The WGH Panther Band Historical Association: The Fleming Legacy
Gala Reunion !
Embedded Files
The Gala Reunion is Front Page News! Check out our reunion photos below, and share yours at wghbandlegacy@gmail.com
Marching to the beat of history
Marching to the beat of history
Harding Panther Band alumni gather for Reunion
LOCAL NEWS
SEP 30, 2024
BOB COUPLAND
Reporter
bcoupland@tribtoday.com
Staff photo / Bob Coupland. Dr. Jim Brodell, who played clarinet and saxophone when he was a student at Warren G. Harding High School, looks over memorabilia displayed Sunday at the Trumbull Country Club in Warren, where the Warren G. Harding Panther Band Alumni reunion took place. More than 200 band members from the 1950s through 1980s attended.
Above: Dr. Bob Brodell '71 saxophone greets alumni at the TCC entrance with his special friend! Bob and his wife traveled from Mississippi for the event. Bill Kush '71 clarinet, donated the Panther head and mascot outfit. Thank you, Bill!
Above: Celebrating in festive red, white, and black, WGH Band Historical Association President and founding officer Tony Marshalek '64 baritone horn and wife Kim Marshalek welcome the 200 alumni to the first-ever reunion of the Panther Band at Trumbull Country Club in Warren, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. THANK YOU TONY for all you have done to make our reunion a success! Photo: Amy Marshalek '94
Among the first arrivals and ready for fun are Jan McGill Hodgson '65 and Tom Hodgson '64, who is one of our legacy band directors for Warren Western Reserve HS. Photo: Elaine Marshalek '65
Above: From Schenectady, New York, came Maggie Ruckman Kiesow '67 clarinet, enjoying the evening with Michael Ferguson. Photo: Elaine Marshalek
Above: Feeling a bit "Misty" at the wonderful memories, former saxophone soloist Janet Hrusovsky Dubasik '65 catches up with Tom Hodgson '64 from Syracuse, Indiana. Photo: Elaine Marshalek '65
Above: Two beautiful majorette sisters, Jeannie Iacozili Magri '68 of Kansas City, Missouri, and committee member Kay Iacozili Ralph '66 arrive early to help with the dessert table. Photo: Kathy Tomlin Pace '66
Above: Little Things That Mean A Lot: Guest of Honor Mr. John Kobasiar '51, who traveled from Wilmington, NC, said, "For some reason, I always kept this keychain." He brought it with him to donate to our exhibit. Photo: Jim Brodell '70
Above, left: Merry Lynne Ormsby '72 trombone of Charlotte, North Carolina, along with her sister, founding officer Joyce Ormsby Meyer '69 baritone horn and majorette of Tega Cay, South Carolina, enjoyed viewing familiar old items at the preview exhibit. Photo: Savannah Moss
Above: Lookin' dapper, Tony! Two of our founding committee members Tony Ferderber '71 percussion and Lynn Brewster '69 percussion, are glad to see fellow percussionist Randy Beardsley '72 at the event.
Above: Thank you to Warren Baking Company for donating our beautiful Reunion cake! Reunion Chair Darlene Hoffman Owen '68, brought her porcelain panthers to decorate the dessert table.
Above: We were honored to host our earliest WGH band alumna Donnagene Osborne Palmer '47, who was a majorette under Charles Corlett. John Adaway '65 tuba, traveled 6 hours from Wheelersburg, Ohio along the Ohio River for the festivities. Photo: Elaine Marshalek '65
Above: The lovely Tomlin majorette sisters graced our reunion. From left: founding committee member Kathy Tomlin Pace '66, Pam Tomlin Chapin '73, and bringing some Southern California chic to Warren is founding committee member and four-year head majorette Colleen Tomlin Janis '70.
Above from left: Jan McGill Hodgson '65, Janet Hrusovsky Dubasik '65 saxophone, and Elaine Marshalek Ferguson '65 clarinet, of Delaware enjoy the evening.
