By Donald A. Ungar (E-mail  - Donyal@aol.com)

     Music!  Music!  Music!   Wednesday night February 23, 2000,
seventy-eight musicians from all walks of life who are members of the Medina Community Band paid tribute to one of America's finest conductors, composers and musicians. The band members played music in the style of John Philip Sousa. The Medina Community Band under the baton of Marcus Neiman, presented music in the style of Mr. Sousa.  Conductor Marcus Neiman characterized the immortal Mr. Sousa by dressing in the same style of uniform as Mr. Sousa did when he conducted his bands. Beside Mr. Sousa's march "El Captain" that was written to recognize the end of the Spanish-American War. Tales of the Traveler written after a world tour which has a rag time melody in the third movement and called Easter Monday on the White House Lawn was performed. Other selections played by the band were Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Flashing Eyes of Andalusia. Perhaps the two selections that those in attendance liked most were Mr. Sousa's arrangement of "Marching Through Georgia" and America's most popular March, Our National March "The Stars and Stripes Forever.

      Marcus Neiman, as John Philip Sousa conducted the band in a salute to the men and women that are and were in the United States Armed Forces. As the song of the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy was played, Conductor Neiman saluted those members present, in a Sousa fashion.

       Music and songs were not limited to only John Philip Sousa selections. Mr. Sousa always featured soloists with his concerts and in keeping with the Sousa style, Solo Cornetist Marcia Nelson-Kine performed Jacques Offenbach's "American Eagle Waltz";  Euphonium Soloist Clayton VanDoren played a lively composition "Der Alte Brummbar" - translated - The old bear with a bad attitude.

        Another featured soloist is was a young lady with a violin. Julia began her studies at age three. Her studies have brought her into the line light of the music world. At age 13 and a student in the Medina School system, Julia has
performed full recital programs and honored those in attendance with her violin solo "Obertas Muzurka".

     Another high light of the evening was a little of Dixie. Vicki Smith on clarinet, Marcia Nelson-Kline on cornet, Lee Harper on trombone, Kyle Snyer of tuba and Bob Bux on drum set brought a dixie music to the hearts of all. The selection "At a  Dixieland Jazz Funeral" featured the soloists marching into the auditorium and playing the music of Dixie The applause was great and the smiles on the band members faces,  were worth seeing.

      If you missed the Medina Community Band Concert honoring John Philip Sousa and would like to be informed of other band activities, send your name and address to Marcus L. Neiman, PO Box 1451, Medina, Ohio 44258-1451.