The BBC Family
The adjacent gallery presents BBC Members in our current band.
The following additional profiles can be found by clicking on links below:
The adjacent gallery presents BBC Members in our current band.
The following additional profiles can be found by clicking on links below:
To view biographical profiles with photos - either individually, by an indexed list or as a slide show, please double-click on any thumbnail image where you wish to begin... (you must enable javascript in your browser for this function).
Dan KingInstrumental Music Specialist, Columbus Public Schools;
Trumpet Instructor, Otterbein College
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Dan King is a charter member of the Brass Band of Columbus and has for most of those years been the concertmaster and featured soloist. As a member of the Columbus musical community he has performed with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, ProMusica Chamber Orchestra, and the Columbus Bach Ensemble. He has also held playing positions in the Lexington Philharmonic, and the University of Kentucky, and Ohio State University Faculty Brass Quintets.
Dan earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree and a Master of Music degree in trumpet performance from the University of Kentucky as well as a Doctoral of Musical Arts degree in trumpet performance and literature from The Ohio State University. Dan has been a music teacher in Columbus City Schools for many years as well as the trumpet instructor at Otterbein College.
Outside of music Dan is also an airplane pilot and flight instructor.
David EatonAdjunct
Faculty, Ohio Wesleyan University;
Director, Kokosing Brass Academy
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Eaton lives in Mount Vernon, Ohio with his wife Pat who is a flutist and an elementary music teacher. They have two married children.
When Katie and Michael were young, their father would take them to Columbus for horn and trumpet lessons with BBC members Ellen Verbsky and Dan King after which the kids would sit in the back of the bandroom at Brookhaven High School and "enjoy" many BBC rehearsals. In spite of such blatant child abuse, Michael is now a member of the cornet section of the BBC and the legacy goes on.
Tony PhilippSystems Engineering Consultant, Nationwide
Member since: 1996
Tony grew up in Findlay, Ohio and graduated Cum Laude from Ohio State University with a B.S. in electrical engineering where he also participated in marching band, concert band, and jazz band. Tony also received an MBA from Franklin University.
In addition to spending time with his wife Jill and three children Leah, Hannah, and Evan, Tony enjoys being a freelance trumpet player and playing tennis, golf, and basketball.
Tony recently was awarded the "Best Cornet of the Day" award at the 2008 U.S. Open Brass Band Championships.
Miranda BurkeFormer Music Educator, Homemaker
Member Since: 1992
Miranda attended OSU where she earned her degree in Music Education. While there, she was a member of OSUMB and Concert Band. She was part of the Concert Band 1987 tour of Japan. Miranda was also a charter member of the Ohio Collegiate Brass.
She was the assistant band director at Whitehall for 14 years. After her daughter was born she gave up teaching to become a domestic goddess. Now she wishes that she had paid more attention in Home Ec class. These days you can find her reading the same story 20 times a day, washing sticky hands ad infinitum, and learning to bake from scratch.
Miranda is married to fellow BBC member Joe Burke. She also performs with the Grove City Community Winds and the OK Syncopators.
Peter BakerPhysician, Columbus Children's Hospital
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Pete grew up in Westerville, Ohio and after high school had to make the difficult decision of going into music or starting on the path toward a career in medicine. Although he loved music, he chose to go into medicine. After finishing undergraduate work at Otterbein College and medical school at The Ohio State University, Pete completed residency training at OSU and became a member of the faculty at the OSU College of Medicine.
In 2002, he moved to Columbus Children's Hospital. He has continued to play trumpet/cornet during his years of education and says he felt very fortunate to be invited to join the Brass Band of Columbus in 1984.
Stephanie SmithMusic Teacher, Teays Valley High School
Member Since: 2002
Stephanie Smith joined the BBC in 2002 after performing with the Central Ohio Brass Band for more than a decade. She is the Director of Instrumental Music at Teays Valley High School in Ashville.