Above: As founding committee member Lynn Brewster '69 arrives, she stops to say hello to an old friend. Photo credit: Bill Kush '71
Above: A glass of happiness all around -- Sam Miller '72, Pam Custin Gray '71 and founding committee member Bob Brodell '71, were all on sax in their squad together.
Above: Cynthia Bartunek Champion majorette and Vice President and founding officer Rick Bartunek '64 saxophone, enjoy this long-awaited gala event! The Bartuneks have done so much to help our effort to "Remember the Panthers!"
Above: Thank you to Cynthia Bartunek for creating the "Little Red Record" centerpieces that she and husband Rick donated. Photo: Cynthia Bartunek
Above: John Bishop '64 trumpet of Greenwood, South Carolina donated his band letter sweater to the Fleming Legacy Exhibit.
Above: "We're Number One!" Six of ten 1971-'72 majorettes attended the Gala. That exciting fall, the Panthers won the State Championship in football. From left: Joanie Cicero ‘73; Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel ‘72 Head majorette and Homecoming Queen; Pam Tomlin Chapin ‘73; Debbie Capito Paully ‘72; Jan Harris Moody ‘72; Lois Stanley Thomas ‘73 Head majorette.
At left: Childhood friends Rosemary Smith Sebring '60 French horn, and Fred Mills '65 Alto Sax and Oboe, from Colleyville, Texas, reminisce about their time in the Fleming band. Rosemary was a junior in the same year a young band director named Robert Fleming first arrived at Harding. The 28 year-old Fleming taught with Dr. Carl "Pop" Scheig at the time. Rosemary graduated in 1960, just before the arrival of Clinton Foster as Fleming's assistant director. With his fellow alumni, Fred experienced key moments in the band's history: he was a sophomore when the new Band Shell was built, and a junior in the First Band Night. His senior year was a high point for the Fleming Band when their halftime performance at the College All-Stars vs Bears game on Soldier Field in Chicago was nationally televised -- the event that launched the Harding band to national fame.
Above: The Class of 1966 is well represented! From left: Karen Ward Benko majorette, Rick Benko, Linda Bellan majorette, and Tom Bonasera trumpet, from Columbus, OH. Photo: Pam Tomlin Chapin '73
Above from left: Reminiscing at the preview exhibit are few of our founding members: Social Media Coordinator Lynn Brewster '69 percussion; Gail Shepherd Vannelli '69 flute; Founding Director of Communications and Collections Joyce Ormsby Meyer '69 baritone horn and majorette; Founding co-Director of Communications and Collections Jean Neidhart Hood '69 flute; and Merry Lynne Ormsby '72 trombone. Photo: Savannah Moss
Above: "Great to see you!" Majorettes Jan Harris '72, Colleen Tomlin Janis '70 of Newport Beach, California, and Randi Palmer '70. Photo: Pam Tomlin Chapin '73
Above, from left: Enjoying the evening in a lovely silver dress is Linda Rich '71 clarinet and sister Arlene Rich Keen, who had fun seeing their many Panther friends once again.
Above: The WGH 1965-'66 Pretty Majorettes: Karen Ward Benko, Kay Iacozili Ralph, Kathleen Tomlin Pace and Linda Bellan have remained good friends after all these years, and still meet for lunch regularly. Photo: Pam Tomlin Chapin '73
Above: Frank Barile '67 trumpet and French horn, chats with Dave Nuzzi '71 trumpet and Lisa Marini. On the dance floor, Bob Ciulei '64 percussion and Shirley Book enjoy the John Reese Quartet '78. Photo: Cynthia Bartunek
Above: Familar faces from the '60s, '70s, and '80s fill the club. Photo: Cynthia Bartunek
Above: Founding committee member Dr. Bob Brodell '71 saxophone, enjoyed seeing Panther band friends at the reunion. He and wife Linda, also a physician, traveled from Mississippi. Bob shared some funny memorable moments from his time in the Fleming band. We've posted them on "Our Memories" page of the website. Thank you, Bob!
