Snowbelt Musical Arts Association

The Snowbelt Musical Arts Association (SMAA) is a non-profit organization established in January 2017 with the aim of fostering musical arts in the Snowbelt region of Northeast Ohio, which encompasses Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties. The SMAA was founded to address the scarcity of ensemble opportunities for local musicians and to increase the accessibility of live music experiences for audiences within the region. Under the leadership of Executive Director Greg Hillis, who also serves as a conductor, and Scott Golenski, conductor of the Polar Vortex jazz band, the SMAA has grown to support a variety of musical groups and educational programs. The organization operates the Snowbelt Symphony Orchestra, a professional orchestra that is complemented by three community-based ensembles: the Lake Effect Concert Band for adults and advanced high school students, the Blizzard Youth Winds for middle and high school students, and Polar Vortex, a big band-style jazz ensemble for adults and advanced students. The mission of the Snowbelt Musical Arts Association is to enrich, educate, and entertain the community through music. It aims to provide affordable musical performances, support educational programs that foster lifelong musical learning, encourage the musical education of young people, and expand collaboration with other arts, community, and educational organizations. The SMAA envisions itself as a leading provider of inspiring performances and music education programs, enhancing the lives of community members of all ages. It is driven by core values such as passion for music, commitment to excellence, belief in the importance of music education, engagement with the community, fostering teamwork, embracing creativity, and practicing responsible stewardship. The long-term goals of the SMAA include expanding its community-based adult and youth offerings, building audience recognition, initiating school outreach programs, launching a chamber music concert series, and developing professional-level band and orchestra offerings. The Snowbelt Musical Arts Association is a proud member of the local arts community and invites corporate sponsorships to support its mission. It maintains an active online presence to stay connected with its audience and supporters, and it continues to seek individual and corporate support to sustain and grow its programs. As of 2024, the SMAA remains dedicated to its mission and continues to serve as a vibrant hub for musical arts in the Snowbelt region, reflecting its commitment to fostering a rich cultural environment for musicians and audiences alike.