Stephanie recently moved into a newly constructed home where her "girls" Chloe, Lucy and Gracie allow her to live as long as she continues to provide pet food, toys and daily play time spent in dominant thematic implementations cannot be understated vis-a-vis David Bowie, for instance.
Bill BaileyMaterials Planner
Member Since: 1991
Bill (and wife Cindy) have 3 children, 2 birds and 2 very spoiled Papillons.
He has a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from OSU and a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Franklin University. While at Ohio State, he toured Japan with the Concert Band, visited the World’s Fair with the jazz band, and survived 18,000 script Ohio’s with the OSUMB. Well, survived might be the wrong word. Bill also wandered the corridors of several colleges within OSU, from Music to Astronomy, finally landing on the one not requiring calculus or music theor.
Since 1991, Bill has played the Eb Soprano, clearly demonstrating a lack of intelligence. Funny thing....every year the written notes get higher, and the mouthpiece gets smaller. He also served as the BBC’s Business Manager for two years.
A licensed pilot and SCUBA diver, he spent several rather exciting moments in the Bahamas on a shark feeding dive. His wife still isn’t happy about that one. Bill is a Star Trek nut (original series, of course) and really enjoys Discovery Channel HD. Man vs. Food is another favorite....Should NASA decide to put a Brass Band on the International Space Station, “beam me up”...
Bill is a Materials Planner with Belron US.
John Bierly - Sub
Joe BurkeDirector of Bands, Hilliard Darby High School
Member Since: 1992
Joe Burke is a graduate of Hilliard High School and holds a degree in music education from The Ohio State University. He began teaching in the Hilliard City School District in 1988 as an assistant band director and in 1997 became the Director of Bands at Hilliard Darby High School. Joe has played cornet with the Brass Band of Columbus since 1992.Joe currently resides in Grove City with his wife, Miranda - also a BBC member, and their daughter Abbey.
Michael EatonPainting
Contractor
Trumpet player/teacher
Student
Soldier
Husband
Taco Bell
Enthusiast
Member Since:2004
(Charter Supporter)
Mike joined the Army Reserves right out of high school, spending his summer at Ft. Lost in the Woods (Leonard Wood) in the state of Misery (Missouri). He attended Cedarville College in the fall of 1997, which was more stringent than the army. Almost being kicked out several times for listening to "offensive music", drawing scantily clad comic book heroines, and sneaking out to smoke cigars in the corn field behind the dorm, he transferred to Mt. Vernon Nazarene College in 1999 to get a degree in Art (and because he missed the locals that sit in their trucks in the bank parking lots drinking Old Milwaukee every Friday night in downtown Mt. Vernon).
After finishing a degree in graphic design and realizing that he hated computers, he started his own painting business (mainly because he had learned the names of the colors in college). He did very well, but decided that this money making thing was not for him, so he went back to school to get another monetarily worthless degree, this time in music.
Mike was married in 2004, has just bought his first house, and has a wife that supports him even though she knows he would make more money bobbing for nickels in a park fountain. The two people he credits the most for his playing sit first and second chair, and he has always dreamed of joining them in the BBC. Now that he is in the BBC, all he does is stare at the back of their heads. He has listened to the BBC for as long as he can remember, and he will always remember that Dr. Droste would have the band play 76 Trombones as an encore for him on special occasions.....hmmmmm, now he knows why some of the band members want me dead.
Christy FarnbauchBusiness & Community Partnership Coordinator, Hilliard City Schools
BBC Band Chairperson
Member Since: 2005
Christy says, "Music is an important part of my life and I believe the arts are essential for building healthy communities. I was excited and honored when the opportunity to perform with the BBC came along in January 2005."
Christy is a graduate of Otterbein College with degrees in Music Business and Business Administration and over the years has performed with community-based music ensembles such as the Westerville Civic Symphony, Worthington Civic Band and the Central Ohio Brass Band. As time permits, she serves as a consultant and grant writer for nonprofit arts organizations.
In addition to her excellence in the cornet section, Christy now serves as the BBC Band Chairperson - a very significant role for this organization.