Above: Love the dress! Festive in one of the coolest outfits there, Ann Brodell, wife of founding officer and Past President Jim, shared a table with our honored guest, Mr. Kobasiar, and his family. Thank you, Jim for your wonderful remarks and heartfelt presentation. You spoke for us all.
Above, from left: Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel '72 French horn and head majorette, proudly stands with fellow majorette Joanie Cicero '73 on right, who donated her majorette jacket and boots to the Trumbull County Historical Society's Fleming Legacy Exhibit. THANK YOU JOANIE!
Above: Hi there! Pretty Mary Ognibene is delighted to join husband Mike '71 at his Panther band reunion. Photo: Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel '72
Above: One of our beautiful multi-year and head majorettes, Sandy Brodell Hilas '75, enjoyed the evening with husband Eli Hilas WGH '72. Many of us '60s grads remember little blonde, blue-eyed 6 year-old Sandy marching on the sidelines with her tiny baton as we practiced with Mr. Fleming on the dusty field. Sweet memories.
Above: Bob Brodell brought this photo of "The Bro Brothers, University of Rochester School of Medicine med students and residents' dance band, circa spring 1979. Jim on left was a surgical intern, and Bob was a graduating medical student." Photo courtesy of Bob Brodell '71
Above: This photo was donated to the Fleming Legacy Exhibit by Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel '72, showing the Memorial Day Parade May 1964 with her brother, Jim '66 holding his clarinet. James Ognibene (1948-2020) became a world-renowned professional musician, and performed as Principal Bass Clarinetist for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, New York City for 32 years.
Above: WGH band hat from the 1930s, donated by Janet Pickup Anderson '69, was retrieved from storage at her California home. Her father Carter Pickup '39 wore the hat from 1936-'39 when he played tuba under Charles Corlett. Photo: Janet Pickup Anderson '69.
Above: Gracing the TCC main dining room fireplace mantle is a brass sculpture from the Bartuneks. Photo: Cynthia Bartunek
Above: Many familiar faces from near and far filled the TCC dining room as President Tony Marshalek '64 gave a warm welcome to the Panther Band alumni. Photo: Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel '72
Above: Full House! Many 1960's Fleming-era grads can be seen sitting together in the TCC dining room, listening intently as Rick Bartunek '64 gave a moving tribute to Robert Fleming. Photo: Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel '72
PLEASE SHARE YOUR REUNION PHOTOS HERE:
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BAND! Atten-HUT! ONE-TWO! A Toast to the Powerful PERCUSSION LINE! From left: Founding committee members Tony Ferderber '71 and Lynn Brewster '69; Randy Beardsley '72; Founding Treasurer Mike Ognibene '71; Founding committee member Neil Corsatea '72, Pat Aulizia '72, Jeff Ding '71 of Athens, Alabama; Mark Minton '72, Larry Sebben '72, and Rick Griffing '71. Dig your colorful kicks, Neil! Photo: Patty Corsatea
Favorite Moment: We Play the Panther Fight Song!
Click the four red boxes below to watch the videos!
What a joyous moment this was! Our alumni musicians and majorettes got together to play our fight song! Click each of the red boxes to see the videos!
Percussion at back: Michael Ognibene '71, Neil Corsatea '72, Lynn Brewster '69
Musicians: Bill Kush '71 clarinet, Fred Mills '65 alto sax, Liz Lewis Wilson '75 flute, Gail Shepherd Vannelli '69 flute, Sue Arambasik Prezioso '73 clarinet, Christine Metzendorf Bullard '89 clarinet, John Reese '78 trombone, Glenn Hammercheck ‘81 trumpet, Bob Rollo ‘78 trumpet, Shawn Marko ‘88 trumpet, and Jim Metzendorf ‘93 tenor sax and Youngstown East HS band director. (Jim bridged the consolidation with WWR and despite entering Harding as a Panther, became the Raider Band Drum Major!).
