5-18-2025 12:43am

THE BAND PLAYS ON: SOUTHWESTERN OHIO SYMPHONIC BAND

Beth Callahan Editor

MASON, OH -- Recently, I had the fun of going to see the Southwestern Symphonic Band in concert at Mason Middle School. The Band isn’t the run of the mill “pop” or stadium band- no siree—this is 70 members strong... and they play everything!

In this concert, there was band music like the Armed Forces Salut; “POPS” music like the Henry Mancini tribute; and “Classical” with pieces by Holst , Strauss and Respighi. Something for everyone. Not only was the concert balanced, but it wasn’t overly long. It began at 2:30 and was out around 3:30 with an intermission. Good length for families and seniors.

The tradition of the Symphonic Band, in this part of the country, goes back to the last century when Frank Simon, an Assistant Conductor to John Phillp Sousa started what would become the famous ARMCO Band with workers and friends of Armco Steel in Middletown. This Band, which went through the 1930’s, played concerts in the area, and were on WLW Radio and NBC Radio.

It was disbanded for many years. But, then in 1967, it was reorganized through Miami University again as a “symphonic band” as it is today. The Band members come from all over the area, Cincinnati, Dayton, Hamilton etc. Many of the band members are current or retired professional musicians or music educators, although talented music students are also in the band.

Concerts are played in Butler and Warren Counties and are FREE. Parking is FREE. SWOSB is supported by donations and band members pay as well.

As I was writing this story, I recalled that when my Uncle, Chris Christensen first came to Cincinnati, he played with the ARMCO Band and was a lasting friend of Frank Simon’s. (Uncle Chris would later become an orchestra/band leader himself having a radio program on WCKY, an orchestra agency and as a local consultant on jazz and band music. I have posted a picture of Uncle Chris in his band uniform and “clowning “ with a big bass drum.

The Southwestern Ohio Symphonic band is certainly worth putting on your calendar in the coming months. Their next concert will be at Keehner Park (West Chester) June 7 at 7 pm. It is also FREE.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring children, as well as those who love music and want to attend something in the local area. I know for sure we will be attending more of these concerts!

For more information: https://www.sosband.org/ or Southwestern Ohio Symphonic Band on Facebook.