She has two sons that keep her on the run, Corey (15), who plays baseball and percussion; and Kyle (12), who plays trombone, piano and soccer. Her husband, Eric, owns a media production company, UpBeat Recordings.
Nathan McGeeMusic Educator, New Albany Plain Local Schools
Member Since: 2008
Nathan McGee is a Middle School Band Director in the New Albany Plain Local School District since 2004. Mr. McGee earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University in 2004 and his Masters of Education Degree in Classroom Instruction from Ashland University in 2007. While at Ohio State, he performed in a variety of ensembles including Marching Band, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Trumpet Ensemble, and Men's Glee Club. He has traveled with these groups to perform at various venues such as OMEA Convention, College Band Director's National Association Tour in Chicago, Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Arizona, President BushÕs Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C., and European Tour through France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
Mr. McGee's principal instrument has been the trumpet for over twenty years. He currently plays cornet in the Brass Band of Columbus and trumpet in the Heisey Wind Ensemble. He is also a member of the Ohio Music Education Association.
Nathan, his wife, Mary, a third grade teacher in Olentangy Local Schools, and their daughter Ashley, reside in Lewis Center. They enjoy traveling, visiting with family, camping and attending concerts, musicals, and movies in their free time.
Micah AbramsAssociate Director of Bands, Dublin Jerome High School
Member Since: 2008
Micah Abrams received his degree in music education and jazz studies from The Ohio State University. While at OSU, Micah was a participant in the Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and the OSU Marching Band.
Micah has been the Assistant Band Director at Dublin Jerome High School for three years. He also teaches private students.
He joined the BBC this last summer as a fill-in, and in spite of the advice we gave him in the back row, he still joined permanently when a slot opened up.
David WolfordRetired Music Educator
Member Since: 2003
David is a1972 graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Music Education degree. He spent his entire 31 year teaching career in the Lakewood Local School District in Hebron, Ohio where he was the high school band director and overall director of bands.
He and his wife, Margaret, have been married for 35 wonderful years and have two daughters, Abby and Erin. Abby graduated from Gardner Webb University in 2002 with a double major in English and Spanish and from Boise State University in 2006 with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. She currently is an Adjunct Professor of English at Boise State University. Erin graduated in 2007 from West Virginia Wesleyan with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Theater and a minor in dance. She is an actor who has been employed at various theaters since graduation. Margaret, a 1972 Kent State University graduate, also taught 31 years at Lakewood in grades 5 and 6. She became a published author in 2007 with her first book, No Sugar Coating, a preteen novel about friendship. David and Margaret both retired from teaching in 2003. Besides playing in the BBC, David is also a charter member(1985), trumpet section leader, and chairman of the board of the Heisey Wind Ensemble.
Don CasonInformation Coming soon
Member Since: 2009
Ray CastleRetired Music Educator
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Ray Castle is retired as an instrumental music teacher for Columbus Public Schools. He is also retired as the Band Director for the OSU Alumni Marching Band, and he participates with the active and hyper active Alumni Marching Band. Ray sings in a church choir and volunteers at a food pantry.
Rays biggest supporter is his wife Lucille to whom he has been married for 54 years. Ray has two daughters, Pam Castle and daughter and son-in Law Judy and Bill Barto.
Dave HandshueDirector of Bands, Hilliard Davidson High School
Member Since: 1996
David is currently Director of Bands at Hilliard Davidson High School. Prior to Hilliard, he taught at Highland Local Schools (Medina county) and Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center (Columbus Public Schools). David is a past President of OMEA District 15.
Dave has played cornet, alto horn and finally flugelhorn in the BBC since joining the band in 1996. Just what is a flugelhorn? Start with a cornet, reshape to look like it's ready to give birth, try to make it sound like an alto horn and hope it's not played loud enough to be heard.
George ZondersPublic Information Specialist, Columbus Department of Public Utilities
a.k.a. "Government Hack"
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
A charter member of the Brass Band of Columbus (though he himself sometimes disputes this), flugelhorn player George Zonders has, at one point or another, sat in most of the band’s cornet and horn chairs. However, in all fairness, it must be pointed out that he left promptly and without argument when ordered to do so by the people who rightfully occupy those chairs.
