Jonathan Waters, interim director of The Ohio State University Marching Band, has been named director of “The Best Damn Band in the Land,” according to an announcement October 10 by Joseph Steinmetz, executive dean and vice provost, College of Arts and Sciences.

“Jon has been an instrumental part of our university’s great marching band for many years, and it’s obvious today how successfully he is building on the band’s excellence as evidenced by the outstanding performances that we have seen this season,” Steinmetz said. “I can’t imagine a better fit for our marching band than Jon. He will carry on – and strengthen – the traditions built by Jon Woods, who retired last year.”

Jonathan Waters received his bachelors of music education degree from Ohio State in 2000. He was a member of the Ohio State Marching Band from 1995-1999. He served as graduate assistant for the band for the 2000 and 2001 seasons. After receiving two master’s degrees in music education and conducting from Ohio State, he was named assistant director. Waters has written band shows for the Marching Band, Spring Athletic Band, and a number of high schools throughout the state.