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Band needed at All-American
Published on Thursday, Jul 02, 2009
Beacon Journal staff report
The All-American Soap Box Derby has run into a roadblock in trying to find a high school band to play during derby week this month.
General Manager Jeff Iula said he has called about five high schools and found that the bands were booked or that administrators didn't want to pay the transportation to bring the musicians to the event.
''This is the most challenge we've ever had'' finding a band, said Iula, who is the historian for the gravity-racing event.
Iula is looking for a band with about 25 members to play at two events during derby week. The first obligation is when about 585 champions will arrive in Akron for the 72nd national championship.
The band will welcome the champions from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 20 at Canal Park, a ceremony in which participants are escorted by police to a public introduction.
The band also would provide about a half-hour of music at the start of race day at 8:30 a.m. July 25 at Derby Downs.
Iula said the band does not have to be from an Akron school.
The derby will give a donation to the district as payment for the band donating its time.
For more information, contact Iula at 330-733-8723 or jeff@aasbd.org.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Stow, OH
Posted 06:06 AM, 07/02/2009
I remember when being chosen as the high school band for the Derby was a big deal. This years conundrum is an interesting commentary on how the event has evolved over the years until the Derby has not found a band willing to participate less than one month from the need. Part of the problem could be it's July and high school band kids and directors are not working. My guess is that they cannot realistically cancel summer plans and jobs to regroup in July to learn music and routines for the Derby. The normal time for band to get back together is August for band camps in preparation for the football marching season. The Derby is not the big deal it used to be when Chevrolet was pouring in the money and before the 1973(?) magnet-in-the-car's-nose-scandal made it clear that adults had co-opted the event from kids.
Posted 06:57 AM, 07/02/2009
come on Akron Public Schools ban directors--now is the time to show your stuff. Being a member of the All-American Soap Box Derby Parade and festivities used to really mnean a lot to the kids in the bands and to their schools. It is a pity that so many schools in the area can't find time to practice and make an effort to get out and strut their stuff and show everyone that they are proud to be a band member and that their schools have the best talent and best directors. Make Akron proud to be touted aroudn the world as "THE HOME OF THE ALL-AMERICAN SOAP BOX DERBY'. Way back in the 50's when it was the thing to write to servicemen and women as your pen-pal--I was always to say I was from Akron, Oh--home of the All American Soap Box Derby--bring that pride back. It is a shame that there is no local sponsor to pick up the banner and sponsor the Derby--how about it--Goodyear or Bridgestone!!! One other thought--girls do not belong in the same category as the boys--let them race in their own derby and then if they really want to show off their talensts(I really doubt that either boys or girls build those sleep derby cars by themselves) then have a race between the girl & boy winners.
Lakemore, Oh
Posted 07:55 AM, 07/02/2009
Funny..I had the same problem trying to get a band to play the Three Rivers Outboard Racing Association's Opening Ceremonies for Rock the Docks. Its what--a mile from the school for half an hour?
With over 30 Regional Rock/Country/Blues/Jazz/Soul bands playing the festival, I finally asked Robin Stone to do the honors. Robin is the 2009 Scene Magazine Female Singer of the Year. Robin is happy to help with both our National Anthem and the Canadian National Anthem.
Something you may want to consider---an alternative.
