The Ohio State University Marching Band Drum Major

16th Annual Spring Drum Major Clinic Recap
April 21 - 22, 2007

The Ohio State University Marching Band and The Ohio High School Drum Major Training Program hosted the 16th Annual Spring Drum Major Clinic in April. The first clinic was held in 1992, with only one student. Today the clinic has grown to over 20 students from more than a dozen different school districts across Ohio. This year students and parents had the opportunity to attend the Ohio State University Spring Football Game and watch the 2006 Drum Major, Stewart Kitchen, perform at halftime with the Spring Athletic Band. On Sunday, participants meet to learn valuable lessons about leadership and drum majoring from TBDBITL Alumni Director Dr. Paul Droste and Alumni Drum Majors Bruce Hart ('82-'83) and Cyril Costoff ('44). Marching Band Director, Dr. Jon R. Woods and a University Admissions Counselor also addressed the eager crowd. The attending students then spent 5 hours learning the traditional Drum Major ramp entrance (including strutting) and basic to advanced twirling from the assembled current and alumni Drum Majors. The exciting afternoon wrapped up at the Steinbrenner Band Center watching video highlights of accomplished Drum Majors over pizza and sodas. All of the students and families expressed enthusiastic desire to attend the 2008 Clinic, tentatively scheduled for April 19th and 20th, 2008.

If you are intersted in attending next year's clinic.. keep watching ohiostatedrummajor.com.




	News & Updates


	UPDATE! On June 22, Drum Major, Josh Halter and Assistant Drum Major, Sam Heinhold held another High School Drum Major Clinic at Massillon High School, thanks to Jason Neel (OSUMB 94-97), band director of MHS. Eight students from 6 local high schools attended. Here's a picture of the group that attended:
	May 24, 2008 2nd Regional Drum Major Clinic Held in Massillon, Ohio The newly appointed OSUMB Drum Major, Josh Halter, traveled to Massillon High School along with Alumni Drum Major Brian Berendts (92-93) to meet with 10 students from 6 different schools in Northeast Ohio in the 2nd Annual Drum Major Regional Clinic. Despite rain showers, which caused the training to relocate indoors, the students came away with new skills to bring back to their high school marching bands, and strengthen their high school's drum major position. Special thanks once again goes to Jason Neel (OSUMB 94-97), band director of Massillon High School's 'Tiger Swing Band" and the band boosters for making the outdoor and indoor facilities available. Josh Halter and the Assistant Drum Major, Sam Heinold, will return to Massillon High School on Sunday, June 22nd for another regional clinic. With existing or new drum major programs at Avon Lake, Elyria, Boardman, Dover, North Olmstead, Streetsboro, St. Ignatious and Massillon - this is an opportunity to reach these students who have difficulty traveling to Columbus on a regular basis for twirling and strutting instruction. If you are interested in hosting or attending one of the regional drum major training sessions, or to learn more about the High School Drum Major Training program please contact us at osudrummajors@hotmail.com.
