During the 1940s, the band split into two ensembles: the Boys Band and the Girls Band. The Boys Band was directed by Mr. John Weitzel, while the Girls Band was led by Mr. Delbert Smoke. During this era, the bands marched through the diamond en route to the football field. When Mr. Donald Allen later became director, the Cadet Band was formed, helping to build the program’s future.

In 1960, Mr. Vincent Maola returned to East Liverpool High School and introduced the innovative Twin Bands. He contacted the Wrigley Company in Chicago with a vision to incorporate music from the “Double Your Pleasure” commercial. The company provided the music, which was used periodically over the following seasons. At the time, the band had approximately 150 musicians, divided into two identical 75-member bands. Each group performed mirrored shows from the 45-yard line to the 15-yard line on either side of the field. A 16-member percussion unit anchored both sides from the 50-yard line, led by a drum major, while majorettes lined the sidelines facing the home crowd.

“The size of the band was enormous,” Maola recalled. “We marched from the high school through town to Patterson Field every day, with students scheduled around the lunch hour. On game nights, we did the same, except we would stop at the diamond where people gathered to see and hear the band perform the entire show’s music.”

Mr. Maola spent ten years at ELHS and reflected, “It was a dream come true. As a fourth-grade clarinet player, I told my teacher, Ralph Johnson, that someday I would become head of the ELHS Band Program–and I did.”

East Liverpool High School band 1923-1924 (Submitted photo)

George Ferro was the Band Director in 1975.

In 1977, Mr. Miller took over as high school band director. In 1985, Mr. Bob Rollo became middle school director and assistant to the high school program. Under Mr. Miller’s leadership, the band evolved into a DCI-style competitive marching band, participating in Ohio Music Educators Association adjudicated events across the state. Mr. Miller passed away unexpectedly in November 1985. Mr. Ray Beaver served as a substitute director to finish the year, followed by Mr. Rich Moon, who led the program from 1986 to 1988.

In the summer of 1988, Mr. Don Caiazza was hired as director and continued the competition band program during his first two years. According to assistant director Bob Rollo, “Because the competition band was waiting, Mr. Caiazza transitioned the group into a show-style band that dazzled audiences with halftime performances for the next 20 years.” At its peak, the band grew to nearly 100 members and featured powerful brass sections, soloists, and a dynamic flag line coached by Mrs. Sharon Caiazza.

At the same time, a strong jazz program was developed at the middle school level and expanded into the high school, with both ensembles performing locally and at jazz festivals throughout the Ohio Valley. The ELHS Marching Band became known as one of the most entertaining and musical groups in the region, performing crowd-favorite shows such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “The Flintstones,” “Batman,” “The Beer Barrel Polka,” and many others. Many alumni from this era went on to study music and lead successful band programs throughout the state and country. “Pride in Stride” became the mantra of this highly-successful marching band.

Mr. Caiazza retired in 2008, and Mr. David Zaccari took over the program until 2012. Though his tenure was brief, his impact on the band was significant.

East Liverpool High School band 1925-1926 (Submitted photo)

Mrs. Alaina Cornfield was hired as director in 2014. During her early years, band membership increased, but participation declined following the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Despite numerous efforts to rebuild numbers, enrollment struggled to rebound. Several of her students, however, went on to perform in collegiate band programs.

In 2023, Mr. Josh Sipe was hired as the current director. Under his leadership, band numbers are growing once again. He has introduced a drumline that leads halftime performances, strengthening the band’s overall sound. He is also rebuilding the brass section, growing a color guard, and is exploring plans to reintroduce competitive marching.

Throughout its history, the ELHS Band Program has also benefited from the dedication of many other directors and assistant directors, including Mr. Lawrence Beck, Mr. Donald Allen, Mr. James Peddycord, Mr. George Ferro, Mr. Skidmore, Mrs. Pat Will, Mrs. Alison Hamilton, Mrs. Karen Kavulick, and Mrs. Michelle Smith.

On October 10 and 11, the East Liverpool High School Marching Band welcomed back 50 alumni musicians spanning the graduating classes of 1966 through 2025. These alumni joined 22 eighth-grade band members and the current 60-member marching band to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ELHS Marching Band–a milestone honoring a century of music, tradition, and pride.

East Liverpool High School band 2025 (Submitted photo)