Assistant Director &
Principal Euphonium
The Brass Band of Columbus is pleased to announce the selection of Dr. Eric Aho as their Assistant Director. A charter member of the BBC, many already know him as the Principal Euphonium of the band. Most notable is his contribution to the American Brass Band traditions as a pioneer and champion of youth brass bands. He is the Founder and Director of the internationally known All-Star Brass Bands, the most accomplished and awarded youth brass band organization in North America. The All-Star Brass and Percussion (ASBP), the senior band of the organization was selected to perform at the 2008 Ohio Music Educations Association Professional Development Conference. They have competed successfully against many adult bands at NABBA, and most recently were invited to the 2008 Hannaford Brass Festival in Toronto where they may compete in 2009. However, the All-Stars hope to raise sufficient funding to participate in the 2009 New York Band & Orchestra Festival where the ASBP has been invited to perform in Carnegie Hall. Previously the ASBP has received invitations to International Youth in Music Festival in Vienna, Bristol Live!, the famed World Music Contest in Kirkrade, as well as other festivals and competitions in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, The Bahamas, and China.
The All-Star Bands have performed and toured extensively and regularly receive numerous invitations to festivals and competitions at both the national and international level - from China to Europe and everywhere in between. The All-Stars consistently further the notoriety and prestige of the Columbus Brass Band Reputation.
Eric holds three degrees: a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Art in Music, and a Ph. D. in Music Education from The Ohio State University . He has extensive orchestra and wind band experience in the public schools of central Ohio and ten years of collegiate teaching experience at Bethany College, Kenyon College, and Kent State University. Eric is an active clinician and adjudicator, and conducts at the invitation of honors bands throughout the United States.
Eric was an eighteen year member of the North American Brass Band Association’s Board of Directors and has served as Editor of The Bridge, the official journal of NABBA. He has extensive experience in Arts Administration developing and implementing curriculum for gifted and talented students from middle school through collegiate age. He is a noted historian, recording artist, and award winning author. He is also a recipient of the Music Award presented by the God and Country committee of the Salvation Army.
Dr. Aho resides in Canal Winchester with his musical family - Amy (trombone) and their three children: Nicholas (euphonium), Kyla (cornet and Irish dance), and Davis (piano).