	May 6, 2008 2008 Drum Major Selected Sam Heinold, 2008 Assistant Drum Major (left) and Josh Halter 2008 Head Drum Major (right) Congratulations to Josh Halter, sophomore from Newark, Ohio for being selected as Head Drum Major of TBDBITL for the 2008 Season. Also congrats to Sam Heinold, a junior from Cincinnati, Ohio who won the position as Assistant Drum Major. Halter began his pursuit of becoming OSU Drum Major in the winter of his freshman year of high school where he began attending weekly high school training sessions held at Ohio State and lead by the OSU Drum Majors, past and present. During his sophomore - senior years of high school Halter led the Lakewood High School Marching Band. In total four candidates vied for the position. In addition to Heinold and Halter, Matt Berndsen, freshman from Columbus and Nick Frye,sophomore from Kettering also competed. The four candidates performed for a packed crowd, which included TBDBITL Alumni, friends, fans, the OSU Athletic Band and a panel of judges. Each candidate displayed their skills at the traditional OSUMB "ramp" entrance, a twirling performance to a song performed by the OSU Athletic Band, and baton skill demonstration of five high-tosses. Read a collection of news articles about this event. Image Above: Josh Halter struts to victory. Photo Credit: Ed Crockett
	17th Annual Spring Drum Major Clinic Recap April 19 - 20, 2008 The Ohio State University Marching Band and The High School Drum Major Training Program hosted the 17th Annual Spring Drum Major Clinic in April. The first clinic was held in 1992, with only one student (future OSUMB Drum Major, Karl Neudorfer (94-95). Today the clinic has grown to over 20 students from more than a dozen different school districts across Ohio. This year students and parents had the opportunity to attend the Ohio State University Spring Football Game and watch the 2007 Assistant Drum Major, Josh Halter, perform at halftime with the Spring Athletic Band. On Sunday, participants met to learn valuable lessons about leadership and drum majoring from TBDBITL Alumni Director Dr. Paul Droste, Marching Band Director, Dr. Jon R. Woods, and 2006-2007 Drum Major Stew Kitchen. A University Admissions Counselor also spoke to the students and parents about the challenges of getting accepted to one of the premiere universities in the country. They also got a surprise visit from the President of the Ohio State University, E. Gordon Gee, who captivated the assembled group with his passion for higher education, The Ohio State University experience and his love of all things OSUMB. The attending students then spent 4 hours learning the traditional Drum Major ramp entrance (including strutting) and basic to advanced twirling from the assembled current and alumni Drum Majors. We hope to have even more students, parents and alumni can join us for the 18th annual Clinic in April of 2009! If you are intersted in attending next year's clinic, keep watching ohiostatedrummajor.com.
	November 3, 2007 OSUMB Hosts High School Drum Majors at OSU vs. Wisconsin Game On Saturday November 3rd, 2007 the OSUMB hosted five high school students who are Juniors/Seniors and active participants in The Drum Major Training Program at The Ohio State University. The students and one of their parents spent the day with the Marching Band watching the Drum Major lead the band through Skull Session and the game. They were chaperoned during the day by current Drum Major Squad member, Nick Frye. The current Drum Majors and Alumni Drum Majors of the OSUMB are proud of the hard work and dedication that these five students have exhibited both on their high school football fields and in their classrooms each day. With continued practice, these hopeful future Buckeyes may someday represent the Pride of The Buckeyes! Are you interested in becoming an Ohio State Style Drum Major? Learn how! Click here. Photo Credit: Ed Crockett. (Flanked by Drum Major Stewart Kitchen and Assistant Drum Major Josh Halter, from left to right: This year's guest's are: Kyle West (Lakewood H.S., Lauren Houck Band Director), Kyle's mother Sharon Hutchens, Jim Bierly (Upper Arlington H.S., Mike Manser Band Director), Jason Stuckert's father Ed Lowe, Jason Stuckert (Avon Lake H.S., Dave Eddleman Band Director), Jim's mother Jo Bierly, Everette Bingham's father Everett Bingham Sr., Everett Bingham Jr. (Northland H.S., Rick Eckler Band Director), Russell Lindsay (Gahanna Lincoln H.S., Jeff Shellhammer Band Director), and Russell's mother Donna Lindsay)
	October 27th 2007 Drum Major Honored as Most Inspirational Bandperson Stewart Kitchen became the 8th Drum Major to win the award of “Most Inspirational Bandperson.” (MIB) This award is commonly recognized as the most prestigious award presented by the Ohio State University Marching Band as the recipient is selected by votes from all Marching Band members and Directors. The Most Inspirational Bandperson Award is in its 50th year, with the first recipient being bandsman V. James Polidora in 1957. The award was presented to Stewart at the annual Marching Band Concert on October 27th, 2007 at Veteran's Memorial Auditorium in Columbus. Previous Drum Majors to receive the MIB award: Lenny Hart (1959) Bob "Link" Harper (1964) Barry Kopetz (1972) Dwight Hudson (1979) Oliver McGee (1980) Rich Parks (1988) Adam Prescott (2002) Stewart Kitchen (2007)
	August 30th, 2007 Meet the 2007 Drum Major Training Row! Congratulations to Sam Heinhold, junior from Cincinnati, Nick Frye, sophomore from Kettering, and Matt Berndsen, freshman from Columbus, for making the 2007 Drum Major Training Squad (D-Row). This team will spend the fall season training under Drum Major Stewart Kitchen and Assistant Drum Major, Josh Halter. In the spring Heinhold, Frye and Berndsen, along with Assistant Drum Major, Halter will be eligible to tryout for the Head Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major position. Read the D-Row Bios (click here). Go Buckeyes!
