ASBB History
Founded in 1986, learn more about our rich 37-year history. Nominate a Student MusicianSupport Our Mission!Discover Our Enriching History
The All-Star Brass Bands have been an integral part of the music scene since their formation in 1986. Founded by the esteemed Dr. Eric Aho, a visionary Director and musician, our organization offers a one-of-a-kind rehearsal and performing experience for highly motivated and advanced brass and percussion students. Drawing inspiration from the time-honored tradition of British brass bands, Dr. Aho aimed to create an institution that exemplified the utmost standards of excellence, mirroring the renowned Brass Band of Columbus (BBC) where he held a pivotal position as a Charter member and principal euphonium since 1984.
When asked about his motivation for establishing the All-Star Brass Bands, Dr. Aho passionately expressed his mission to provide an unparalleled platform for brass and percussion musicians. He recognized a lack of opportunities for these talented individuals while acknowledging the abundance of options available to string musicians. Driven to create something real and exceptional, he embarked on this remarkable endeavor with unwavering determination.
Today, the All-Star Brass Bands stand as a testament to Dr. Aho’s enduring commitment to education and artistic excellence. We take pride in our rich history and continue to nurture and inspire the next generation of talented brass and percussion musicians. Join us on this extraordinary journey and unlock your true potential.
Additional Background & Facts:
In founding the All-Stars, Dr. Eric Aho established parameters that are still used today.
[torq_icon_list icon_size=”26px” icon_area_width=”36px” icon_area_height=”36px” icon_color=”#990000″ is_background=”off” _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_align=”left” text_text_color=”#000003″ text_font_size=”16px” text_line_height=”1.8em” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][torq_icon_list_child title=”Students involved in The All-Star Brass Bands must complete a nomination and audition process, whereby students accepted into the organization are placed in one of two or three bands, according to their performance level and age.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”Members are nominated by their school band director, private instructor, or a veteran All-Star member. All students must be members in good standing of their school band programs.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”The band members are generally in grades seven through twelve, although there have been a handful of talented sixth graders in past years.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”For thirty-seven years, approximately 80 to 100 students joined the All-Stars and the resulting impact on literally hundreds of students who might otherwise not have had the opportunity for such a high-level musical experience. There have always been a minimum of two bands per season.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”For some students, the ASBB Tour is their first trip away from Ohio. Whenever possible, the tour includes a college visit, too, and interaction with the music department at that institution.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”The All-Stars have drawn on over 340 Ohio schools (middle, junior, and senior high) for its members – having actively recruited band members from about 60 schools in 17 counties.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”Band members have come from as far away as Aurora to the North, Ironton to the South, West Chester to the West, and Zanesville to the East. At one time, one student commuted from Bradford close to the Indiana border.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”Some students and their parents invest in a three-hour commute to attend weekly rehearsals, performances, and other functions – these obligations are kept in balance with their academic commitments at school (homework, projects, etc.) and participating in their own school band programs that always take precedence over the All-Stars if a conflict ensues.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”Over the history of the organization, well over 2,000 students have been members.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”Some members return year after year to assist as staff members or special clinicians at our annual retreat.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”Most, if not all, All-Stars report that during their membership they made long-lasting friendships and had an opportunity to do something quite extraordinary that enhanced their school experience.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][torq_icon_list_child title=”In the 37-year history of the All-Stars, many All-Star Veterans have gone on to careers in music, participation in collegiate ensembles as non-music majors (including locally The Ohio State University Marching Band, The OSU Athletic Bands, and The OSU Wind Symphony), and participation in community and other brass programs beyond college. Several All-Star Veterans are members of the Brass Band of Columbus (BBC), Central Ohio Brass Band (COBB), and other organizations.” font_icon=”||fa||900″ _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”left” global_colors_info=”{}”][/torq_icon_list_child][/torq_icon_list]
Our Logos over time…
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The original All-Star logo, shown above left, can still be seen on some of our shirts.
Each year builds on the previous as we hold true to our mantra, “Celebrating Excellence.”
Our current logo seen in our website masthead was designed by Matt Adams, a former All-Star. Matt pursued a degree from Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) while he also managed to participate successfully in KL Row with TBDTBIL. Today, Matt is active with the TBDBITL Alumni Association and is the Creative Director for a local Advertising Agency.