Did you miss a story from our front page?
It might be here!
It might be here!
MARCH, 2025
THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE GHHSOne of the great things about a small school like Grandview is that students have the opportunity to cross over between activities and try lots of different things while they are in school. This was on full display this weekend, when a number of our band and orchestra students (and teachers!) participated in the GHHS vocal and theater department's production of The Wizard of Oz. Here are a few photos of those students and educators in action, including GHHS band members Tucker Betz and Nolan Drum in starring roles as the Scarecrow and Cowardly Lion, and Max McCollough as the only current student member of the pit orchestra, among many others.
GHBOB was proud to support this production, and prouder still that so many of our instrumental music students had a hand in bringing it to life! There really is no place like home - especially if your home is Grandview Heights. (Updated March 9, 2025) |
|
HONOR BAND AND OMEA ACHIEVEMENTS
This has already been a busy 2025 for the Grandview Heights Instrumental Music program! At the end of January, eight GHHS musicians performed solos at OMEA, and all of them achieved either a superior (I) or excellent (II) rating, the two highest ratings available. Performers included:
Then during the first weekend of February, GHHS musician Max McCollough performed with The Ohio State University Honor Band Festival. This is Max's second year being selected to perform in this prestigious event. Over 900 individual student nominations were submitted by band directors from nine states for this year's event. Ultimately, 270 musicians representing over 150 high schools were selected for the three honor bands.
Finally, over President's Day Weekend, three GHHS band students and seven LMS band students participate in the Ohio Wesleyan Honor Band. LMS musicians included Rose Ritzman (alto sax, 8th grade), Halle McNamara (trombone, 8th grade), Ashlyn Quinby (baritone, 8th grade), Molly Brooks (clarinet, 8th grade), Sydney Heren (tenor sax, 8th grade), Maddi Barger (flute, 8th grade), and Audrey Connell (clarinet, 7th grade). GHHS musicians included Max McCollough (horn, 10th grade), Charlotte Ritzman (flute, 10th grade), and Isla Swisher (tenor sax, 9th grade). All of these musicians were selected by director nomination.
Two middle school honor bands and one high school honor band performed at the event, with each group featuring around 90 gifted musicians from across the state of Ohio. What made this honor band extra special is that all three GHHS musicians served as the principal (first chair) player of their section in the high school honor band! Max and Charlotte were also featured together on a duet during one of the honor band pieces. Grandview's talents were truly on full display!
(Updated March, 2025)
- Ben Carini, senior, trumpet solo
- Peyton Debelak, junior, bass clarinet solo
- Max McCollough, sophomore, horn solo
- Charlotte Ritzman, sophomore, flute solo
- Maura Yates, sophomore, cello solo
- Hudson Barber, freshman, alto sax solo
- Callie Rutter, freshman, flute solo
- Isla Swisher, freshman, soprano sax solo
Then during the first weekend of February, GHHS musician Max McCollough performed with The Ohio State University Honor Band Festival. This is Max's second year being selected to perform in this prestigious event. Over 900 individual student nominations were submitted by band directors from nine states for this year's event. Ultimately, 270 musicians representing over 150 high schools were selected for the three honor bands.
Finally, over President's Day Weekend, three GHHS band students and seven LMS band students participate in the Ohio Wesleyan Honor Band. LMS musicians included Rose Ritzman (alto sax, 8th grade), Halle McNamara (trombone, 8th grade), Ashlyn Quinby (baritone, 8th grade), Molly Brooks (clarinet, 8th grade), Sydney Heren (tenor sax, 8th grade), Maddi Barger (flute, 8th grade), and Audrey Connell (clarinet, 7th grade). GHHS musicians included Max McCollough (horn, 10th grade), Charlotte Ritzman (flute, 10th grade), and Isla Swisher (tenor sax, 9th grade). All of these musicians were selected by director nomination.
Two middle school honor bands and one high school honor band performed at the event, with each group featuring around 90 gifted musicians from across the state of Ohio. What made this honor band extra special is that all three GHHS musicians served as the principal (first chair) player of their section in the high school honor band! Max and Charlotte were also featured together on a duet during one of the honor band pieces. Grandview's talents were truly on full display!
