Christopher Hoch named interim director of Marching and Athletic Bands at Ohio State
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Veteran music educator Christopher Hoch will assume interim leadership of The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands through the upcoming season, Executive Vice President and Provost Joseph Steinmetz announced today.
Hoch has 15 years of experience teaching music and leading young people in various band and musical ensemble programs at the high school and college levels, including at Ohio State. As associate director of the Ohio State Marching and Athletic Bands during the 2013 and 2014 seasons, Hoch helped oversee show design, music rehearsals, student staff and other administrative responsibilities.
| Christopher Hoch |
“This is an important academic program for the university as we continue to focus on supporting and educating the students in our band programs and ensuring that they have another great season,” Steinmetz said. “Chris already has a great reputation for his innovative and impressive show designs, and he continues to grow and evolve as a music educator, administrator and advocate of the student experience in and out of the classroom.
“I look forward to partnering with Chris in his continued work to optimize the bands and to provide a world-class experience for our students who will be recognized in the classroom, on the field, and as leaders in our campus community.”
The university will continue its consideration of the director vacancy at the end of the coming season.
“I appreciate the university’s support and trust,” Hoch said. “The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands are truly special, and I want to be part of continuing to build on our success and supporting our students. Our students deserve every opportunity to succeed and thrive.”
Hoch will join Russ Mikkelson, director of university bands, and Scott Jones, associate director of university bands, as a critical member of the School of Music’s Conducting and Ensembles area.
Among his technical accomplishments with the Ohio State Marching Band, Hoch designed and orchestrated the 2012 Tribute to the Classic Video Games, which became the band’s first show to top 15 million hits on YouTube.
Hoch holds a bachelor’s degree in music education and mathematics, as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in music education, all from Ohio State. In addition to his marching and athletic band leadership, he is currently assistant director of bands and assists in music education courses and student-teacher supervision. Hoch joined Ohio State in 2012.
His teaching interests include brass, woodwind and percussion pedagogy; instrumental conducting; marching band history and administration; and marching band show design.