	Summer 2007 Recap: 1st Regional Drum Major Clinic Held in Massillon, Ohio Did you know over a dozen high schools in the east and northeastern sections of Ohio have OSU style Drum Majors (or starting programs modeled after OSU style this year)? In an effort to reach out to the students and high schools with OSU stylized drum major programs, this year's OSU Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major held the first ever Regional Drum Major Clinic at the Paul Brown Tiger Stadium in Massillon, Ohio. With the support from the Massillon Washington Band Boosters and Massillon Washington Band, under the direction of Jason Neel (OSUMB 1994-1997, Trombone), Drum Major Stewart Kitchen and Assistant Drum Major Josh Halter held a half-day practice session for local area high school drum majors. Practice included; one-on-one teaching of the basics of twirling and strutting as well as conditioning and preparation techniques for the fall season. This area of Ohio is home to many OSU alumni and fans and has a history of being the largest contingent of OSU style Drum Majors outside of the greater Columbus area. However, due to distance from Columbus and the fact that many of the drum major training practices are held at Summer Practice Sessions on campus (Tuesday and Thursday evenings), it can be difficult for students to attend to get ready for the fall season. For OSU, these high schools are important. In the last 10 years this area has provided the OSUMB with 5 different Drum Majors. With the caliber and potential found in the students that attended the regional clinic this year the Buckeyes are looking forward to seeing another decade of drum majors carring on the traditions, with roots in eastern and northeastern Ohio. Northeast Ohio Regional Clinic. Instructors and Attendees
	16th Annual Spring Drum Major Clinic Recap April 21 - 22, 2007 The Ohio State University Marching Band and The Ohio High School Drum Major Training Program hosted the 16th Annual Spring Drum Major Clinic in April. The first clinic was held in 1992, with only one student. Today the clinic has grown to over 20 students from more than a dozen different school districts across Ohio. This year students and parents had the opportunity to attend the Ohio State University Spring Football Game and watch the 2006 Drum Major, Stewart Kitchen, perform at halftime with the Spring Athletic Band. On Sunday, participants meet to learn valuable lessons about leadership and drum majoring from TBDBITL Alumni Director Dr. Paul Droste and Alumni Drum Majors Bruce Hart ('82-'83) and Cyril Costoff ('44). Marching Band Director, Dr. Jon R. Woods and a University Admissions Counselor also addressed the eager crowd. The attending students then spent 5 hours learning the traditional Drum Major ramp entrance (including strutting) and basic to advanced twirling from the assembled current and alumni Drum Majors. The exciting afternoon wrapped up at the Steinbrenner Band Center watching video highlights of accomplished Drum Majors over pizza and sodas. All of the students and families expressed enthusiastic desire to attend the 2008 Clinic, tentatively scheduled for April 19th and 20th, 2008. If you are intersted in attending next year's clinic.. keep watching ohiostatedrummajor.com.
	May 10, 2007 2007 Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major Selected! ___ Congratulations to Stewart Kitchen of Kenton, Ohio for being selected as head drum major for the 2007 Ohio State University Marching Band! Josh Halter of Newark, Ohio will serve as the assistant drum major. Read recently published articles about this exciting tryout here.
