All-brass-and percussion instrumentation and continuing high-standard of on-field performance to be baseline requirements for new director

David Manderscheid, executive dean and vice provost, College of Arts and Sciences, has named and charged the search committee tasked with identifying the next director of The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands. Mark Shanda, arts and sciences divisional dean, arts and humanities, will chair the search.

“The Marching Band is a key point of pride for all of us at the university, and it’s imperative that stakeholders who have a deep understanding of the band’s excellence and rich history are included in the process to identify a new director – from band leadership, faculty and alumni to student band members,” Manderscheid said.

Named members to the committee include:

• Scott Jones, Associate Director of University Bands and Associate Professor of Music
• Ted McDaniel, Professor of African American and African Studies and Professor of Music – frequent arranger of marching band music and head of the jazz studies program
• Deborah Larsen, Associate Dean of the College of Medicine and Director of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences – former member of the athletic council and recommended by the Secretary of the University Senate
• Jeffrey M. Jordan, Chief Financial Officer, Ohio High School Athletic Association and Treasurer, The Ohio State University Alumni Association Board of Directors – former band member and member of the TBDBITL Alumni Society
• Diana Sabau, Senior Associate Director of Athletics
• Two student members of the current OSU Marching Band to be selected by the band leadership

Manderscheid has charged the group with identifying the essential qualities desired in a candidate who will build on the traditions of excellence and innovation of the Ohio State Marching Band and conducting an active search to recruit outstanding candidates.

The new director will continue the “all-brass-and percussion” instrumentation and the band’s famous “fast cadence with a high knee lift.” No uniform or style changes are planned. Additionally, the new director will need to embrace the band’s high standard of on-field performance that has brought worldwide acclaim for its intricacy, musicality and artistry.

“From the historic Script Ohio, to the recently performed salute to TV Land, the band continues to raise the bar throughout the country and world, and we expect the new leader to embrace our level of innovation, our rich history and tradition, and our heritage as ‘The Pride of the Buckeyes,’” Shanda said.