The Solon Band is hosting its annual Band Bash, with half-time performances from marching bands across Northeastern Ohio, this Saturday, Sept. 13. Band Director Mark Mauldin encourages the community to come support and watch the “Rock Revolution” take place.

Q: What is Band Bash for the people who don’t know?

A: Band Bash is an invitational event. We’re bringing bands from other schools [and] everybody gets to do their halftime show for crowds of thousands. All bands [are] from schools all over Northeast Ohio.

Q: What other directors are involved in Band Bash?

A: Trent Seibert, Rob Luce, Sarah Behall, Gerald MacDougall and Jarad Eichler.

Q: Who is in charge of putting Band Bash together?

A: Solon Music Parents (SMP).

Q: What do they do to put it together? What are the fundamentals they do to make it successful?

A: Inviting the bands, because I really don’t do that…I make suggestions, but then they send out all the emails to the band directors in the area: “Hey, do you want to come to Band Bash?” They also get the tickets printed, reserve the stadium, stock the concession stand, occupy the concession stand [and] take tickets at the gates.

Q: What is needed to run a successful event?

A: Volunteers. The most important thing to run an event like this are the volunteers. SMP volunteer their time to put this whole event together. It does make money, but then that money goes right back into the band, choir and orchestra programs.

Q: Does it primarily serve as a fundraiser or just entertainment?

A: It is a fundraiser, but it also gives bands the opportunity to perform in front of crowds who appreciate bands, not just football.

Q: Are there any sponsors?

A: Local music stores, restaurants and usually Academy Music is a sponsor. [The] Band Bash coordinator [Leanne Barron] reaches out to local businesses too.

Q: How do you promote the event?

A: Sponsors, [the] Solon Schools website, [the] Solon School’s Facebook, SMP’s Facebook, [and] there’s a big banner they hang by City Hall. It’s well advertised, well promoted.

Q: What schools are performing this year?

A: Madison, Chardon, North Olmstead, Orange, Twinsburg, Tallmadge [and Solon].

Q: How many students are in [the Solon] Band this year?

A: 290. One in five students is in the band.

Q: What role do the students play?

A: Entertain the crowd.

Q: What are you most looking forward to?

A: Talking to all the other band directors and having our kids cheer on the other bands. That’s one of the things that they love coming here [for] because we hoot and holler. There might be a band that’s like twenty-five people; they get the most praise and applause.

Q: Is there anything you would like to add?

A: I’d like to encourage students to come and see Band Bash. People like to come to football games and see the band. If you feel that way, come to Band Bash and appreciate all these bands!

The Band Bash is this Saturday Sept. 13 on Stewart Field. You can buy an $8 ticket until midnight or a $10 ticket on the Solon Music Parents website or at the door.