The court-negotiated version of George’s patchwork employment history includes stints as a caterer, educator, videographer, tour guide, talking tree, chicken (don’t ask), radio news reporter and – currently – Public Information Specialist with the Columbus Department of Public Utilities. Fellow BBC members find it oddly appropriate that George’s career now involves communicating issues related to sewage.
Originally from Westerville (where his father remains as part of the federal Witness Protection Program), George currently resides in Grove City with his talented, tolerant daughter Sarah and two guinea pigs named Pete and JubJub. Despite his advancing years, George remains easily distracted by shiny objects, and – given a choice – still prefers to play with the box rather than with the actual gift.
Lisa GalvinGraduate Assistant Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band;
Director of Bands, Hilliard Heritage Middle School (on leave)
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Lisa Galvin is a 1984 graduate of The Ohio State University, where she was a member of the OSU Concert Band, Horn Ensemble and a 5 year member of the Marching Band. She was selected to perform in the 1984 Olympic All-American Marching Band and the 1982 EPCOT All-American Marching Band for the Grand Opening Ceremonies.
She has taught in the Ohio public school systems of Reynoldsburg and Hilliard for the past 21 years, and her middle school bands have been invited to perform at the state and national levels. Her professional memberships include Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters' Fraternity and the American School Band Directors Association.
Lisa is a founding member of the Brass Band of Columbus and served as the Band Chairperson until recently. Additionally, she performs as solo hornist with the Athena Brass Band, comprised of all women from across the country.
Lisa and her husband Joe, also a BBC musicians, run Charnette Publications —a music typesetting and arranging company. They reside in Hilliard with their two dogs Mo and Buckeye.
Ellen VerbskyMember since: 2008
Ellen Verbsky joined the BBC in the fall of 1989. Having played the tenor horn since 8th grade, she still didn't consider it a "real" instrument until she started playing "real" music on it with BBC. She took a hiatus from the band in 1997 to have some babies and returned in 2007.
Ellen lives in West Liberty, Ohio, with husband Matt and kids Adam, Marshall and Emma. She works for Matt at his veterinary clinic, substitute teaches, and volunteers at Bellefontaine Schools as an accompanist and horn clinician.
Her favorite thing to do is to play in the pit for musicals. Also active at First United Methodist Church in Bellefontaine, Ellen is the Youth Handbell director and Chancel Choir Accompanist.
Joe GalvinDirector of Bands, Marysville Schools
Member Since: 1986
Joe has been a Band Director at Marysville Schools since 1993. He has been teaching Instrumental music since graduating from OSU in 1983. He is married to his section leader – Horn soloist, Lisa Galvin. They met in 7th Grade Band class and he married her with the blessed sounds of the BBC as a backdrop. Ain’t band great? They have 2 black labs – Mo (Mozart) & Buckeye to share their home.
Joe received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from OSU. He is the host of OMEA Solo & Ensemble contests in district 15 (west). His memberships include OMEA, MENC, ASBDA, and AKA (American Kite Association). He and Lisa enjoy beach vacations with family, friends, pets, and kite flying.
Joe says, "BBC has provided a musically excellent 'rock' for me to count on and draw from as I pass on the joy of music to my more than 500 band students each day."
Karen MillerRetired - Instrumental Music Teacher, Dublin Karrer Middle School
Member Since: 2001
In 2007, Karen Miller retired from the Dublin City School’s where she taught instrumental music at the middle school level for 21 years. Prior to teaching in Dublin, she taught junior high instrumental music in the Warren City School system located in northeastern Ohio.
While in the Youngstown area, Karen was a contracted musician with the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, and performed regularly with the Packard Band, as well as the Kenley Players, and the Warren Chamber Orchestra.
As a freelance musician, Karen has performed with the Columbus Symphony, The Columbus Light Opera Orchestra, The Capital University Community Orchestra, and many other community orchestras and bands in the Columbus area.
She holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University and has completed graduate level coursework at The Ohio State University and Ashland University.
Karen Miller was invited to join the Brass Band of Columbus in June of 2001.
In addition to being a member of the alto horn section, she is the music librarian for the band.
Keeping busy in retirement, she works regularly as a substitute teacher in the Dublin City Schools.
Karen and her husband Chuck have three grown sons, Jeffrey, Edward and Daniel.
John WatkinsRetired Music Educator
Member Since: 2002
John is a retired band director/music educator. John graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.S. in Music Ed. In 1966 and an M.A. in Music Ed. In 1979. Currently, he plays horn with BBC, Worthington Civic Band, Marion Community Band, OSUMB Alumni. (He is currently on Step 6 in his fight to quit the French Horn)
In his spare time you can find John escorting tours for school performance groups, involved in lawn care, landscape engineering, and installing plumbing appliances. He is also the current BBC Newsletter editor.
John says, “Retiring from music would be unthinkable.”
Eric AhoMusic Educator and Consultant
Director / Founder, The All-Star Brass Bands
Member since: 1984
(charter member)
Eric Aho is a charter member of the BBC and has functioned as Principal Euphonium of the band since its beginning. He has also been recently announced as Assistant Director of the BBC.
Eric holds three degrees: a Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Art in Music, and a Ph. D. in Music Education from The Ohio State University and is most widely known in brass band circles for his contribution as the founder/director of The All-Star Brass Bands - the first and most awarded youth honors brass band organization in North America.
Now in its 23rd season, the All-Stars have won wide acclaim at an International level and have been invited to participate in numerous prestigious competitions and festivals to include the International Youth in Music Festival in Vienna, Bristol Live!, the famed World Music Contest in Kirkrade, as well as other festivals and competitions in the UK, New Zealand, Australia, The Bahamas, and most recently - China. The All-Stars have just acceped a most prestigious invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in June 2009 as part of the New York Band & Orchestra Festival. They are also invited to the International Youth in Music Festival in Vienna, Austria Summer 2011.
Eric resides in Canal Winchester with his very musical family - his wife Amy (trombone) and their three children: Nicholas (euphonium), Kyla (cornet and Irish dance - as in very musical feet), and Davis (piano).
Lori CohenStay-at-home mom and musician
Member Since: 1990
Lori graduated from the Ohio State University with a degree in Music Education. She studied euphonium under Dr. Paul Droste, composition with Dr. Moshe Budmor of Julliard and Dr. Wells of OSU, and Jewish music history with Jack Chomsky of Tifereth Israel. ÊLori taught instrumental and general music at Columbus Academy, in Columbus Public Schools and in South-Western City Schools. Additionally, Lori has been on staff at various high schools around central Ohio as a marching band instructor. Her past performances include appearances with the Gary Tirey Tuba Troupe, Harvey PhillipsÕ tuba ensembles, Ohio Collegiate Brass, OSUMB Alumni groups, Bexley Meadow Band, Westerville Community Band and Civic Symphony. Mrs. Cohen has enjoyed organizing jazz band festivals for central Ohio schools and clinics with the Canadian Brass and Arturo Sandoval as well as a beginning band learning festival with area private schools.
Currently Lori is a full time homemaker and mother of three children. She plays euphonium with the Brass Band of Columbus, Ohio Capital Winds, New Albany Community Band, as well as participates in various other performance opportunities around central Ohio. She teaches brass instrument private lessons and is available for hire.
Kevin WallickMember since: 2009
Bio sketch coming soon.
Elizabeth NataliInstrumental Music Teacher, Buckeye Middle School,
Columbus City Schools
Member Since: 1992
Beth hails from Oxford, Ohio, where she was (GASP!) a Tenor Saxophone Music Education Major! She had an epiphany midway through her freshman year at Miami University and transferred to THE Ohio State University, became a Euphonium player and never looked back. She holds two degrees in Music Education from OSU and has taught Instrumental Music at all levels. Beth is also a charter member of the NABBA all gal brass band, Athena
In addition to brass banding, Beth is an adoption counselor and volunteer at Citizens For Humane Action Animal Rescue. Her hobbies include scrapbooking and card making, but in the summer you can find her looking for maximum air time on roller coasters, researching roller coaster designers and amusement park history, and searching out new amusement parks to visit.