	Drum Major Tryouts - Scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 2007 - 4:00 pm Location UPDATE!: Tryouts have been moved to the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, click here to view directions. This event is open to the public. Come and find out who will lead "The Best Damn Band In The Land" this fall! You may cheer on Sam Heinold (Sophomore), Henry Golatt (Freshman), Josh Halter (Freshman), and Stewart Kitchen (Sophomore), as they compete for the positions of Drum Major and Assistant. Tryouts consist of: 1.The traditional OSUMB "Ramp Entrance" - Strutting - Salutes - Backbend - Marching - Goal Post toss 2. Choreographed twirling routine, music performed by the Spring Athletic Band 3. 5 High Aerial Tosses For more information please contact the OSU Marching Band Office: 614.292.2598
	Saturday & Sunday, April 21-22, 2007 Get Ready for the 2007 High School Drum Major Spring Clinic at OSU Picture it. It is pre-game in Ohio Stadium. The crowd roars as the block band forms. Amid the din a whistle shrieks from within the block and horns come up as the band snaps southward. While the crowd goes berserk to the introduction of Buckeye, there is a scarlet flash and glint of silver as the drum major dashes from the ramp, through the band and then struts to his position "out front." A backbend touches the plume to the turf then it's down the field to the south stands, another great game and a Buckeye victory. Every spring The Ohio State University Marching Band invites high school drum majors, or students interested in becoming a drum major, to attend an exciting two-day clinic on the OSU campus for introduction, instruction and development of their drum major skills. Current and previous OSUMB Drum Majors will be present to demonstrate and instruct students on elements of the ramp entrance, the back bend, twirling, and leadership. Do you know a high school sophomore, junior or senior who wants to own that scarlet flash and glint of silver? Perhaps you are a student who would like to participate. If so, then maybe you should attend the 2007 Drum Major Clinic.

	November 02, 2006 TBDBITL Featured in Daily Show's 'Moment of Zen' Click here to watch!
	October 28th, 2006 Jack Nicklaus dotted the "i" in Script Ohio this Saturday during the halftime show of the OSU vs. Minnesota Game. The sousaphone section of the Marching Band made the invitation to Jack because of his contributions to The Ohio State University and to the world of professional sports. The following is an excerpt from the "Ohio State Notebook" published in THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH , Sunday, October 29, 2006, written by Tim May , Ken Gordon and Rob Oller Golden Bear dots " i " Winning the Masters may be more emotional, but Jack Nicklaus still got a lump in his throat while dotting the "i" during the Ohio State marching band’s halftime rendition of Script Ohio. " I’m always a pretty emotional guy, and to have something like this ... Ohio State has meant so much to my life, and Columbus," said Nicklaus, who left college early to turn professional in 1961. He has since received an honorary degree from OSU. Nicklaus walked arm-in-arm with the drum major to the designated spot and waved to the crowd. "I guess it went well," he said. "I got my part right … A fraternity brother of mine sent me a baton the other day that was probably 40 years old and said, ‘I want you to practice with this. I don’t want you to embarrass any of us.’ "
	Jack marches in step with band behind the drum major. "Are you ready Jack? Now's your moment!" Congrats!	The Incomparable Script Ohio!
	September 2, 2006 Alumni Day in Ohio Stadium & A Buckeye Victory!
	August 30th, 2006 D-Row Tryouts Marching Band tryouts were held this week and four students were selected to be part of D-row (The Drum Major Training Squad). Congratulations to Josh Halter, Henry Golatt, David Root and Sam Henold. Click here to see a photo of this years D-Row and learn more about what d-row is all about.