Majorettes: from left: Darlene Hoffman Owen '68, Jean Iacozili Magri '68, Kathy Tomlin Pace '66, Joyce Ormsby Meyer '69, Randi Palmer '70, Michelle Postiy '90, Kay Iacozili Ralph '66, Deborah Capito Paully '72, Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel '72, Joan Cicero '73, Colleen Tomlin Janis '70, Pam Tomlin Chapin '73, Lois Stanley Thomas '73. Behind percussion in back, far left: Kris Zickefoose '89 is performing some fabulous baton twirling! **(Note to self: Do NOT try to high-step in high heels ever again!)
Special Guests
Founding officers and majorettes Joyce Ormsby Meyer '69, left, and Reunion Chair Darlene Hoffman Owen '68, right, were delighted to welcome Mrs. Donnagene Osborne Palmer, 94, a majorette in the 1946 - '47 WGH Band and our earliest graduate at the reunion! Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Above: The 1947 WGH Marching Band, under the direction of Charles Corlett, was composed of 57 members, including four majorettes and two flag bearers. Front row, far right: Donnagene Osborne, majorette. Photos: 1947 Echoes yearbook
Earliest WGH Graduate
Donnagene Osborne Palmer
WGH 1947
Majorette
Mrs. Donnagene Osborne Palmer, center, was a majorette under Band Director Charles Corlett one year before Panthers became the school mascot. Before then, from 1926-'47, they were known as the Presidents. Mrs. Palmer was a familiar face at Harding, where she was employed in the main office as secretary for many years. An excellent dancer, she would often help the WGH theatrical productions and majorettes of the '70s and '80s bands with choreography ideas. She is the mother of band member Randi Palmer '70 majorette and clarinet, and Bucky Palmer '72.
Above: WGH June 1947 Senior Portrait, Donnagene Osborne. Echoes 1947 yearbook
In a "Tribute to Robert Fleming," Vice President and founding officer Rick Bartunek '64 saxophone spoke in moving words of his great respect for, and life-long friendship with his former high school band director and mentor, Robert Fleming. As a member of the WD Packard Band, Rick performed again under Mr. Fleming as conductor, and was with his mentor in his final days. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72.
A Tribute to
Robert Fleming
Tribute to Robert Fleming .pdfAbove: Click the upper right corner arrow to read Rick's address to the Panther alumni. ^
Above: VP Rick Bartunek '64 presents a beautiful plaque of appreciation to the family of Clinton Foster 1930 - 2018, WGH Assistant Band Director 1960 - '66. Foster family from left: Les Foster WWR '71, Candy Bellan Foster WWR '70, and Greg Foster WWR '73. Les and Greg's dad was band director for the new Warren Western Reserve high school while they were musicians in the band, and future daughter-in-law Candy was a majorette. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72.
The Family of
Clinton E. Foster
1930-2018
Rick spoke of his respect for Clinton E. Foster, and about his "friendly cross-town rivalry" while Mr. Foster was director of the WWR HS band, and he led the WGH Panther band. Rick told of his admiration for Clinton Foster before introducing the Foster family.
Above: Before presenting our Guest of Honor, Past President and founding officer Dr. Jim Brodell '70 clarinet shared the story of the WGH Panther Band Historical Association. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
The Beginning:
WGH Panther Band Historical Association
The Beginning.pdfAbove: Click the upper right corner arrow to read Jim's address to the Panther alumni. ^
Guest of Honor Mr. John S. Kobasiar Jr.
Left: Mr. Kobasiar, 91, who traveled from Wilmington, NC approached the podium to cheers, and great applause.
Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Introduction of Mr. Kobasiar.pdfAbove: Click the upper right corner arrow to read Jim's entertaining introduction of John Kobasiar Jr. ^
At left: Jim Brodell '70 presents Mr. John Kobasiar Jr. "The Master and his student." Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Above: Dr. Brodell introduces the family of Mr. Kobasiar: daughter Kathy Kobasiar Robinson, grandson Steven Robinson, and son-in-law James Robinson of Louisville, Stark County, Ohio. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Above: Mr. Kobasiar accepts our plaque of appreciation for the significant role he fulfilled as the WGH Panther Band assistant director to the storied, nationally renowned Robert Fleming after Mr. Foster's departure. Big shoes to fill indeed, and he did it well. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Above: Dr. Brodell chuckles as Mr. Kobasiar '51 begins his entertaining remarks by telling the alumni about his modest and struggling upbringing after World War II on Warren's North Side. "We had it so tough, that even the rainbows appeared in black and white," he said to appreciative laughter. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Mr. Kobasiar gave a VERY powerful talk about the "genius" of Robert Fleming, and the "genius" of Clinton Foster. He emphasized what an honor it was for him to serve as Assistant Director with Bob Fleming. He focused on the band students at that time in the 1960s, how tirelessly, hard, and long we worked, and how the dusty, barren paths of the practice field stood as testament to the hours of dedicated practice we invested as young teenagers.
“There will never again be a high school concert and marching band as good as Warren Harding. There will never again be such a fine teaching combination as Bob Fleming and Clinton Foster. Each of them were one-of-a-kind and, together, they inspired very fine young students to achieve unheard of levels of musical excellence. To be a small part of that has been the joy of my life."
Honored Guest
David Ready
At left: VP Rick Bartunek presents a plaque of appreciation to WGH Panther Band Head Director David Ready for his dedication to the Panther bands of the 1970s decade, with Rick as his assistant director, after the departure of nationally acclaimed legend Robert Fleming. Their challenge was to maintain the momentum of excitement for the Panther band and uphold its stellar reputation for excellence, first established by Fleming.
And a superlative job they did!
Mr. Ready traveled from Miami, Florida with his son Douglas and daughter Michele to attend the event, and to enjoy the presence of so many of his band students, who were enthusiastic to see him. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
At left: Mr. Ready was genuinely honored to receive this acknowledgement from his colleague and friend, on behalf of the WGH Band Historical Association, for their years together of hard work and dedication to the WGH Panther Band. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Above: Paula Williams Butler '79 oboe and tenor saxophone took the opportunity to speak on behalf of the '79 alumni to thank Mr. Ready and Mr. Bartunek for making band "so much fun."
In Tribute
Richard Rollo
1957-2023
Rich Rollo WGH '75
Above: Panther Band Historical Association President Tony Marshalek gave a heartfelt tribute honoring Richard Rollo '75, a founding member of our band alumni association. The entire committee stood as Tony presented the Rollo family with a beautiful plaque in memory and appreciation of our friend and colleague, whom we miss. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Above: Robert Rollo '78, and Paula his wife, accepted the memorial in honor of his brother. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
Tribute to Richard Rollo.pdfAbove: Click the arrow in the upper right corner of the box to read Tony's entire Tribute to Rich. ^
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Tribute to Richard Rollo, by Tony Marshalek '64 President, WGH Band Historical Association
Please consider a gift to the WGH Jazz Band program
while honoring the memory of one of its most illustrious educators:
Richard J. Rollo Jazz Camp Scholarship Fund
administered by the WGH Band Boosters
Donations can be sent to:
Richard Rollo Jazz Camp Scholarship Fund
c/o WGH Band Boosters, PO Box 1674, Warren, Ohio 44482
Above: Founding officer and Treasurer Mike Ognibene '71 takes the podium to make a surprise announcement: Presentation of the "WGH Panther Band First Fleming Legacy Band Director Honor" is awarded to Rick Bartunek, by the officers and Steering Committee of the WGH Band Historical Association. Photo: Merry Lynne Ormsby '72
Above: In his remarks, Mike Ognibene '71 percussion, said he began his Panther Band career as a freshman with Mr. Fleming in fall 1967, and ended his senior year with Mr. Bartunek WGH '64 and Mr. Ready as his band directors. So, in a full-circle moment, it was fitting that Mike present this award. While in the band, Rick was also a good friend of Mike's older brother Jim "Oggie" Ognibene '66, who became Principal Bass Clarinetist for the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra at Lincoln Center, New York City. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72.
