- Aug 23, 2025
- 2 min read
We share the news with heavy hearts that Clem Rolin has made the decision to retire as our Music Director and Principal Conductor due to age-related health concerns. For the last 16 years, Clem has been the visionary leader of our organization, and during that time—along with Associate Conductor Tom Snyder—he has developed the high quality and depth of our band that audience members enjoy today.
The unique combination of dedication, charisma, and passion that Clem embodied cannot be replicated, making it all the more difficult to see this era come to an end. However, we are happy to share that the Board of Directors has officially bestowed Clem with the title of Honorary Member: Conductor Emeritus. He will continue to serve as a guide and mentor for our future conductors, and we may even see a guest appearance from him at an upcoming concert!
In his final message to the band, Clem shared: “Thanks for the joy. It has truly been an honor to join all of you in EXPRESSING from our DEPTHS the love we have for making music together. I leave this MUCH LOVED, sixteen year long, FUN stint without a hint of regret. It has truly helped me to secure that sense of fulfillment we all seek as artists.”
Thank YOU, Clem! We all wish you the very best in your retirement.
Music Director and Associate Conductor Appointed
Looking towards the future of the band, the Board of Directors is excited to officially name Tom Snyder as the new Music Director & Principal Conductor of the band! As you know, Tom has served alongside Clem Rolin as Associate Conductor for the past 16 years. He is a retired music teacher, having served 40 years in primarily the West Allegheny School District, and he is the current State Coordinator for the PMEA Music Performance Assessment program. Tom’s service to the West Hills Symphonic Band has been tremendously influential to its success, and we know that he will continue to lead the band with enthusiasm, exceptional quality, and great support for the traditions of our community wind band.
The Board has also approved Tom’s selection of Stephen Baldanzi to serve as Associate Conductor. A long-time member of the West Hills trumpet section, Steve retired in 2024 as director of bands at North Allegheny School District. He currently serves as the music director for the Allegheny Brass Band, hailed as the greater Pittsburgh area’s finest amateur British style brass band. We are thrilled to have Steve’s depth of wind band literature and conducting experience at the podium, and we look forward to our audiences getting to know him a little bit more!