(Updated March, 2025)
FEBRUARY, 2025
|
Folks, this is a slightly overdue acknowledgement of the amazing performance our high school musicians put together just before the holiday break last December. Thanks to ambitious programming by Mrs. Olis, and the good-natured partnership of Mr. Stanley and the GHHS Orchestra and Mr. Grega and the Grandview Singers, the GHHS Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble's usual December holiday concert was simply transformed. All of the afore-noted groups performed independently on the program, as well as one small high school chamber ensemble, in a "collage style" presentation that had the groups stationed in different places around the auditorium with one song leading relatively seamlessly into the next. Then the entire group of 200+ musicians combined for one grand finale piece which simply filled the entire hall - and maybe the whole city of Grandview Heights! - with the joy of beautiful holiday music.
A few photos are shared here, and there are video snips available on our video page (click here). It was a really special night, and GHBOB wants to express its gratitude to everyone who had a hand in making it happen, including the students and directors, of course, a well as the administration and other faculty members since schedules had to be rearranged during the school day to allow for joint rehearsals. Here's hoping this is the start of another beautiful tradition! (Updated February 4, 2025) |
|
DECEMBER, 2024
A BUSY FEW WEEKS!
Hello, GHBOB families! It may seem like things have been quiet around these parts since football season ended a couple of weeks ago, but there's still exciting news to share! Here's a quick rundown of what our instrumental music students have been up to:
- On November 20, the middle school bands (grades 5 through 8) gave their first concert of the school year. You can see the concert program by clicking here. Almost 200 young musicians participate in our middle school band program, and we are excited they have gotten the performing year off to a great start!
- On November 24, several GHHS instrumental music students participated in a concert event with Early Interval, a Columbus professional music ensemble, as the culmination of a collaborative week-long learning activity involving the GHHS English and music departments. The event showcased music reflective of European fascination with nature in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, interwoven with poems by Ohio poets in the 21st century centered around modern views of nature. A couple photos are below, and you can click here for a video.
|
|
- On Thanksgiving Day, November 26, Eryn O'Harra (GHHS Class of 2024) marched with the Pride of WVU, the West Virginia University Marching Band, in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade! Even though the weather was less than stellar, the experience was amazing for Eryn and her bandmates and family. We are excited to showcase opportunities like this to continue instrumental music activities at the college level. Way to go, Eryn!
- On December 3, our GHHS Jazz Ensemble performed a few numbers at the annual "Holiday in the Heights" event sponsored by Grandview Heights. Thankfully it was not as bitter cold as it has been in previous years! Click here for some video of that event as well.
|
|
|
|
- And finally, on December 4, our 5th and 6th grade Band and Orchestra students headed to Ohio State for their annual Celebration of Music Concert, which is a collage-style presentation of music from orchestral, jazz, concert, and marching band ensembles. It's a fan favorite every year, and GHBOB is proud to support this event by purchasing the tickets for our students and chaperones to attend. Thanks to all of YOU, for helping us raise the funds to make it possible!
Stay tuned as our GHHS Concert Band and Jazz Ensemble host the final concert of the holiday season next Tuesday, December 17, at 7pm in the GHHS auditorium - more great music yet to come! Click here for a sneak peek at the concert program.
(Updated December 16, 2024)
(Updated December 16, 2024)
november, 2024
HONOR BAND ACHIEVEMENTS
|
It's easy to forget in the midst of our extended GHHS Marching Band season, but we have LOTS of other performing instrumental music groups in the GH schools! This weekend, a number of our students participated in Honor Band performance opportunities, including Maddi Barger (8th grade, flute) Leela Stricklin (8th grade, tenor sax), Avery Szabo-Ramsey (7th grade, flute), Jack Smith (7th grade, trumpet), and Ellie Bills (7th grade, baritone), who performed in the Ohio Music Education Association District 15 Middle School Honor Bands on Saturday afternoon. They joined 200 musicians from around central Ohio for this special one-day event. Molly Brooks (8th grade, clarinet) was also selected for this opportunity, but was unable to perform.
Then on Saturday evening, Mira Bondy (9th grade, clarinet) and Max McCollough (10th grade, horn) performed in the Capital University Honor Band Festival for high school musicians. Mira placed into the second highest ensemble and Max earned the top horn spot in the top ensemble. Incredible accomplishments for both Mira and Max! You can check out a few photos from the weekend below. |
GHBOB congratulates all of these students for their hard work and willingness to take on extra performance challenges! Interested in how your student can participate in opportunities like this? Contact your student's director to learn more.
|
(Updated November 18, 2024)
THE GH ORCHESTRA TAKES CENTER STAGE
In addition to the above concert band achievers, last week our orchestra students began their 2024 performance schedule with a concert on Thursday night. Students from 5th through 12th grade performed. You can click here to view the concert program.