Diana Droste HerakMusic Teacher, Westerville City Schools
Member Since: 1992 | 1999-present
Diana is currently an elementary and middle school strings teacher in the Westerville City School District (Westerville, OH). She graduated from The Ohio State University in 1992 with a B.M.E. in music education and again in 1999 with an M.A. in Music Education.
While at Ohio State University Diana played baritone in the all-brass Ohio State University Marching Band. She played euphonium in the All-Star Brass Band and later both the baritone and euphonium in the Ohio Collegiate Brass (OCB) / Central Ohio Brass Band (COBB). Diana won the NABBA adult slow melody soloist competition on euphonium in 1996 and on baritone in 2006. She joined the BBC in 1999 playing baritone and euphonium. She is also a member of the the Athena Brass Band, an all-star women's brass band.
During the 2004-2005 school year Diana took a years leave of absence from Westerville to pursue her banding career. During this year she had the opportunity to be the solo baritone and assistant musical director of the Welwyn Garden City Band (London & Southern Counties), as well as a member of the Travelsphere Holidays Band (Midlands) which included one of the highlights of her year abroad, playing in the National Championships of Great Britain at the Royal Albert Hall where the band came in 6th. She also had the opportunity to substitute with some of Britain's other great bands including Aveley & Newham (LSC), Tongwynlais Temperance Silver Band (Wales) and Leyland Band (Northwest).
Jayne CanadayInstrumental Music Teacher, Groveport Madison Schools
Member Since: 1986
Jayne is currently the middle school band director at Groveport Middle School North. She teaches grades 5-8 and conducts one of the bands at Groveport High School. Jayne graduated from Whetstone High School where she was a student of Les Susi.
In 1979 she graduated from The Ohio State University with a B.M.E. in music education (majoring in clarinet and piano). She graduated again in 1983 with an M.A. in piano pedagogy. While at Ohio State Jayne played trombonium in the all-brass Ohio State University Marching Band.
She has been with the BBC since 1986 playing tenor horn, occasionally percussion and now baritone. In addition to playing in the BBC, she also teaches private piano and clarinet lessons.
Jeff KellerAdjunct Faculty, Conservatory of Music, Capital University
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Dr. Jeffrey C. Keller is currently on the faculty at Capital University Conservatory of Music as an adjunct professor in music education. Jeff retired as Director of Bands at Dublin Coffman High School in 2005.
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Keller began his teaching career in Dublin in 1972. He returned to The Ohio State University in 1975 to complete his Masters Degree and pursue his Doctorate Degree in Music Education. While completing his course work Jeff taught in the School of Music and was an assistant director with The Ohio State University Marching Band, under Dr. Paul Droste. Dr. Keller returned to Dublin in 1980 where he continued to head the band program. He was the State Band Chair coordinating the All-State Band for the 1995 Ohio Music Education State Conference. In the spring of 2001 he received the God and Country Music Award from the Greater Columbus Area Salvation Army and the Brass Band of Columbus for his service to music education and performance in the Brass Band of Columbus. In 2002 Jeff was presented the Music Educator of the Year award from the Ohio Music Education Association for exemplary leadership, service and commitment to excellence in Music Education in Ohio. At the conclusion of the 2001-2002 school year Jeff was presented the Dublin Coffman High School Hall of Fame Award for outstanding service. In November 2008 Dr. Keller was part of the first group inducted into the Dublin Alumni Association Hall of Fame.
Dr. Keller lives in Dublin with his wife, Gail. His daughter Kristany (Berger) has a business degree from the University of Richmond and law degree from The Ohio State University. Kristany and her husband Greg live in Lewis Center.
