival parade and the Celina Lake Festival
Parade.
The
purpose of the Van Wert Area Marching Band is to provide an outlet for
adults who want to continue learning music and use their musical talents
after their formal education. We have found that many times, the ability to
play in an organized musical group is lost after high school or college. The
difficulty is not due to lack of interest, talent, or enthusiasm; but merely
a lack of outlets in which to express the love of music. Another purpose of
the band is to play a variety of music that will entertain all ages within
the surrounding communities.
The band currently marches in several area parades. They prepare for parades by conducting rehersals in May and early June where music and marching is learned and rehearsed. The Peony Festival
Parade in Van Wert, Ohio, held the first Saturday in June, is the band's first major
performance. The Fourth of July Parade in Van Wert, Ohio is the band's second performance followed by other area parades when scheduled.
The band has seven (7) members on the Board of Trustees, which meet
regularly to conduct organizational business relating to choosing music,
uniforms, events, practice location, promotion of the band, sponsors,
membership recruitment and financing.
The band performs exclusively for charitable and educational purposes for
advancing the knowledge and appreciation of the performing art of Music.
Van Wert Area Marching Band
vwamb@wcoil.com |