July 2, 2025, Press Release from the St. Marys Area Community Band:
ST. MARYS, Ohio - The St. Marys Area Community Band is proud to announce its upcoming summer concert, The Sounds of Sousa, a celebration of the iconic American composer and “March King,” John Philip Sousa. The concert will take place on Friday, July 11 at 7:00 PM in the Memorial High School Auditorium.
John Philip Sousa is best known for his spirited American military marches, including The Stars and Stripes Forever and Semper Fidelis, the official march of the United States Marine Corps. Over the course of his career, Sousa conducted more than 15,000 concerts with both the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band and his own world-renowned civilian band. Notably, he led a matinee performance in St. Marys at the Grand Opera House on September 22, 1904.
Returning as guest conductor for this concert is Rod Miller, who retired in 2022 as band director at Port Clinton High School. Rod then served two years as Director of Bands at Heidelberg University in Tiffin. Miller is nationally recognized for his portrayals of John Philip Sousa, and appears in performances dressed in an exact replica of the uniform Sousa wore as the 17th director of the U.S. Marine Band.
Guest soloist for the event is Felita LaRock. Felita retired after 20 years of dedicated military service in September of 2014 as a lead vocalist with the United States Air Force Band of Flight at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific-Japan.
She has performed all over the world with artists such as The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, The Coasters, and Lee Greenwood just
to name a few. She has also performed numerous times at the legendary “Rock and Roll Hall of Fame” in downtown Cleveland, Ohio. Originally from Newark, Ohio, Felita now lives in Dayton with her family. Her appearance is generously sponsored by the St. Marys Rotary Club. The St. Marys Area Community Band, now in its 11th season under the direction of retired St. Marys City Schools Director of Bands Dane Newlove, features more than 70 talented musicians of all ages and occupations from 18 different communities across West Central Ohio.
Admission to the concert is free, but a free-will offering will be collected at the door to help offset expenses. For more information about the band and upcoming events, visit the St. Marys Area Community Band Facebook page.
