Program Archive (1944-2011)
History of the Piqua Civic Band
The Piqua Elks Band (1932-1965)
The Piqua Elks Civic Band was founded in October 1932 by the Piqua Elks Lodge, BPOE No. 523. The band was organized and conducted by Piqua High School band director Mr. Phil Gates. Mr. Gates would go on to conduct the band from 1932 to 1944. After Mr. Gates retirement, Mr. Lee Sedgwick led the band until the end of World War II. At that time, Mr. Robert M. Hance, a longtime cornetist and founding member of the band returned from the Army to take leadership of the group. He would continue to conduct the band for the next 54 years.
The Piqua Elks Civic Band was very active both in Piqua, Ohio and abroad. In 1935, they were named National Elks Band Champions. The band also traveled to numerous Elks Conventions including one in Chicago in 1956. In 1946, the band broadcast a concert on WHIO Radio out of Dayton, Ohio. Dr. Frank Simon, renowned band director and Sousa Band cornet soloist, conducted the band in a benefit concert on April 1, 1949.
Over the years, the band performed in many locations around the Piqua area including the Piqua High School Auditorium and Mays Opera House. The band would find a more permanent home in the Chautauqua Pavillion in Piqua's Fountain Park. After the structure lost its roof in the Blizzard of 1978, the building was repaired and rededicated as Hance Pavilion.
The Piqua Civic Band (1965-Present)
In 1965, the Piqua Elks Civic Band was reorganized and became the Piqua Civic Band. Many members from the previous organization continued to play with the band and Mr. Hance remained the director. The band has continued to play concerts in Hance Pavilion on Thursday evenings in the summers and at Greene Street United Methodist Church at Christmas time.
Notable soloists with the band have included Mr. Vince DiMartino (trumpet), Mr. James Jeffryes (clarinet), Ms. Mary Woodbury (trumpet), Ms. Linda Landis (trombone), Mr. and Mrs. Joe and Linda Payne (tenor and soprano), Mrs. Mary Knapke (soprano), and Dr. David Sievers (tenor).
In 1999, Mr. Hance retired as director of the band and a series of guest conductors led the band until Mr. Brett Poling was named director in 2015.
Conductors of The Piqua Civic Band:
Mr. Robert M. Hance, Jr.- 1946-1999
Mr. Fred Roberts (associate conductor)- 1947-1970
Dr. Tom Kennedy- 2000-2004
Mr. Stewart King- 2000-2005
Rev. Phil Chilcote- 2000-present
Mr. John Slonaker- 2001-2005
Mr. Brett Poling- 2005-present
Mrs. Carolyn Christman- 2006-2008
Mr. Steve Roach- 2001-present
Dr. Kenneth Kohlenberg- 2006-present
Dr. David Booth- 2010-present