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/