The week before, the orchestra students welcomed a special guest to Grandview, when retired OSU orchestra professor Dr. Robert Gillespie came to work with all of our orchestra groups in the classroom during the school day. Dr. Gillespie's visit was made possible by a generous donation from GH alums Warren Klink and Carolyn Wyman, whose gift also supported a number of additions to orchestra equipment. Their support, coupled with a significant grant from the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Education Foundation, have allowed for significant improvements to the orchestra program this year - and we are so grateful! Here are some snips from our concert program that tell a little more of the story:
The week before, the orchestra students welcomed a special guest to Grandview, when retired OSU orchestra professor Dr. Robert Gillespie came to work with all of our orchestra groups in the classroom during the school day. Dr. Gillespie's visit was made possible by a generous donation from GH alums Warren Klink and Carolyn Wyman, whose gift also supported a number of additions to orchestra equipment. Their support, coupled with a significant grant from the Grandview Heights/Marble Cliff Education Foundation, have allowed for significant improvements to the orchestra program this year - and we are so grateful! Here are some snips from our concert program that tell a little more of the story:
|
|
You can check out some photos above and video below.
|
|
|
|
|
(Updated November 17, 2024)
OCTOBER, 2024
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS...
A week ago, we were preparing for a huge week in the Bobcat Football and Band programs. Season in Review was on the schedule for the Marching Band for Thursday, and then on Friday, our undefeated football team was taking on Mifflin to close out their season - with senior night for football, cheer, and marching band preceding the game. And then . . . Mifflin had to forfeit due to injuries and everything was thrown into uncertainty!
The community quickly pulled together with a new plan however, and we honored our sixteen Marching Band seniors and their families during an amazing Season in Review on Thursday night, under the lights at Bobcat stadium. The walking apple and cherry pies that would have been last week's concession special were instead converted into a sweet treat for band members, in celebration of senior night. And then we followed all of that that up on Friday night with a community pep rally in place of the game that wasn't played. |
|
|
GH Band Dad Sark Mahdasian volunteered his time and talent to capture some beautiful photos of our seniors and their families during the senior recognition event on Thursday night. A couple are shared here, and you can click here to view all of them. We are so grateful to Sark for stepping in at the last minute to help make the night memorable for all! Other snapshots from last week's activities are shared below.
Our Bobcats take on the Comets of Marion Elgin High School this Friday at home at Bobcat Stadium in round one of the OHSAA state football playoffs - and football and cheer seniors will be honored before the game at 6:35pm. See you there! (Updated October 28, 2024) |
|
WHAT A WEEKEND!
|
Your GHHS Marching Bobcats had a whirlwind couple of days this past weekend. First, they wowed the crowd with their Rihanna halftime show on the road at Centennial High School on Friday night (click here for full video) and supported the football Bobcats in bringing home their eighth win of this undefeated season.
Then on Saturday, they performed a "pop up" lawn concert in Grandview. This popular and in-demand silent auction item is available each spring at the BOBCake Bash, and this past year's winner brought the band in for the local Second Avenue block party, so the whole block could get in on the fun. There was lots of rocking and rolling and dancing in the streets! And after that, the Band enjoyed some dinner and socializing together at the home of fellow GHHS band members Lizzy and Lexy Smith. GHBOB gives another big shout out and THANK YOU to Lizzy and Lexy's parents, Karen and Adam Smith, for organizing and hosting the party - and to all the other families who donated food and drink for the event. A good time was had by all! Pics from this whole weekend of fun are available below. Enjoy! |
|
GAME SEVEN ON THE ROAD
|
The GHHS Marching Band took their Rihanna show on the road this week, performing at halftime of the Bobcat football team's total dismantling of the Worthington Christian Warriors on Friday night. Enjoy a few photos and a video below!
(Updated October 5, 2024) |
|
september, 2024
HOMECOMING WITH A SIDE OF HURRICANE
|
Friday night was nothing if not memorable for our Bobcats! The outer edges of Hurricane Helene poured rain on Grandview Heights all day, but we still hosted the GHHS Marching Band and 8th grade band for a pregame dinner before the Homecoming festivities were scheduled to get underway.
