About Us
Why BBWR
Performance & Community Since 1997
“I just want to let you know how much my mom and I thoroughly enjoyed the BBWR performance on Saturday. It was phenomenal!!!”
“I knew the concert would be wonderful but it far exceeded my expectations.”
“Last evening my wife and I attended the BBWR performance. WOW! We loved every minute”
Who We Are
Formed in 1997, the Brass Band of the Western Reserve is an award-winning British-style brass band performing a wide variety of music at the highest possible standard of performance and, in so doing, creating an enjoyable experience for its audience. The band is able to perform impressively across a wide spectrum of emotions whether the music is quiet and delicate or strong and powerful.
Led by conductor Jay Wardeska, the band presents an annual Concert Series at the Medina Performing Arts Center. Additionally, the band is delighted to accept many of the invitations it receives to perform at other locations, many of which are repeat bookings. Prestigious concert venues have included The Amphitheater, Chautauqua Institution, Hoover Auditorium, Lakeside Chautauqua and Severance Hall, Cleveland.
What We Do
Passionate, Entertaining, invigorating, Epic!
Major Emphasis
The major emphasis of BBWR’s activities is the presentation of dynamic concerts, taking the vibrant brass band sound and a wide variety of repertoire to its enthusiastic audiences.
Membership
Membership of the band is by audition. Membership in the band is comprised of a wide variety of professions. Rehearsals are held at North Springsfield Presbyterian Church, Akron.
Recordings
The band has recorded a number of popular CDs. Its most recent one, A Celebration Of Christmas, recorded in the Summer of 2018, received an extremely complimentary review in The British Bandsman, a magazine with an international circulation.
Touring
In addition to our home concert series, the band is delighted to play numerous concerts within Ohio. Interested in booking the band? Click the button below.
Our Story
1997
Established
The band held its first reading session August 14, 1997 at a church in Ellet Ohio led by now Music Director Emeritus Keith Wilkinson. With lots of enthusiasm, regular weekly rehearsals began in September that year.
1998
First Concert
Originally known as the Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band, the band held its first concert April 4, 1998 at The First Congregational Church of Akron
1998
First NABBA Performance
The Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band attends the North American Brass Band Association Championship for the first time. Participating in the Challenge Section, the band placed 3rd out of 9 competing bands.
2000
Championship Section NABBA
After the initial success of performing in the Challenge Section, the Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band moves to the Championship Section. The band finished in 3rd this year, their highest placement at the NABBA Championships.
2003
Reorganization
The Cuyahoga Valley Brass Band becomes the Brass Band of the Western Reserve.
2012
15 Year Anniversary
For the 15th Anniversary of the Brass Band of the Western Reserve, the band commissioned Philip Sparke to write a special piece celebrating the band. The result, Fanfare and Celebration, was first performed on November 10th, 2012.
The opening Fanfare features the cornet section, in two groups standing either side of the band. A central horn theme brings a change of mood before the cornets take the lead once more. Celebration follows seamlessly and continues the declamatory style until a cantando theme in uneven meter is introduced. A transformed recapitulation ushers in a return of the Fanfare to close the work.
2017
20 Year Anniversary
The Brass Band of the Western Reserve Commissioned Philip Sparke again in 2017 to celebrate their 20th anniversary. This time a grand concert march in the tradition of Elgar and Walton was written called Heritage. They gave the premiere during a celebratory concert in October that year.
Heritage opens with a brief introduction before the march’s long main theme is presented in subdued tones. This is taken up by the full band, adding a tenor counter melody, and followed by a bridge passage, which leads to a change of key. Textures are fragmented and the music passes through a variety of keys before the traditional trio section follows on baritone and euphoniums. This is repeated, again with a tenor counter melody. A repeat of previous motifs leads back to a return of the main theme, followed by a short closing coda.
2021
BBWR Founder Retires
In May 2021, founder Keith Wilkinson retires from conducting the Brass Band of the Western Reserve. The board moves quickly to establish a search committee for a new music director and name Keith as Music Director Emeritus.
2022
New Music Director
In February 2022 the board hires Jay Wardeska as the new Music Director of the Brass Band of the Western Reserve.
2022
25 Year Anniversary
BBWR commissions Stephen Bulla to write a new piece celebrating their 25th anniversary. Stephen Bulla writes Silver Celebration, a piece celebrating leadership, perseverance, and camaraderie, all in the pursuit of excellence.
The form of the piece can be divided into three connected sections, preceded by a brief “dreamy” opening. As the music begins you will hear references to the “Beautiful Ohio” song, which soon gives
way to a lilting heroic theme representing the forward movement and excitement for this celebration itself.
A slower middle section follows, reflecting the early years. Here we have a setting of the Erie Canal song, providing some regional history and featuring solos from the Flugelhorn and Trombone.
In the final section, the music moves into an inspiring cinematic-flavored theme, flowing along at a bright tempo with a touch of excitement anticipating the future. Lastly, in the closing moments of the music you will hear all of the themes drawn together in a brilliant flourish that brings a majestic conclusion to this anniversary tribute.
2024
Return to Brass Band Contests
In March of 2024, the band returns to contests for the first time in 17 years performing at the Dublin Festival of Brass. The band performed in the Challenge Section finishing 2nd and received the award for Best Slow Melody and Best Tenor Horn Section.
Get In Touch
Interested in booking the band for an event, becoming a patron, or just finding out more information? Click the Contact Us button below to access our contact form.
