Scottdale Concert Band: Still going strong after more than 20 years

The Scottdale Concert Band might be the best-kept secret in local musical entertainment.

Starting in 1982, the local band has gathered talent from Allegheny, Westmoreland, Fayette and Greene counties to put on exceptional concerts at local venues throughout the summer as well as holiday concerts around Christmas and Easter.

The band recently wrapped up its concerts for the year.

Rhonda Allison said the band was formed after she approached fellow musician Albert Shirer of the Connellsville area about starting a local concert band.

"At the time I was a part of the concert band in Delmont, but I was expecting my son (now 29 years old) and just couldn't continue to travel to Delmont," she said. "I started badgering Albert (Shirer) about the need for a band here in this area."

They decided to give it a go, and not long after recruited several area musicians to put together the band.

There have been several directors of the band over the years, but today the band is under the direction of Warren Shirer, the son of one of the founders.

Warren Shirer said there have been years when participation has been slim, and there's been years when participation has been great.

Lisa Menear of Greene County along with her husband Bob and son Chris are band members.

"There is a very small band program at Mapletown High School (in the Southeastern Greene School District), and we really wanted our son to have an organized place to play that would also offer challenging pieces," said Lisa Menear.

Fran Galasso of Allegheny County said she began playing her clarinet 70 years ago at the age of 10.

"I was born and raised in Connellsville with a musical family, and all five of my kids play instruments," she said. "I became part of the band in Delmont because it was close to home where I live now, but I also heard of this band and decided to be part of it as well."

She added that she participated simply because she "loves it."

"I love the camaraderie of all the people," Galasso said.

Warren Shirer said the band has not ever really been in danger of folding, but funds to operate are always needed.

The band has been helped financially with a donation from the Scottdale Bank and Trust.

"While we don't have a lot of expenses since band members provide their own instruments and transportation to and from the different venues, we still have to pay for all the music," he said. "We've also invested in a drum set over the years as well a sound system in case we have someone singing along with the band."

The band is happy to have new members and accepts everyone willing to play from high school age on up.

The band practices the first Tuesday of every month from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church on Market Street in Scottdale.

"We don't turn anyone away," Shirer said. "We try to make it as stressless and enjoyable as possible."