The rains cleared up just in time for our GHHS Marching Band to lead the Homecoming Parade, but the stormy winds were still whipping across Anderson Field as the pregame show was performed and the Homecoming Court was introduced. Our own Lizzy Smith was crowned 2024 Homecoming Royalty during pregame, GHHS Marching Band members Leva Fischer, Lucas Schmied, and Sophia Szabo-Ramsey were also recognized as members of the Court. The football Bobcats took it to the visiting Whetstone Braves in the first half, and then our GHHS Marching Band was joined on field by the 8th grade Bobcat Band for a special joint performance. The last notes had barely faded away when the skies opened and Helene found us again, sending everyone except the football team and the heartiest fans running for cover! GHBOB gives a big shout out to Natalie Glenn, Nikki Ramming, and Melissa DeGraw who organized the pregame dinner for our students. GHBOB is also exceptionally grateful to all of the parents who helped to keep the waterlogged and wind-whipped concessions operations running on Friday night - especially MVP grillmaster Rick Willimot who showed up with his own portable grill in his trunk, just in case the outdoor grill wouldn't light to cook the pierogi special, saving the day! A handful of slightly damp GHBOBers still made it to the post-game debrief at Barrel & Taps, but we are hoping for a HUGE showing after the next (and last!) game on October 25. |
Photos this week mostly end after the parade, since things got a little nutty after that, but you can check out what we have below. The Bobcats remain undefeated, and we will all head to Worthington Christian this Friday for a hopefully less dramatic series of events. See you there -
GO BOBCATS! (Updated September 29, 2024) |
ROCK RESURGENCE REpeat
|
The GHHS Marching Band brought the rock band show home to Grandview on Friday night, showcasing their collaboration with School of Rock Columbus for the second time. A few photos are available below, and you can click here to see full video of each song from the halftime show.
(Updated September 22, 2024) |
|
WHAT A SHOW!
|
In case you missed it, our GHHS Marching Band debuted their second show of the season at Bexley on Friday night - "Classic Rock Resurgence," a rock and roll collaboration with School of Rock. Here are some photos and video from the performance - and you can catch the HOME debut of the same show LIVE this Friday, September 20 at Bobcat Stadium! Don't miss it!
|
|
(Updated September 16, 2024)
OXES AND APPLES:A BIG WEEK FOR OUR BOBCATS!
|
Our GHHS Marching Band students had a huge week last week - capped off by the second annual "Apple Night" at the Bobcats' football game. GHBOB members Jenni and Andy Betz and their family have introduced the apple night tradition in Grandview after enjoying it themselves as members of the Gallia Academy high school marching band together years ago. Once every season, a local Gallia County family picked apples and brought them to share with the marching band on a football Friday night, and the Betz family now does the same for our Grandview students. This year they brought enough to share with the cheerleaders, football team, and their coaching staffs as well, building goodwill and new connections among all our programs. Big thanks to the Betz family for making this a part of our football Friday nights in Grandview! A few apple-tastic photos are below, as well as some pics and video from the Friday night performance and our intrepid concessions stand volunteers.
The night before, our marching Bobcats helped kick off the fun at the annual Ox Roast pep rally and pit lighting event. Our sixteen band seniors got to join a couple dozen other senior athletes in the annual ceremonial lighting of the ox roasting pit. Bobcat Booster and friend of the band Victor van Buchem took some amazing photos that we are taking the liberty of sharing here.
Kudos to everyone who played a role in another great week of marching band activities!
(Updated September 8, 2024) |
|
AUGUST, 2024
OH, WHAT A NIGHT!
|
|
Folks, our football Friday nights got kicked off in a grand fashion last night, with our marching Bobcats taking the field for the first time and putting on a terrific show. We unveiled our amazing senior banners honoring the sixteen marching members of the class of 2025, LOTS of new faces joined as parent volunteers to operate the concessions stands, the PRIDE OF THE BOBCATS made us proud on the field, and a whole bunch of GHBOB-ers showed up at Barrel & Taps after the game for some fun and good times together. Oh, and in the middle of it all our football Bobcats staged an impressive comeback victory, throwing up 28 points in the second half to beat Briggs 28-12 in their 2024 debut. It just really couldn't have been better!