	Tuesday, May 9th, 2006 OSU Drum Major Tryouts: Drum Major Training Program Pays Off in Victory For OSU Freshman Stew Kitchen, an Ohio State Freshman from Kenton, Ohio was selected to be the Head Drum Major for the Ohio State Univeristy Marching Band's 2006 season. Kitchen, who is the first graduate of The Drum Major Training Program at Ohio State University overtook the incumbent Drum Major, Alex Neffenger of Columbus, Ohio, and Assistant Drum Major, Dan Nash, of Whitehall, Ohio, to win the top spot in his first tryout. Kitchen began his pursuit of becoming an OSU Drum Major in the winter of his junior year of high school by attending weekly training sessions held at Ohio State and lead by the OSU Drum Majors, past and present. In his senior year of high school Kitchen lead the Kenton High School Marching Band, who was well represented at the OSU Tryouts in the form of a bus load of supporters who raised Kitchen on their shoulders in celebration of his victory. The three candidates performed for a packed crowd, which also included TBDBITL Alumni, fans, the OSU Athletic Band and a panel of judges. Each candidate displayed their skills at the traditional OSUMB "ramp" entrance, a twirling performance to the song "Autumn Leaves", and baton skill demonstration of five high-tosses. Dan Nash, a Senior, retained the position as Assistant Drum Major. "The OSUMB is very fortunate to have three strong candidates trying out for Drum Major, and an even stronger pipeline of students coming up through their Drum Major Training Program. Stew has a lot of great potential and will benefit from having an experienced and strong assistant in Dan Nash. The future is bright." said Adam Prescott, OSU Drum Major 2001-2002. In addition to the honor of being drum major in the upcoming fall season. Both Kitchen and Nash will receive the TBDBITL Alumni Club Scholarships. As Head Drum Major, Kitchen will receive full in-state tuition and Nash will receive partial. If you are interested in seeing the newly selected drum major in-action, watch for him to be performing with the TBDBITL Alumni Band in the Worthington Memorial Day Parade (Monday, May, 29th at 10 am) and other Alumni & OSUMB events. Photo: Stew is lifted on the shoulders of friends and fans in celebration of his victory Photo Credit: Mitzi Kitchen
	April 23, 2006 Drum Major Clinic Summary April 23rd, 2006 marked the annual Ohio State University Marching Band High School Drum Major Spring Clinic. Over twenty-two high school students attended the event. For a few students this was their first experience using a grey baton and seeing the beautiful grounds of the Ohio State University. The weekend began with an amazing Buckeye victory at the Annual Spring Game and ended with a group question and answer session at the Steinbrenner Band Center. Students were taught the traditional Ramp Entrance, basic and advanced twirling, and given leadership knowledge. In addition to the members of the OSUMB’s D-Row, over six alumni drum majors were present at the weekend event to help teach the students. The next training events will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Band Practice Field. Contact the head drum major Stewart Kitchen at osudrummajors@hotmail.com if you are interested in more information on the summer sessions. Thanks to everyone who attended the clinic and Go bucks!!

	Ohio High School Drum Major Training Session: Winter Schedule The Winter and Spring Sessions for the Ohio State Drum Major Training Program meet every Monday and Wednesday night from 7 to 9 pm at the French Field House on the main campus of The Ohio State University, with the following exceptions: Winter sessions will not meet between March 17th-25th due to spring break. Winter sessions will culminate with the Spring Game and Drum Major Clinic which will be held the weekend of April 22-23. Click here to read more about the The Ohio High School Training Program. If you are interested in being apart of this program click here to contact the OSU Drum Major.
	August, 2005 D-row Tryouts held for 2005 Marching Band Season After a four-day tryout session Stew Kitchen of Kenton, Ohio and a freshman at Ohio State University was selected to be a member of the Drum Major Training Squad (D-Row). Prior to attending OSU, Stew was drum major of his high school for one year. This year's d-row tryouts included a test of the Ohio State Drum Major ramp entrance, marching and twirling, a twirling routine to an OSU marching band song and also, three days of training on OSU style marching techinques and leadership. Stew will spend the 2006 fall season training under the Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major, learning the skills and leadership it takes to be an OSU Drum Major. Stew will be eligible to tryout for Drum Major in the Spring of 2006. We wish Stew and all the other Drum Major canidates the best of luck. If you are interested in becoming an OSU drum major, you can read more about the Drum Major Training Squad (click here), or email the OSU Drum Major (click here) to inquire how to get involved.
	May, 2005 Alex Neffenger named Drum Major for the 2005 Season Alex Neffenger was named the 2005 Drum Major for the OSU Marching Band at a tryout held at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center. Neffenger, a native of Columbus, attended Northland High School where he was drum major for two years. Neffenger, currently a junior at Ohio State majoring in education, was a member of the drum major squad (D-row) for one season and held the position of assistant drum major for the past two seasons. To gain the top spot and the TBDBITL Drum Major Scholarship, Neffenger competed against three other candidates from Ohio; Michelle Cundari a junior from Norwalk, Dan Nash a junior from Whitehall and Stephen Sollars a freshman from Jackson. While judges at the tryouts quickly chose Neffenger for the top spot, there was a tie for the assistant drum major position between Cundari and Nash.The tie resulted in a run-off. The two candidates were put to the test by competing in the twirling routine, pre-game ramp entrance, and high-toss competition for a second time. After a strong second run-through, Dan Nash was selected as the Assistant Drum Major in which he will serve as an assistant squad leader, lead one of the double Script Ohio’s often performed by the band, and will serve as primary understudy to Neffenger. “I very am excited for the upcoming season and I can’t wait to be a part of ramp.” said Neffenger. “I've wanted to become the drum major since high school. I meet many alumni drum majors and I wanted to emulate their success- it became a dream and now I get to live it.”
