Time to point the spotlight on the West Hills Symphonic Band, a fine arts collaborative of talented musicians currently under the direction of Primary Conductor Clem Rolin and Associate Conductor Tom Snyder.
Since 1967, this ensemble has prided itself on its ability to enrich and uplift audiences with its diverse musical repertoire and eclectic programming.
Founder Joseph Picchi, a long-time director of Montour Bands was succeeded by Anthony Dilanni in 1998. In 2009, the principal conductor baton passed to longtime group member Clem Rolin who also served as the Director of Bands at Montour and South Fayette high schools and Robert Morris University.
Rolin grew up in an era of no TV, no phones. “We just listened to the radio and listened to great music growing up,” said Rolin. He learned the Great American Songbook’s “Misty” and other jazz influences early on. He often played with great musicians who had no formal music education.
His first teaching role, at age 22, was with the Montour School District’s middle school band. It was during a time when there were teacher shortages in every subject, especially band, said Rolin.
“Joe Picchi was a legend at Montour High School, where he started in 1947, and started the West Hills Band in 1967,” said Rolin. During the 1969 season Picchi brought Rolin on to play in the band.
After starting a family in 1972, Rolin began to write arrangements for the group. The first thing Rolin wrote for the West Hills Band was piano sheet music for the “Carnegie Music Hall March.” In 1976, Picchi was preparing for the bicentennial concert where Clem came back to play and help his longtime friend and colleague.
In 1983 Rolin took over at the high school band and continued to write for the West Hills Symphonic Band. Rolin left Montour to go to South Fayette in 1990 and to then Robert Morris College in 1994. He stayed with RMU for 14 years well into his retirement years.
Throughout the 80s and 90s Rolin was out gigging four nights a week while running the high school band and helping to raise his family. To this day, he wonders how he was able to do all of that.
He ran into DiIanni in 1994 at the family-owned Volkweins music store where DiIanni asked Rolin to help out and take over leadership with the West Hills band.
“The best and first thing I did was bring on Tom Snyder when I took over in 2009. Tom is the most dedicated, knowledgeable, loyal, organized person I could find,” said Rolin.
Snyder set the standard of five practices then one concert. Together they added top quality musicians to the band. “The tougher the music the more talented musicians came. The musicians wanted to be challenged and just play,” said Rolin. “Which is why being engaged and challenged is the secret to success in balancing your musicians.”
“While the goal is to make audiences love you, it’s also the band’s goal to capture the intention of the composer to their ensemble. While the ensemble in turn conveys the intention of the composer’s input to the audience,” said Rolin.
“There are no egos and we all have pride in our craft and appreciate the synergy each person brings to the group.”
– Brent Alexander, West Hills Symphonic Band guest conductor and RMU theatre director
Snyder has served as associate conductor since 2009 with his keen ear for detail retired in 2021 from West Allegheny School District as their district arts coordinator and band director. Snyder continues to step in as associate producer of the play and musical at West Allegheny in retirement.
“The band has grown steadily, attracting musicians of all ages and backgrounds. There are currently waiting lists for many sections,” said Snyder.
From seasoned professionals to enthusiastic amateurs, the band embodies a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration of well over 100 members who share the love of music.
Upcoming free public concerts
Their free public concerts feature at least 80 performers playing a wide range of musical styles, from classical masterpieces to contemporary compositions and even popular tunes that resonate with audiences of all ages.
The symphonic band performs fall, holiday, winter and spring concerts as well as four summer concerts throughout the year. Live performances bring together 300 – 500 audience members with plenty of room for more.
A non-profit with nine members on the Board of Directors, the symphonic band includes Internal Guest Conductor Brent Alexander. He has been a member for three years and plays many instruments including the alto, bass and contra bass clarinet.
Alexander is the director of theater at RMU and said he looks forward to conducting a piece this season. “There are no egos and we all have pride in our craft and appreciate the synergy each person brings to the group,” he said.
The 2024-25 season concerts are held at 3 p.m. at the Montour High School auditorium, 223 Clever Road, Robinson Township. Admission is free with donations accepted.
- Fall Concert – Sunday, October 27
- Holiday Concert – Sunday, December 15
- Winter Concert – Sunday, February 16
- Spring Concert – Sunday, April 13
Concert livestream options are also available through the organization’s website, with the Oct. 27 show broadcast on YouTube.
During the summer, open-air concerts entertain local surrounding communities with classics, marches and movie favorites for audiences of all ages.
“The greatest gift in life is giving. It’s never a ‘me’ or an ‘I’ from Tom or the band. It’s about giving these musicians my experience and knowledge and being able to entertain people,” said Rolin.
“There wasn’t a million television stations back in the day, so people would come hanging from the rafters. Nowadays we compete with the media.” The goal is we don’t want to see people stand up out of their seats we want to see them jump up and say, “WOW!”
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