The Lima Area Concert Band of Lima, Ohio, performs to entertain its audience while elevating musical tastes and instilling a sense of patriotism in the tradition of John Philip Sousa.

The band was formed in 1972 by the late Gail F. Woolley, Sr. It is composed of musicians from Lima and surrounding communities who come from all walks of life and share the desire to perform and promote the very best in band music. The band performs a wide variety of music ranging from band arrangements of classical pieces to hits from the latest movies, from Big Band to Broadway, and, of course, marches by John Philip Sousa.

Each year, the Concert Band performs a series of three subscription concerts at the 1,800-seat Crouse Performance Hall of the Lima-Allen Co. Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center. The band also performs throughout the summer in surrounding communities and at events such as the Lima Concert in the Park series, Square Fair, Pops at the Loco, and the Allen County Fair.

John Hill has been conductor of the band since 1983, when he succeeded Gail Woolley. John has a Bachelor of Music degree from Bowling Green State University. Under his direction the band has become a leader in the performing arts in the Lima area.

The band sponsors the Gail F. Woolley Memorial Scholarship in memory of its founder. The award is given annually to a high school senior who displays excellence in musical performance and plans to continue playing or performing while pursuing a college degree.

In 1976, the bicentennial year, the first “Tribute to Sousa” concert was performed with Chicago musician, Roger Pemberton, as guest soloist. From that came the subscription concert series which has hosted such guest artists as Josef Firszt, Ed Shaugnessy, Edwin Betts, Gene Wollenhaupt, Harvey Phillips, The Brass Roots, Bill Watrous, the Tintamarre Chamber Ensemble and others.

This site was last updated November 04, 2000