	Drum Major News: ARCHIVES
	October 9th, 2004 * High School Drum Major Seniors * Ohio High School Drum Major's Senior Recruit Day has been Scheduled! Wisconsin vs. OSU Get a first-hand look at GAME DAY through the eyes of the marching band. RSVP as soon as possible- This is one event you don't want to miss!!
	August 2004 Drum Major Squad (D-Row) Chosen for 2004 Season Congratulations to Stephen Sollars and Michelle Cundari for making D-row! Michelle Cundari, from Norwalk, Ohio is a junior majoring in criminology. Stephen Sollars is a freshman from Jackson, Ohio where he was drum major of the Jackson High School Marching Band for two years. After a several days of marching training alongside 100's of other OSUMB candidates, and a final tryout on Wednesday September 8, Stephen and Michelle were chosen on their skills and potential to be a part of the Drum Major Training Squad (D-row). Stephen and Michelle will spend the season training under the Drum Major and Assistant Drum Major, learning and improving their leadership and technique in preperation for Drum Major tryouts in Spring. Learn more about D-Row and Drum Major Tryouts by clicking here.
	September 4, 2004 Alumni Game: OSU vs. Cincinnati, Score: 27-6 This year's Alumni Game had the largest number of Alumni Drum Majors attend in many years. Drum Majors traveled as far as California and Conneticut to attend the game and be part of a very special tradition and show their support of their alma mater The Ohio State University and the OSUMB. Sixty years after Cyril Costoff was Drum Major in 1944 he once again had the opportunity to lead TBDBITL in Script Ohio for the west side of the Stadium. Matt Bally, Drum Major, 1999-2000 lead the east side Script. Current Drum Major Eric Sommer and Assistant Drum Major Alex Neffenger lead the OSUMB in Script Ohio on the north and south sides of the Stadium.
	May 2004 Eric Sommer announced as 53rd Drum Major Fourth year aviation engineering major Eric M. Sommer, a native of Avon Lake, Ohio, has been selected Drum Major for the 2004 football season with The Best Damn Band In The Land. Eric returns to TBDBITL after a two year hiatus from the band, having served as assistant drum major during the 2001 season. Eric's selection as Drum Major marks a milestone for the OSUMB as this is the first time siblings have served as drum major. Older brother Scott Sommer was the "...man out front" in the 1998 season. Alex Neffenger, last season's assistant will return to that position next season. Alex is a sophomore theatre student and a graduate of Northland High School in Columbus. While the weather man threatened to send us inside with the promise of afternoon thunderstorms, the competition was held outdoors under mostly cloudy skies at the Woody Hayes Athletic Facility on Olentangy River Road. Also competing for the position of Drum Major were Daniel E. Nash, a second year theatre major, and Michelle A. Cundari, a sophomore majoring in criminology. Thanks go out to the cadre of adjudicators for this year's tryouts, including former drum majors Beverly Moseley, Shelley Graf, Cory Thompson, Oliver McGee, Bruce Hart, Matt Bally and Paul Zubrod; former band members Miranda Burke, Lisa Galvin, John Gray, Ray Castle, Gary Hodges, Janine Bock, Bob Weimer and George Zonders, and current band staff Jon Woods, Jon Waters and James Moore. Also assisting with the judging was the current Most Inspirational Bandman Wesley T. Clark. Music for the competition was supplied by the Spring Atlhletic Band under the direction of Mike Stewart. For more details on the drum major tryouts click here.


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