The Ohio Collegiate All-Stars

Historic Invitation from Dr. Aho for Previous Season

This is for reference until we have an updated invitation for this 2023-2024 season.

Dear All-Star Alumni,

I apologize for the impersonal salutation above but I can’t put each name on this email like I would like to do. Let’s get straight to the point: This letter is to tell you that I have heard your voice(s) over several years… asking for a ‘next step’, collegiate/adult level Brass Band opportunity. Now, it is time for me to deliver a response:

You asked for it… now you’re going to get it! I am proud, pleased, and excited to invite you to become a Charter Member of the Ohio Collegiate Brass Band! This is for all current Undergraduates, recent Graduates, Graduate students, and young adult types.

The first season is 10 weeks long… it will be intense… and satisfying!  The attachments explain the audition, rehearsal & performance details. I have included several hyperlinks to recordings of the music that we should consider. I know you will enjoy what you hear and it will certainly whet your appetite for that Brass Band sound and experience we love!

Do not worry about the audition: The audition is very doable for you. Even if you are not in as good of shape as you will be… you can easily send in a recording. Do not worry about the time commitment: See the schedule in the attachment. I think we can all live with its flexibility and perform at the level we expect. Do not worry about having the correct instrument: We have you covered! See, this is doable!

We have sent an invitation to all Ohio college and university brass and percussion professors to nominate their students to audition. However, we need your Brass Band experience and leadership to make this as successful as you and I have come to expect. And… you deserve dibs on this long-awaited opportunity! Being that this is our first season, I do not expect ‘huge’ participation from collegiate professors as they often play the ‘wait and see’ game. Unfortunately, this will deny their students the opportunity to be a Charter Member and possibly tie up a seat for the seasons to come. As always, I trust your judgment in who would make good members.  You know the special needs of the Brass Band animal. Please send the attached information to those you deem a good fit for solo and section chairs. Call them, encourage them, challenge them, carpool with them.

We are in this together.
Let’s do this.
Let’s do it well… (As we are known to do.)
I can’t wait to see you!

Dr. A

PS, And Lord, Prepare us for the Brass Band Butt-Kick’n we are about to receive!

Questions: email above; 614-562-4189 cell