Who We Are
About
Turning good times into good deeds.
Our primary mission is to uplift people through the power of music, community, and fellowship, in order to make a meaningful difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Through live music, community events, fundraisers, and charitable activities, we raise awareness and financial support for those who have served our country and those facing unforeseen hardship which they cannot manage.
We believe that when Americans come together, we can create hope, provide assistance, and remind people that when this journey called life presents difficulties, the road does not have to be walked alone. Our goal is to turn good times into good deeds—using our gift of music to build connections, honor our veterans, support those in need, and make a positive impact in our communities.
That's the American Spirit!
Why 'American Spirit Network'
A Name Broad Enough to Do a Lot of Good
We chose a name broad enough to match our ambition. American Spirit Network exists primarily as an entertainment and community organization — built around the symphony and live music — with a portion of every ticket sold going directly back to our communities. That flexibility lets us respond wherever the need is greatest, not just within one narrow cause.
In the Community
What We Do for the Community
A portion of every ticket we sell throughout the year goes to local veterans, local school music departments, and other needs in our community.
Entertainment With a Purpose
At our core, we're an entertainment entity — symphony performances, live music, and community events people genuinely want to attend. A portion of every ticket sold is set aside for local veterans across the state, so a great night out becomes a direct investment in the people who served us.
Veterans First
Helping veterans is the number one subset of our society that we serve. Veterans Offices are bound by legal parameters that limit what they can do directly for the people they serve — a nonprofit like us, funded by ticket sales and donations rather than tax dollars, can step in where they legally cannot.
Schools & Neighbors
Through the support of our audiences, community sponsors, and partnerships, we also give back to the music departments in our local schools and to other philanthropies and needs in the communities we serve.
Where We Serve
The Counties We Serve
Performing in Union, Hardin, Champaign, Logan, Shelby and Auglaize Counties.
- Union County
- Hardin County
- Champaign County
- Logan County
- Shelby County
- Auglaize County
Leadership
The People Behind the Music
David M. Sapp
Conductor
David M. Sapp is a native of Dayton, Ohio who resides in Urbana, Ohio with his wife, Sarah, and two chocolate labs, Snickers and Dudley. He is the Director of Bands and Choir at Urbana High School (Champaign County) where he conducts the marching band, concert band, pep band, Climber Singers and teaches a College Credit Plus Music Theory and History course. David holds his Bachelors Degrees in Music Education and Saxophone Performance from Wright State University, Masters in Music Education from Wright State University and a Masters in Education with a concentration in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Phoenix. Mr. Sapp has served as the organist at Faith Lutheran Church, Dayton, Ohio for 35 years and the recording organist for Our Saviour Episcopal Church in Mechanicsburg, Ohio for the past four years. David is the conductor of the State of Ohio FFA Band. In his free time, David is a freelance musician who enjoys playing in pit orchestras for musicals and serves as the principal saxophone in the Piqua and Sidney Civic Bands.
Ben Neer
President
I was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio, and grew up in Jackson Center. Music has been part of my life since I was eight years old, when I began playing the piano. What started as a childhood interest grew into a lifelong passion for both playing and listening to great music.
In 1999, while driving to college one day, I realized for the first time that I might be blessed—or cursed—with perfect pitch. As I listened to a song on the radio, I found myself following the chords and thinking that the song was in E-flat. I wasn't completely sure I was right, so when I got home, I checked. Sure enough, the song was in the exact key I had heard in my mind. I was thrilled. It was one of those moments that made me realize just how deeply music had become a part of me.
While taking music classes, I was given the opportunity to accompany the Ohio State University – Lima Campus Choir on piano, alongside a Music graduate student.
My journey has also included owning a business, which taught me valuable lessons in leadership, perseverance, and turning ideas into reality. Today, I bring those experiences together through my work with the American Spirit Network.
I believe music is much more than entertainment. It is in every part of society. It can inspire, connect generations, create opportunities, and leave a lasting impact on people's lives. My vision for the American Spirit Network is to create those kinds of experiences while sharing my lifelong love of music with others, and for others.
On a final note: There are going to be times when you hit bumps on the ride of life, or make mistakes you would like to erase. This will happen. When it does, learn from it and challenge yourself. Don't lay down your gifts, and give up and quit your ambitions. Push forward, and persevere. When you look back, it will be so worth it.
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