The Feb. 8 Musical Arts Series Port Clinton concert featuring the Nittany Trombone Quartet will be held in memory of the late Frederick Hany. He is shown here in a billboard that featured him. (Submitted photo)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – The Musical Arts Series Port Clinton (MAS) was never just about the music. It was about connection, friendships, and honoring the people who make life special in Ottawa County. The very first concert, before it was called the Musical Arts Series, was held in memory of the late Shirley V. Hany, who died in 1988. On Feb. 8, MAS will host the Nittany Trombone Quartet (NTQ) in honor of the late Frederick C. Hany, an accomplished trombonist, who passed away in April, 2024.

Frederick and Shirley Hany were the parents of Ottawa County Probate and Juvenile Court Judge, Frederick C. (Fritz) Hany II. Frederick and Shirley were charter members of Firelands Presbyterian Church, where the MAS concerts are held.

The concert series has come full circle. They began as memorial concerts for Shirley, and eventually, at Frederick’s request, they were held in honor of his friend, Earl E. Warnke. So it is fitting that the upcoming concert honors Frederick’s legacy of music and benevolence.

It is an extensive legacy that began when he formed a 16-piece jazz band while a college student at the young age of 16. He entertained fellow soldiers at USO shows with renowned accordionist, Dick Contino, when he served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. According to information provided by his family, the war momentarily stopped as the enemy paused to listen to the music.

“He could see the Chinese campfires but there was no shooting. A well-played trombone can be a formidable weapon,” the information said.

But Frederick didn’t just play trombone. He played several instruments, including baritone.

“My dad could play anything by ear,” Judge Hany said.

The Nittany Trombone Quartet will perform in Port Clinton on Feb. 8. (Submitted photo)

Frederick performed with many bands throughout the years and was still performing until shortly before his death at the age of 95. When Judge Hany was growing up, the family often performed together. Frederick and Judge Hany would play trombone, Shirley would play piano, and the judge’s brother, Jeff Hany, would play sax.

“My dad was a blast,” Judge Hany said. “I don’t think he had any regrets. He knew he was loved, supported, and respected by his family and friends.”

Now, they are honoring him with a memorial concert featuring the Nittany Trombone Quartet. The concert is sponsored in part by “The Family and Friends of Fred Hany.”

NTQ promises to be a spectacular concert. The band was formed by four college freshmen in 1988 and includes three original members: Dr. Bruce Tychinski, Dr. Jon Moyer, and Matthew Neff. Kevin McManus completes the quartet.

Tychinski is a professor of trombone who has performed with musical greats like Rosemary Clooney and the Four Tops. Moyer is a member of the music faculty at Messiah University. Neff spent 27 years as a member of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C. McManus is a freelance artist who has performed with musical stars like Tony Bennett and Aretha Franklin, and he has participated in PBS musical programs.

NTQ will perform on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3:30 p.m at Firelands Presbyterian Church, located at 2626 E. Harbor Rd. in Port Clinton. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the door or online at https://musicalartsportclinton.com.

Pastor Bob Butcher was minister of Firelands Presbyterian during the first concert, and it was at his suggestion that the concert be held in Shirley’s memory. After Frederick died, he suggested a concert be hosted in his honor, too.

“They had already booked the trombone band, so it was perfect,” Judge Hany said. “All credit to Bob Butcher for honoring my parents.”