The 15th Annual Holiday Concert of Giving Program

Friends and followers of the YACCB, 

I'm sure you have heard by now that I am retiring as conductor of the band, effective the end of December, 2025.  I announced this to the band, after nearly 2 years of in-depth thought, in the late winter of 2023.  I wanted to give the group plenty of time to go through the process of selecting a replacement.  My decision to "pass the baton" was not an easy one, but after 35 years and 4 months at the helm, the time just seemed to be right.  We're getting down to the last two performances, including our  annual Eastwood Mall concert, Monday December 8, at 7:00.  My final concert with this fine group of musicians, friends, and fine people will  be the 15th annual Holiday Concert Of Giving.  This concert, with the Stambaugh Chorus, will be on Sunday, December 21 at 2:30, in Stambaugh Auditorium. Cash or check donations will be collected by the staff of the Second Harvest Food Bank. (no food items at this event)   We, the chorus and the band members, are so very proud that 100% of the money collected will go to the food bank.  To date the concert has raised nearly $63,000. 

My retirement will be bitter-sweet, as they say.  The final concert will be an emotional one for me.  I've titled the program "My Favorite Things," with the music selections being just that - my favorite Christmas selections over the years.  I am also  performing with the band.  At this time of the program I will introduce the new conductor of the YACCB, taking the baton while I perform one of my favorite Christmas ballads, "Merry Christmas Darling."  For me, it will be a memorable one.

I want to thank all of you who have followed the band, helping make the group one of prominence in the Mahoning Valley.  You can't imagine the joy that the band has given me in conducting - something I love - over the years.  I've been able, through their musicianship, to conduct some fine pieces of band literature, such as "A Lincoln Portrait," "Russian Christmas" and the two  Gustav Holst Suites for Band, to name a few.  I've given everything I have to give and the reward was great.  I thank all of the members, past  and present, who have offered their friendship and respect.  The YACCB is a family, and I will look forward to attending their concerts in the future - sitting back and enjoying their music.  And finally, thank all of you who support the band, and, I know, will continue to do so in the future.  

Joe Pellegrini, 

Conductor, YACCB