ABOUT THE BAND​​​

NCCB Receives Szor Music Library

As a result of one of its performances at the Toledo Zoo's "Music Under the Stars" series, NCCB was entrusted with the music library of the Toledo Concert Band, directed by the late Sam Szor.

The "Zoo Band", as it was known, presented concerts for many years at the zoo's summer series. Szor's son, Tom Szor, felt NCCB was a worthy concert band for his father's library, and NCCB is grateful for this donation.

​Trinity United Methodist Church in Sandusky has graciously agreed to house this valuable music collection consisting of hundreds of band compositions.

Making Music for Over 40 Years

The North Coast Concert Band held its first rehearsal in January of 1983 at Fremont Ross High School, led by the late Frank Menichetti. Through the years, the NCCB has become popular with audiences across Northwest Ohio. The band performs three formal concerts a year, as well as several outdoor concerts in communities such as Willard, Norwalk, Tiffin, Bowling Green, Perrysburg, Sandusky, and Port Clinton.  Currently, the band has over 100 members who range from ages 19 to 86. Members come from a variety of backgrounds and communities.

Our Purpose

• To contribute positively to the musical environment of the area it serves
• To provide opportunity for individual musical expression and growth among its membership
• To provide opportunity for contact among musicians of advanced proficiency
• To reconfirm the Community Concert Band position in American music

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​Meet the Directors
​

John Kustec
Artistic Conductor

John Kustec was the band director at Perkins High School for 31 years. He also taught at St. Mary's Central Catholic High School for five years before that. In 1977, he graduated from Bowling Green University with a Bachelor of Music degree and a Master of Music degree in 1979. Mr. Kustec has received numerous awards and honors which include the Perkins High School Teacher of the Year Award (1997), the Erie County Chamber of Commerce Youth Service Award (2001), the 102.7 WCPZ Terrific Teacher Award (2002), and the Erie County Cares for Kids Award for Teaching (2007). His professional memberships include the Ohio Music Education Association, Phi Beta Mu (International Bandmaster's Fraternity), American School Band Directors Association, and Phi Delta Kappa International. In 2025, he became the 40th inductee into the Ohio Band Directors Conference Hall of Fame. Mr. Kustec has been involved with the NCCB since January 1983, playing oboe at the band's first rehearsal, and continues to play tenor saxophone in the North Coast Big Band. 

Will Kish
Assistant Conductor

Will Kish graduated from Elyria High School. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University in 1999 and was hired as band director at Norwalk High School that same year. He left for two years to attend Kent State University, earning a Master of Music Education in 2008. While at Kent State, he served as Graduate Assistant Director of the Kent State University Bands. His bands have performed in Columbus, Cleveland, Philadelphia, New York City, and Orlando. He is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association and several honorary and fraternal music organizations. Will joined the North Coast Concert Band in 2008 and sits in the French Horn section when not conducting.