Video (11).MOV
Surprise!
WGH Panther Band First Fleming Legacy Band Director Honor
Richard Bartunek WGH '64
Well-deserved, Rick! Congratulations!
Above, at left: Trumbull County Historical Society Director Meghan Reed informs the alumni that the full Fleming Legacy Exhibit will be the inaugural display in the new extension when the building is completed next year.
Welcoming Meghan is at right front: Reunion Chair Darlene Hoffman Owen '68, and Jean Neidhart Hood '69, Director of Communications and Collections. Jean was instrumental in obtaining and arranging the partnership in collaboration with TCHS to oversee our many treasured donated Fleming era artifacts for historical display and safekeeping. THANK YOU JEAN! And thank you to Savannah Moss of TCHS, curator of the exhibit and signage.
Meghan and TCHS have been a backbone and part of the team of the WGH Band Historical Association from the beginning, providing space for our website, and vital preservation of the rare films, historic documents, and memorabilia for posterity.
Thank you Meghan! Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
The
Robert Fleming Legacy:
'A Tradition of Excellence' Exhibit
Meghan Reed, Director
The Trumbull County Historical Society
TCHS Director Meghan Reed lauded the society's partnership with the WGH Panther Band Historical Association in collecting the artifacts, historical films and more of the Robert Fleming-era Panther bands because of its national prominence and significance in the history of Warren, Ohio. She thanked the alumni who supported the project with major funding and cherished memorabilia, which will be displayed at the Grand Opening of the Morgan History Center extension, currently under construction on Mahoning Avenue in Warren. TCHS created a special "Preview Mini-Exhibit" for the Gala Band Reunion of some of the historical artifacts to be featured in the main exhibit.
Above: A main feature of the preview mini-exhibit was the full band uniform donated to TCHS by founding committee member Bill Kush '71 clarinet, who attended the reunion with his wife. Photo: Cynthia Bartunek
MORE PHOTOS COMING!
1960 -1969
Front row sitting from left: Sheri French '64 clarinet, Suzanne Perett Coggins '67 saxophone, ----, Maggie Ruckman Kiesow '67 clarinet, Karen Slagle Brown '65 trombone, Debra Ding Quinn '69 French horn, Jean Ledsome Engstrom '66 clarinet, Gary Engstrom '65 clarinet and sousaphone.
Standing from left: Burton Job '67 trumpet, Jim Brodell '70 founding Past President and clarinet, Dan Fiorino '67 alto saxophone, Frank Barile '67 trumpet, French horn, Bob Ciulei '64 percussion, Michael Coons '67 percussion, Tony Marshalek '64 founding President and baritone horn; Tom Bonasera '66 trumpet, Rick Bartunek 64 founding Vice President and alto saxophone; Bob Baxter '66 trumpet, Elaine Marshalek '65 clarinet. Photo: Neil Corsatea '72
1970 -1979
Front row sitting from left: Debbie Capito Paully '72 majorette, Mrs. Donnajean Osborne Palmer '47 majorette, Pam Tomlin Chapin '73 majorette, Merry Lynne Ormsby '72 trombone, Randy Beardsley '72 percussion, Mr. David Ready Band Director, Jeff Ding '71 baritone sax and bass drum, Pat Aulizia '72 percussion.
