“ We ’ re only as strong as our weakest link , so everyone has to practice to keep up . Everyone takes responsibility for the performance of the band .”
The West Hills Symphonic Band has challenged musicians and entertained members of the community since 1967 .
The band put on a special performance on March 5 , in the Montour High School auditorium to celebrate its 50th anniversary . The free concert included two pieces that were performed at the band ’ s premier concert at Montour in 1967 , including an Italian march , “ Alba Sentimentale ,” and the “ Washington Grays March .” Other pieces included music by Aaron Copeland and Duke Ellington .
“ This was a monster concert ,” says the band ’ s principal conductor Clem Rolin . “ We tried to pick some of the best literature to honor all those who were part of the band , and their families . We played some great stuff .”
The band had 57 members in 1967 , and currently has approximately 75 musicians who regularly perform . The West Hills Symphonic Band has a deep roster with waiting lists for several sections . It has long had a reputation for excellence . “ Some of the best players in town were in this band ,” says Rolin .
He feels that the band has remained popular throughout the decades because it ’ s inclusive . About half the members are professional musicians while the other half are amateurs . The band members span all ages and come from all walks of life , including students , a psychologist , a police officer and a bus driver . After Rolin took over in 2009 , he began giving the musicians pieces that engaged the professionals and challenged the amateurs .
“ We are not leaving anybody out ,” Rolin says . “ We find that perfect literature so everybody ’ s contributions are valued . That ’ s what keeps people coming back .”
Putting on challenging performances also creates a sense of ownership by each musician , he adds . The challenge uplifts the band members , the conductor and the audience .
“ We ’ re only as strong as our weakest link , so everyone has to practice to keep up ,” says Rolin . “ Everyone takes responsibility for the performance of the band .”
Although they work hard , the band members also like to have fun . “ There ’ s great camaraderie and we laugh at every rehearsal ,” notes Rolin . “ The trick to having a pleasurable experience with music , I believe , is to switch seamlessly from having a good laugh to complete focus . We try to maintain a positive atmosphere at rehearsal so that everyone enjoys coming .”
The band is also successful because the members love the music — not their egos .
“ Everyone is here for the music ,” Rolin says . “ No one is here for their own promotion . When you ’ ve got a group like that , you ’ ve got a winner .”
During the 1960s , the West Hills Symphonic Band reflected the strong Italian ethnic influence in the community . Now the band plays a wider variety of music , including jazz , marches , Broadway tunes , orchestral transcriptions , contemporary pieces and , on occasion , pop songs . The band also includes a German ensemble , a brass quartet and a Dixieland band .
“ Our biggest strength is our ability to play each style of music in character ,” Rolin says .
The band plays four indoor concerts between October and May each year throughout southwestern Pennsylvania , as well as five outdoor performances during the summer . Members rehearse together at West Allegheny High School for almost 12 hours to prepare for each concert . Rolin calls the Bach , Beethoven and Brunch show at Mellon Park one of his favorite events because as many as 2,000 people attend .
The band was also selected to perform at the American Concert Band Convention in Pittsburgh last year . More than 300 bands auditioned but only six were selected .
“ It was an honor to be accepted ,” Rolin says . “ There were people from all 50 states there .”
Although the West Hills Symphonic Band now competes with many other entertainment options , the band will continue to thrive for another 50 years , according to Rolin .
“ There will always be the need for a good ensemble where people can express themselves musically ,” he says . “ Civic community groups like ours are a big part of the American tradition of music .” n
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