Membership: The
Italian Band of Cleveland draws most of it’s members from Cuyahoga, Lorain,
Lake, Geauga and Summit counties. There
are also members that live farther away, and come to Cleveland just to play in
the band occasionally. There are over 50
currently active members, though usual attendance at jobs is from 15 to about
30. The age of members ranges from
around 15 years old to over 85 years old.
Some have been members for over 30 years. Young members are particularly welcome in the
band, since the future depends on renewing and sustaining our traditions. The band is fortunate to have several area
music teachers in the band, which greatly helps recruitment of young
musicians. We actively try to recruit
members of Italian descent, though some members of the band are not
Italian. One thing we all have in common
is love of the music, and a desire to continue the tradition that began nearly
90 years ago. As Art Piunno often said,
The Italian Band of Cleveland is indeed, “Living History”.
Those that lead (and have led!):
Carmine Pannito (1922- )
Arthur (Art) Piunno (1967-1998)
Nick Puin, Jesse Wainright, and Wayne Jennings (1998-present)
(updated 07/19/2016)
