For nearly three decades, the West Central Ohio Community Concert Band has brought together musicians from across Logan County and beyond, proving that a love of music does not end with high school graduation or retirement.

What began as a simple idea among local music educators has grown into a thriving organization of approximately 60 musicians ranging in age from high school students to retirees in their 80s.

"There have been a lot of people who really enjoyed playing in the group, and of course we play for audiences that really appreciate the great music that we perform," Director Joe Antram said.

Antram knows the band's history better than most. As one of its founding members, he helped launch the organization nearly 30 years ago alongside longtime Bellefontaine Band Aid Shop owner Bill Barrett and several other local music advocates.

At the time, community concert bands were becoming popular around the nation, and the group wanted to create an opportunity for musicians in the area to continue playing long after their school years had ended…READ MORE…