A photo album of last night's activities is attached, and here is some video of the GHHS Marching Band's pregame show and halftime performances: [note, video has been moved to the video page of this web site, click here] See you all back at Anderson field in two weeks, for the next home Bobcat game! (Updated August 24, 2024) |
DECAL DRIVE 2024
|
A HUGE thanks to all of our parent volunteers and high school musicians who worked hard last week to knock on as many Grandview Heights doors as possible. Our 2024 decal driveway extremely successful, raising very nearly $10,000 (and counting!) in support of our instrumental music students at all levels.
Kudos and special recognition go out to Molly Schmied and Sara Carini, who organized this year's drive, as well as Mona Barber who led an incredibly successful sponsorship drive that will add to our overall fundraising efforts to start the year. Grateful to have all of these people on the GHBOB team! Here are some photos from the decal drive launch: Thanks again to all involved - it was a terrific start to our fundraising year! (Updated August 25, 2024) |
|
BAND CAMP PHOTOS
With a big thanks to friend of GHBOB/professional photographer Ken Heigel, we are pleased to share group photos from Band Camp 2024, including a full band photo, fun shots of the seniors, plus photos of every instrument section. You can click here to see the full collection, and they are available to you to view, download, share, and enjoy at no cost. Huge thank you, Ken, for your beautiful work and your generosity!
(Updated August 6, 2024)
(Updated August 6, 2024)
JULY, 2024
BAND CAMP 2024, IN THE BOOKS
Reports from the staff and students sure make it sound like Band Camp 2024 was yet another rousing success. Our students worked really hard and got a lot of work done preparing for the upcoming season, and also really bonded as a team and had a lot of fun together. And that's pretty much what Band Camp is all about!
BIG THANKS AND HUGE KUDOS go out to our new team of Band Camp organizers, including Katie Russell, Nate Russell, and Eloise Jones. We also could not make this happen without a LEGION of other parent helpers, including our nursing corps of Jen Hayes, Catt Dimes, Melissa McKelvey, and Andy Betz; our overnight chaperones including Eloise and Nate, as well as Bob Rutter, Molly Schmied, Dave Schmied, Rick Kinsinger, Dawn Ritzman, Sark Mahdasian, Eileen Critchley, Jay McKelvey, and Angela Russell; our truck drivers James Herlihy (who also donated his truck) and Dave again; and check-in and return day volunteers including Sarah Knouff, Matt Knouff, and Phil Miller, plus Eloise, Katie, Angela, Molly, Dawn, and Dave. And of course, our amazing GHHS Band Director Jenn Olis and Assistant Marching Band Director Thomas Stanley put in the hard work that really makes Band Camp happen.
BIG THANKS AND HUGE KUDOS go out to our new team of Band Camp organizers, including Katie Russell, Nate Russell, and Eloise Jones. We also could not make this happen without a LEGION of other parent helpers, including our nursing corps of Jen Hayes, Catt Dimes, Melissa McKelvey, and Andy Betz; our overnight chaperones including Eloise and Nate, as well as Bob Rutter, Molly Schmied, Dave Schmied, Rick Kinsinger, Dawn Ritzman, Sark Mahdasian, Eileen Critchley, Jay McKelvey, and Angela Russell; our truck drivers James Herlihy (who also donated his truck) and Dave again; and check-in and return day volunteers including Sarah Knouff, Matt Knouff, and Phil Miller, plus Eloise, Katie, Angela, Molly, Dawn, and Dave. And of course, our amazing GHHS Band Director Jenn Olis and Assistant Marching Band Director Thomas Stanley put in the hard work that really makes Band Camp happen.
|
|
Several of the parents who spent time at camp shared their photos and videos, and you can click here to see the full collection of them if you missed them on Facebook last week. THANK YOU to everyone who made this past week possible, including our hard-working and mostly well-behaved students!
(Updated July 28, 2024) |
MAY, 2024
ONE MORE BUSY WEEK!
It may be May, and the end of the school year is right around the corner, but our band and orchestra programs are not yet ready to throw in the towel! Last Monday, Mr. Heath and Mrs. Olis loaded up the sixth grade band and took them "on the road" - down to Stevenson Elementary, where they performed a concert on the lawn for the entire RLS population. This meets SO MANY of our goals for these students! Extra performance opportunity? Check! Performing for an audience outside of the GHHS auditorium? Check! Recruiting and inspiring potential future band members? Check check check! the event was a great success, and the directors are already thinking about ways to improve upon it for next year.
