Salt Lake Musicians

'Too Many Tubas' Unites Regional Musicians, Prolongs Community Band

There was a time when nearly every medium-sized community had its own community band.

This was especially true in western Pennsylvania through the 1960s, when one could find community or firemen’s bands in Canonsburg, Monongahela, Bentleyville, Marianna, Springdale, West Park, Uniontown and Clairton, to name a few.

It was customary in those days for the bands to be busy through the summer months, to play in the many firemen’s parades for carnivals, or to play Sunday afternoon concerts in the town park.

Only a few of the so-called community bands still remain today—most of them now perform in town concerts and special events, as the number of firemen’s carnivals and parades have diminished.

One such band that can trace its roots back many years is "Too Many Tubas," a concert band comprised of musicians from all over Washington and Allegheny counties—whose director has been active in music in the Finleyville and Peters Township areas his entire life.

Paul Dolinar of Finleyville, who created "Too Many Tubas" in 2002, said the group is actually an offspring of the old Greater Monongahela Area Community Band, which was directed by Rich Pantaleo, and rehearsed at Ringgold Middle School in Finleyville.

Dolinar said a group of about eight brass instrumentalists decided they wanted to continue playing during the summer months. Of the eight players, two played the tuba.

“We were a little heavy at the bottom,” Dolinar recalled. “My wife said at the time, ‘Gee, there are too many tubas.’ The name just happened to stick.”

Today, "Too Many Tubas" is comprised of approximately 25-30 musicians that come from Finleyville, Monongahela, Canonsburg, South Park, Baldwin, Whitehall and Peters Township.

Members range in age from high school to those who have retired.

The band plays a variety of music, including marches, concert overtures, show tunes and old standards. Some members are also singers who perform with the band as well.

Three members from Peters Township are high school band alumni Erika Hubbell, who plays clarinet and does vocals; Laura Bertoni, a saxophone soloist; and Ben Pritz, another saxophone player.

“We’ve had any number of high school and college players over the years who have been a part of the band during the summer concert season,” Dolinar said.

Salt Lake City Music - Music Articles: Early Portion: Ladyfest

There is a big girly show coming up Sunday, July 10, and it’s cheaper than Lilith Fair and closer than any female-based concert in Olympia, Wash. It’s called Ladyfest , and it was founded by musician Engrid Ohlson (aka Swedish-Ish Fish). Intrigued, I asked Ohlson some questions regarding this summer chick-fest.

Portia Early: I hear that Ladyfest is inspired by the Olympia Ladyfests of yore. Describe that Olympia scene and what we can expect on July 10.