Don DiurbaField Service Associate, ComResource
Member Since: 1994
Don is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Music Education which he received after an extensive (8 year) study of most of the majors at the university. After a couple of years of substitute teaching in the Westerville Schools, he ÒfellÓ into the Information Technology field and has as of yet not been able to climb out of that hole.
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Jeff GroffInstrumental Music Teacher, Centennial High School
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Jeff has been an instrumental music teacher in the Columbus City Schools for over 25 years. He holds the B.M.E. and M.M. degrees from The Ohio State University.
Jeff says "the joy of performing with 40 professional musicians and friends is an unbelievable musical experience. The Brass Band of Columbus is still one of the great thrills of my life, and I continually look forward to sharing our music with others."
Rob LeonardEx-Band Director turned Dentist
Member Since: 1985
Rob Leonard was born in the Hocking Hills as the son of a funeral director, so trombone playing seemed an exciting alternative. He graduated from OSU with a masters in music education and lived the life of a band director at Grove City for four years only to imagine the life of a dentist would be more productive than teaching 12 year olds the love of music and marching.
Now having been in family dentistry for 22 years, he is holding on to his sanity by playing with the Brass Band of Columbus.
Todd CunninghamCivil Engineer, Project Manager, EMH&T
BBC Business Manager
Member Since: 1993
Todd is a native of Charlotte, Michigan. He moved with is family to Columbus, Ohio in 1976 where he began attending Southwestern City Schools. In 1989, Todd graduated from Westland High School. In the fall of 1989, Todd began attending the Ohio State University to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. While at OSU, Todd was an active participant in numerous performing ensembles including the Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble and the Marching Band. Todd graduated from OSU in 1994 with a bachelor of science degree in Civil Engineering.
Since Graduating from OSU, Todd has performed with many varied ensembles including the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, the Pro Musica Chamber Orchestra and the Rick Brunetto Big Band. Todd is an advocate for community bands and is currently a member of two such ensembles - the Brass Band of Columbus and the Heisey Wind Ensemble. Todd also enjoys playing chamber music and has recently joined the Village Brass - a brass quintet based in Westerville, Ohio.
Todd has been married to his wife Catherine, a local school band director for six wonderful years. Her support has made it possible for Todd to have a full time job while pursuing his musical interests. Todd is currently employed as a project manager at EMH&T, Inc. in Gahanna, Ohio.
Larry ShaferAttorney
Member Since: 1995
Larry Shafer has earned degrees from Capital University (B.M.E. 1971 and J. D. 1980) and the University of Illinois (M.S.M.E. 1975). He has been an adjunct lecturer at Kenyon College, Capital University and Otterbein College. He studied with Donald Reinhardt, William Bell, Nicholas Perrini and Daniel Perantoni and has performed with the Mansfield Symphony Orchestra, the Capital University Faculty Brass Quintet, the Land of Legend Philharmonic Orchestra and the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra.
Larry was a high school band director for six years. Since 1980 he has been an attorney in private practice. Currently, he lives in Johnstown and has offices in Johnstown and New Albany.
Larry has played Eb Tuba with the BBC since 1995. Having only played the tuba for 47 years, he is the second youngest member of the tuba section. He says that he feels at home in a British-style brass band because he was British in a prior life.
Patrick HerakPhD student, Science Education, The Ohio State University;
Science Teacher, Westerville North High School
BBC Content Webmaster
Member Since: 1999
Patrick is a science teacher at Westerville North High School and is currently enrolled in the doctoral programme in science education at the Ohio State University. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1996 with a B.S.E. in science education and again in 2001 with an M.S. in Environmental Science.
While an undergraduate at Ohio State University, Patrick played baritone in the all-brass Ohio State University Marching Band. He played baritone, tenor horn and EEb tuba in the Ohio Collegiate Brass (OCB) / Central Ohio Brass Band (COBB). He has been with the BBC since 1999 playing tenor horn, baritone and now EEb bass.
