Guest Conductor
Jon Woods’ innovations, including using computers to chart band formations in the 1980s, won awards for the band and Woods himself, including the 2010 College Band Directors Association Lifetime Achievement Award. He took the band to Washington to march in four presidential inaugural parades.
Woods spent 28 years directing the marching band until his retirement after the 2011-12 academic year. Then and now, fans often refer to the band by the initials TBDBITL, for “The Best Damn Band in the Land.”
“Whether teaching students, leading a memorable halftime show or assembling alumni from across the globe, Jon has earned a reputation of eminence,” former longtime Ohio State president Gordon Gee said in 2011 in announcing Woods’ retirement.
Woods’ innovations, including using computers to chart band formations in the 1980s, won awards for the band and Woods himself, including the 2010 College Band Directors Association Lifetime Achievement Award. He took the band to Washington to march in four presidential inaugural parades.
Woods received his bachelor’s degree from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his master’s degree from Penn State University, and his doctorate from the University of Michigan.
Woods became assistant band director in 1974, and was named director in 1984.
Source: http://www.startribune.com/
The BBC was privileged to have a close relationship with Jonathan Woods during his lifetime. Jon became Director of OSUMB with the retirement of Paul Droste who subsequently founded the Brass Band of Columbus. Numerous members of the BBC are former OSUMB members.
The BBC now participates each year in a music reading session for the Ohio State University Marching Band — playing through the music charts each season to assist arrangers and pre-screen them before band tryouts and the busy season.
The BBC is saddened by the recent passing of Dr. Jonathan Woods. May he rest in peace and his family and friends all be comforted by his incredible musical legacy.