Standing from left: Neil Corsatea '72 founding steering committee and percussion; Mary Beth Uhler Hank '73 French Horn, E flat Alto, Joanne Stathis Baker '85 flute, Larry Sebben '72 percussion, Rick Griffing '71 percussion, Valli Baba Spahn '74 clarinet, Mark Minton '72 percussion, Marietta Stathis Morris '77 flute and baritone horn, Randi Palmer '70 clarinet and majorette, David Nuzzi '71 trumpet, Colleen Tomlin Janis '70 founding steering committee, line and head majorette; Tom Ciferno '79 trumpet, Paula Williams Butler '79 oboe and tenor saxophone, Mr. Rick Bartunek '64 founding Vice President and Band Director; Mary Ellen Ognibene '72 French horn and line, head majorette, Tony Ferderber '71 founding steering committee and percussion; Mike Ognibene '71 founding Treasurer and percussion; Lois Stanley Thomas '73 line and head majorette, Joan Cicero '73 majorette. Photo: Patty Corsatea
1980 -1990
Front row from left: Stephanie Hammercheck Lockovich '86 trumpet, Debbie Bartlett '88 alto saxophone, Christine Metzendorf Bullard '89 clarinet, ---, Erica Brown '89 trombone, Lynette Hillman Broggini '84 trombone.
Back row: Paul Hammercheck '83 saxophone, Robert Hammercheck '85 trumpet, David Workley '87 tuba and saxophone, Michele Ready '83 French horn, Douglas Ready '86 trombone.
Video (18).MOVMessages from Alumni
Send your comments to: wghbandlegacy@gmail.com
Words can not express the joy we experienced last night at the marching band reunion. Those of you who organized the event did a great job! Outstanding venue, food, fellowship, conversation, and love. Thank you!! Gerald J. and Darleane F. Canton '70, Chagrin Falls, OH
Thank you so much to all involved for all of the hard work that was put into the event. It was classy and exceptional. It was so good to meet up with my former band directors and some former classmates /band members. Thanks again! Karen Lockovich Sampson '77, Warren, OH
Kudos to the organizers - the event was a brilliant tribute to Fleming, Foster and Kobasiar, the legacy band directors, and the band members. It was a great reunion of friends and colleagues. Rus Abruzzi '67, Boston
It was a great night, and at the end I was one of the trumpet players playing our fight song. That brought back wonderful memories. Glenn Hammercheck '81 Warren, OH
Had a great time, thank you for putting this together. Debbie Bartlett '88, Warren, OH
Thank you to the committee that worked so hard to put this beautiful event together. Your hard work has not gone unnoticed. It was fabulous!!! Debbie Capito Paully '72, Warren, OH
Wonderful party!!! Rosemary Smith Sebring '60, Dublin, OH
What a great night! The band had such a great time entertaining that night, and the event was one of the best we've ever seen, put together beautifully. Rick Bartunek and the committee did a stellar job. What an honor. I pray someone else picks up the reins and plans another reunion, because that legacy should be remembered. Musically Yours, John Reese '78, Canfield, OH
Such a great event!! Such good memories!! And glad to see so many dear friends!! Pam Custin Gray '71, Warren, OH
Hearty Congratulations to the planning committee, the Panther Band Historical Association and all involved in making the reunion such a wonderful event. As can be expected from students and colleagues of Mr. Fleming, all details were attended to with precision and care!
Best wishes, Linda Rich, class of '71, Greenbelt, Maryland
Hey, what a great Gala. Rosemary Smith Sebring '60 and I were childhood friends in Warren where she still lives. I live in Texas. (Fred also sent a photo of himself and Rosemary at the reunion). The web site looks great! Cheers, Fred Mills '65, Colleyville, Texas
The reunion was fantastic! Soooooo glad I went. Reconnected with people I haven't seen in decades. Thanks to all of you for your hard work. Plus, it was really good for me to see pictures of my brother and visit with so many of you from his class. Really missed him not being there. Maggie Ruckman Kiesow '67, Schenectady, NY
Six of ten members of the 1971-'72 majorette line attended the Gala: Joanie Cicero ‘73, Mary Ellen Ognibene Vencel ‘72, Pam Tomlin Chapin ‘73, Debbie Capito Paully ‘72, Jan Harris Moody ‘72, Lois Stanley Thomas ‘73. (Lois sent a photo.) A special thank you to the organizing committee for bringing this wonderful event to life! It was an incredible celebration of the legacy of the Warren G. Harding High School Band and its leaders. Hope to see a repeat performance. Lois Stanley Thomas '73, Roaming Shores, Ohio
****
Our whole family wants to thank you and all the committee for the wonderful event you arranged. It was a very special night for us ... It was a night I will never forget and I know that my dad won't either. I am so glad he was able to come.
