Miami Trace High School student Jacob Cline has been selected for the honor of performing in the All Ohio State Fair Band this year.
Cline is one of three drum majors and will perform with the band every day at the Ohio State Fair this week and next week under the direction of Konner Bar, a former drum major for The Ohio State University Marching Band, and current drum major, Austin Bowman.
The All-Ohio State Fair Band was founded in 1925 and was known as the All-Ohio Boys’ State Fair Band. It was then, as is now, comprised of superior musicians from throughout the State of Ohio.
The founder and first director was Jack Wainwright (1925-1931) of Fostoria. He has been followed by four other directors: Louis E. Pete (1932-1966), Jack O. Evans (1967-1969), and Omar P. Blackman (1970-1998). Donald F. Santa-Emma (1999-2015), who retired after 17 years as director, held the position of Director Emeritus until he passed away in January of 2022. Current Director, Brian W. Dodd, is a 15-year member of the staff and is now in his sixth year as director of the AOSFB.
The members of the AOSFB annually arrive at the Rhodes Center near the end of July to begin several intense days of rehearsal. The talented musicians then take part in a rigorous pre-fair schedule where they rehearse over 60 pieces of concert music of various styles and genres as well as numerous marches. Throughout the run of The Ohio State Fair, the band members perform nearly 90 concerts while continuing a long-standing tradition of entertaining Ohio’s citizens.
Panther Nation is so incredibly proud of Jacob and his extraordinary accomplishment, according to Miami Trace Superintendent Kim Pittser. His dedication to his craft throughout the years has been impossible to ignore.
“What an awesome opportunity for Jacob. He serves as a true model of what it means to work hard and be dedicated to your interests or activities,” said Pittser.
