University Heights Band to Perform at Historic Manor

The University Heights Symphonic Band will present a free outdoor concert Thursday, July 17 at 7 p.m. at Longwood Manor, 1634 E. Aurora Road in Macedonia. The event is sponsored by the Longwood Manor Historical Society.

Now in its 56th season, the band under conductor Devlin J. Pope will perform selections from a varied program including patriotic favorites, film music and popular songs. The concert repertoire may include John Philip Sousa marches like “Stars and Stripes Forever” and “Washington Post,” along with “Armed Forces Salute” and “America, the Beautiful.”

Film and television music selections include themes from “Superman,” “Moana,” “Grease,” and “Music for a Darkened Theatre” featuring Danny Elfman compositions. The program also features tributes to Irving Berlin and Whitney Houston, plus contemporary pieces like “Deadpool’s Playlist” and the “Hogan’s Heroes March.”

Pope, who hails from Columbus, brings over 13 years of teaching experience at Garfield Heights City Schools to his role as musical and artistic director. His musical journey began in fifth grade with clarinet, later expanding to bassoon and saxophone. He studied music education at Ohio University, where he participated in the Marching 110 and multiple ensembles.

The conductor has earned recognition including the Black Men Teach Award with the Metropolitan Cleveland Alliance of Black School Educators and was a finalist for teacher of the year. His master’s degree focused on working with adult learners, which aligns with the band’s mission to keep adults engaged in music.

Several northeast Ohio musicians are part of the 60-member ensemble, including Macedonia residents Dorothy Berman on percussion and Leslie Berman on bassoon. Other regional members include clarinetist Debbie Hassing of Sagamore Hills, percussionist John Sharp of Kent, trombonist Robert Baxter of Twinsburg, trumpeter Mark Harrison of Cuyahoga Falls, oboist Ed Siess of Pepper Pike, flutist Cheryl Brandt of Maple Heights and tuba player Shawn Vislosky of Bedford.

The band is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation sponsored by the City of University Heights. Music folders are provided courtesy of Royalton Music Center. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the outdoor performance, with some concert-goers choosing to listen from their vehicles.