Thank you again. Kathy Kobasiar Robinson, daughter of Guest of Honor Mr. Kobasiar
****
“I remain overwhelmed and so thoroughly grateful for the kindness and generosity extended to me and my family at the Warren Harding Panther Band reunion. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. I can’t express enough how impressed I am with the organizing efforts of the steering committee, and how thankful I am to have been included. Everything was first class all the way. I’ve been around a long time, and I’ve never witnessed teachers being honored by their students in such a wonderful way.
“There will never again be a high school concert and marching band as good as Warren Harding. There will never again be such a fine teaching combination as Bob Fleming and Clinton Foster. Each of them were one-of-a-kind and, together, they inspired very fine young students to achieve unheard of levels of musical excellence. To be a small part of that has been the joy of my life. I look forward to be a part of future band alumni activities.” Mr. John S. Kobasiar Jr. ‘51
A specially-commissioned gift of original artwork by Warren artist Rick Muccio was presented to each of the Panther Band alumni who attended the WGH Band Historical Society Gala Reunion. Two hundred alumni traveled from more than 15 states to our hometown Warren, Ohio for this singular event. Guest of Honor Mr. John S. Kobasiar Jr., 91, who came with his family from Wilmington, NC, was presented a plaque of appreciation, and spoke at the podium to alumni. Many at their tables had tears in their eyes as they listened to his memories recalling "the genius of Mr. Fleming and Mr. Foster," and our time together in the 1960s Panther Band. The families of Clinton Foster were also honored. Mr. David Ready, Director in the 1970s, flew from Florida with his family and was honored, along with Rick Bartunek as the first Fleming Legacy director. The event was described as "spectacular, elegant, fun, exciting, and very meaningful." Favorite moment: "When everyone brought their instruments, and gathered on the dance floor to play Across The Field together," with the majorettes marching in front with their batons!
Welcome Panther Band
Alumni and Friends
The goal of the WGH Panther Band Historical Association: The Fleming Legacy is to preserve the memory of Panther band director Robert Fleming, assistant band directors Clinton Foster and John Kobasiar, Jr., the legacy directors and bands that followed, and to preserve our hard-won artistic accomplishments for posterity.
Partnered with the Trumbull County Historical Society, we are collecting memorabilia and artifacts for an exhibit of an extraordinary era in the band's early history.
Our purpose is to remember and honor our esteemed director and teacher who so indelibly influenced the lives of countless student musicians, and who contributed immensely to the musical life of Warren, Ohio and beyond.
Robert Fleming
Director 1958 - 1968
John Kobasiar, Jr., Assistant Director 1966-69
Coming soon ...
Clinton Foster, Assistant Director 1960-1966
WGH Band Fleming Era
Exhibit and Reception
WHEN: 2025
WHERE: Morgan History Center,
Trumbull County Historical
Society, Warren, Ohio
THANK YOU to our generous DONORS
in helping to
Preserve the Panther Band Legacy
On right: Rick Bartunek WGH '64, WGH Assistant Director, Band Director 1970-82; 1995-'03 -- the first Fleming Legacy WGH Band Director, with mentor Robert Fleming, returned to the Panther Band after Mr. Fleming's and Mr. Kobasiar's departure.
See the complete list of Fleming Legacy high school and college band directors by clicking the Menu under "Members: Alumni and Friends."
Website Table of Contents:
Click on the red box beneath each photo to go directly to that page. You can also click on HOME in the top corner of this website to open the drop-down Menu.
Photo above: The 1966-'67 WGH High School Marching Band. Photo credit: 1967 Echoes yearbook.
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