More recently Pat has become arguably America's biggest brass band tart! He has played performed on every low brass instrument in the brass band (from BBb bass to solo horn). He has played or contested with over 20 brass bands including the Welwyn Garden City Band (London & Southern Counties) at Areas and the Spring Festival in Blackpool, Tongwynlais Temperance Silver Band (Wales) at the French Open, Johnstone (Scotland) at the National Championships of Great Britain and Old Silkstone (Yorkshire) at the Whit Friday marches.
Patrick has had photographs published in the British Bandsman, and is currently the USA news reporter for the online brass band web site www.themouthpiece.com and an American correspondent for www.4barsrest.com.
David FreedyMember Since: 2007
Bio sketch coming soon...
Gary TireyDirector of Instrumental Music, Otterbein College
Member Since: 1984
(Charter Member)
Nationally recognized as Director of Instrumental Music and tuba professor, Gary Tirey has served at Otterbein College for over 30 years. A native of Anna, Ohio, he is an alumnus of both Capital University and The Vandercook College of Music. In 1990, Tirey was named an honorary alumnus of Otterbein.
Professor Tirey is an active member of the Columbus Federation of Musicians and the Ohio Music Education Association, and he has served as president of Phi Beta Mu, an honorary fraternity for band directors. In 1982, he was named chairman of "Merry Tuba Christmas Columbus," an all-tuba-and-euphonium Christmas concert performed annually. An original member of the Brass Band of Columbus, Tirey has also performed with the Columbus Symphony and faculty brass quintet. Currently, he is a member of the Tuba Shop Quartet, a tuba quartet the performs music around the world.
Professor Tirey is also Music Director at Church of the Master United Methodist Church in Westerville.
Mike DiCuirciMember Since: 2007
Bio sketch coming soon...
Rob PhillipsMember Since: 2007
Bio sketch coming soon...
Dean ApplemanProfessional Musician;
Medical Supplies Manufacturer
Member Since: 2002
Charter Member
A graduate of The Ohio State University, Dean has had a varied career in music performance. He has held positions with The Greater Miami (FL) Philharmonic, The Las Vegas Symphony and Chamber Players, The Nevada Symphonic Wind Ensemble and The Columbus and West Virginia Symphonies. He has also toured with many shows as well as performing on several recordings and TV programs. Dean was also leader of the Las Vegas Percussion Quartet and a founding member of The Las Vegas Marimbe Quartet.
As a professional musician in Las Vegas for 25 years he performed nightly with a variety of stars and shows, including Doc Severinsen, Steve and Edie, Elvis, Siegfried and Roy, Folies Bergere, Casino De Paris and other too numerous to mention.
Currently Dean resides in Powell, Ohio with his wife, Charlene, who is a piano teacher and performer and his two children, Johanna and Jordan (who is also a percussionist). Dean is currently active playing concerts and shows throughout Ohio.
Gary HodgesPercussion Instructor, The Ohio State University Marching Band
Member Since: 1987
Gary joined the BBC in 1987. He received his B.M.E. from The Ohio State University in 1974 after spending his military years in the music department at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado.
Gary is the former Director of Bands at Dublin Scioto High School having retired in 2001. He was also a percussion adjudicator for Drum Corps International for ten years, and is currently the percussion instructor with The Ohio State University Marching Band.
He and his wife Jeana (also a former educator) live in Dublin, Ohio. They both enjoy playing golf, and traveling to see the world when time permits.
Dan HostetlerMember Since: 2007
Bio sketch coming soon...
Jon MerrittAssistant Band Director, Hilliard Darby High School
Member Since: 2005
Jon Merritt serves as an Assistant Band Director at Hilliard Darby high school, and heads up the percussion department. He is a graduate of Ohio University, and was a percussionist in Drum Corps International.
In addition to serving as a percussion composer and judge, Mr. Merritt maintains a large private lesson studio and has enjoyed his tenure with the Brass Band of Columbus.
Ryan MillansMember Since: 2007
Bio sketch coming soon...
Patrick O'DonnellMember Since: 2007
Bio sketch coming soon...