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Boardman Park concert series begins
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.The Memorial Day monument dedicated to veterans of Boardman Township can be found in Boardman Park, not far from where Music in the Park occurs every Thursday.
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.Milton Kochert, 83 (left), and Tyler Cole, 9, both participated in a touching patriotic speech during the song, "Stars and Stripes Forever."
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.Music in the Park is a fun occasion for performers, as well as the audience. Youngstown Symphonic Band conductor Paul Rossi (left) from Boardman, poses with the band's singer, Eric McClellan, from Youngstown.
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.Enjoying the music are, from left, Elinor Williams, Judy Elliot, Gloria Rockhold, all from Boardman, and Ellen Surak from McDonald. They attend Music in the Park every Thursday and alwasy sit in the front row when they can.
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.Paul Rossi, 87, is the Youngstown Symphonic Band conductor. He led his band in playing both classical and big band music at the Music in the Park event on June 7.
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Neighbors | Alisa Manna.The Music in the Park event is a time where families can come together in a shared interest. Missy (right) and Danny Hensley were just one of the familes who enjoyed the music on June 7.
By ALISA MANNA
The Youngstown Symphonic Band, organized by Del Sinchak, kicked off Boardman Park’s Music in the Park summer events with a night of musical entertainment and patriotism.
The band was conducted by Paul Rossi and played both classical and big band music June 7 at the park’s Maag Outdoor Art Theatre. Most songs performed contributed to the main theme of patriotism and the outdoor theatre and performance location set the tone for the evening.
The view showcased a Memorial Day monument dedicated to veterans of Boardman Township, surrounded by United States flags, flowers and the names of those who served engraved in a brick pathway.
Not only did the Youngstown Symphonic Band play “Stars and Stripes Forever,” as well as the national anthem, but halfway through the set, the band was accompanied by former naval officer Milton Kochert and his 9-year-old neighbor, Tyler Cole.
Kochert delivered a story “about a father talking to his son about the sacrifices made during war and the president presenting a medal of honor to the young boy.”
The veteran was assisted by Cole, who stood with a flag and mock gravestone as he saluted fallen soldiers.
Cole’s involvement in the presentation was sparked by his interest in the naval officer’s past. Kochert has been involved in the Youngstown Symphonic Band’s patriotic programs for 15 years and likes to include the boy in events. Along with Kochert, the Youngstown Symphonic Band was accompanied by another veteran, their very own conductor, Rossi. a World War II veteran, organized the union professional band in 1954 and also works as the band director in Canfield.
The Youngstown Symphonic Band performance attracted many people from all over the Valley. Gale and Joe Hite try to attend every musical event at Boardman Park and especially enjoy old-time band concerts. A group of four women in the front row also said they’re present every Thursday and have been for years.
“We visit with friends here and it’s a good way to teach the young,” said Missy Hensley, a Boardman native who was accompanied by her 21-month-old son, Danny.
Music in the Park is every Thursday at 7 p.m. and includes a variety of bands and genres. Visit www.boardmanpark.com for more information.