Keeping the Beat

by Amy Barnes

In music, it is all about change and the Brass Band of the Western Reserve has had a few major ones that could have silenced their song forever, but thanks to their love of music, their dedication to their loyal followers, and a flair for performing, this band has not let the music die.

Since our feature story in May 2019, the changes for the band have been major.

One of the first changes was the retirement of the band’s founding director and driving force, Keith Wilkinson.

A rather quiet man one-on-one, Wilkinson was a very large personality on stage with a strong English accent who easily engaged the audience and made it part of every performance.

Whether in person or on stage, in both cases, his twinkling eyes and sense of humor always seemed to draw people toward him.

Following Wilkinson’s retirement, the BBWR board faced a reorganization and put new officers in place. The new officers are Michael Skotko, Eb cornet, president; Jonathan Rech, Bb cornet, vice president; Ron Lutterbie, solo tenor horn, treasurer; and Robert Purdum, Bb cornet, secretary.

Stepping up to be the next hand to hold the baton would be Jay Wardeska, the executive director of the Ohio Music Educators Association. He lives in Medina with his wife, Amy.

In his new role with the BBWR, Wardeska soon had a firm grip on the baton and audiences engaged with his own particular style.

Wardeska has been an active trumpet player, band conductor, and taught middle and high school music for more than 30 years. He is currently working to earn a doctorate in music education at Ohio State University and serves as the adjudicated events committee chair for the Ohio Music Education Association.

The COVID shutdown and forced ceasing of gatherings and performances of all kinds caused a sudden and dramatic cease to all incoming funds for for-profit and nonprofit groups alike.

BBWR is nonprofit and depends on donations, with band members often chipping in to cover expenses for sheet music, travel, venue rental, and more. Many members have full-time jobs in addition to their practicing and performing with the band.

Despite the challenges, the BBWR was able to resume rehearsals in fall 2021 and is back to performing and entertaining with a fully staffed band and full performance schedule.

On July 8, the band will be hosting internationally renowned trombonist Brett Baker at the Medina Performing Arts Center.

Baker is the principal trombonist for the Black Dyke Band and is the past chair and president of the British Trombone Society. He was awarded the ITA Presidents Award for services to the International Trombone Association in 2020.

For more information about the band, how to donate, and upcoming performances, go to https://www.bbwesternreserve.com/ Follow the band at https://tinyurl.com/ydrpn6sc