ABOUT US.

Established in 1983

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 85 members who range from ages 22 to 95. 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

Meet the Directors

John Kustec

John Kustec recently retired as the band director at Perkins High School after 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 WCPX 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 Associatoin, and Phi Delta Kappa International. This is Mr. Kustec's second year as director. He has been involved with the NCCB since January 1983, playing oboe at the band's first rehearsal. 

Will Kish

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, Philedelphia, 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.