Next up was our GHHS Jazz Ensemble, who asked Mrs. Olis to arrange just one more performance opportunity for them before graduation takes away four seniors from the group. Mrs. Olis was happy to oblige, and the GH Public Library was also happy to host. Another big win! The students had a great time playing some of their favorite numbers from the year, for a very appreciative audience.
Then on Thursday night, we said farewell to the parents of several of our graduating seniors who have been instrumental (see what I did there?) to the success of our GHBOB programs over the years, with a rollicking good time at Barrel & Taps.
And last but CERTAINLY not least, GHBOB hosted a farewell picnic for our graduating seniors and their directors, at the home of Bob and Julie Rutter. GHBOB VP Jennifer Kinsinger delivered an entire (amazing!) meal for the students and their directors - who enjoyed pizza, watermelon, ice cream sundaes, and lots of laughs together on this last Sunday evening before they all graduate. Photos from all three events are below.
Next up was our GHHS Jazz Ensemble, who asked Mrs. Olis to arrange just one more performance opportunity for them before graduation takes away four seniors from the group. Mrs. Olis was happy to oblige, and the GH Public Library was also happy to host. Another big win! The students had a great time playing some of their favorite numbers from the year, for a very appreciative audience.
Then on Thursday night, we said farewell to the parents of several of our graduating seniors who have been instrumental (see what I did there?) to the success of our GHBOB programs over the years, with a rollicking good time at Barrel & Taps.
And last but CERTAINLY not least, GHBOB hosted a farewell picnic for our graduating seniors and their directors, at the home of Bob and Julie Rutter. GHBOB VP Jennifer Kinsinger delivered an entire (amazing!) meal for the students and their directors - who enjoyed pizza, watermelon, ice cream sundaes, and lots of laughs together on this last Sunday evening before they all graduate. Photos from all three events are below.
|
|
|
|
Thanks to EVERYONE who had a hand in making any of this happen - it was a great week at the end of a very good year.
(Updated May 19, 2024)
(Updated May 19, 2024)
CONGRATULATIONS, 2024 SQUAD LEADERS!
Mrs. Olis recently announced the squad leaders for the 2024 edition of the GHHS Marching Band, and they include: Ben Carini, Carmen Cunningham, Peyton Debelak, Annabel Dimes, Ben Donahue, Luna Gupta, Porter Knouff, Luke Lobao, Quinn Markle, Finn McKelvey, Sean McKelvey, Ben Ritzman, Charlotte Ritzman, Lucas Schmied, Sophia Szabo-Ramsey, Allie Wahl, Jeremy Wurster, and Maddie Young. GHBOB congratulates all of these students for taking on this important leadership role!
(Updated May 18, 2024).
(Updated May 18, 2024).
A GREAT DAY FOR OUR 7TH AND 8TH GRADE MUSICIANS
Saturday May 4th was more than just an opportunity to celebrate Star Wars! Our 7th and 8th grade band and orchestra students all had the opportunity to perform for professional clinicians who came to GHHS to work with them. The band and orchestra groups each performed full pieces under the batons of their own directors, and then our guests provided their professional feedback and also worked with the students on developing their musicianship and artistry. Additional performance and professional feedback opportunities are a great way to help students see how far they have come as musicians, and possibly learn some new perspective from another professional educator, and the GHBOB is proud to underwrite the cost of bringing in these educators to work with our students. Here are some photos and a few video snips of our students preparing for and working with the clinicians:
|
After that morning of hard work, our students boarded the buses and headed off for some well-earned relaxation time at King's Island. We're told that even though they had to dodge a few rainstorms during the day, they managed to have a whole lot of fun as well. Here are some photos sent in by parent chaperones during the day:
|
|
GHBOB is grateful to EVERYONE who had a hand in making this day happen, including our students who were serious and focused with the clinicians and respectful and generally well behaved with their field trip chaperones, the school administration for supporting this big day and providing the buses, the families of all of our students, the parent chaperones, and most especially our directors who work hard all week and then still hopped on buses and supervised these students for a day-long amusement park field trip. Thank you to all!
(Updated May 5, 2024)
(Updated May 5, 2024)
Student recognition
In addition to an amazing week of music-making with all of our groups giving their final concerts, our last concert week was an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students. Our directors presented a number of awards and recognition during the concerts, detailed more fully below.
For the orchestra program, Mr. Stanley selected and recognized "Outstanding Orchestra Students" in each of our five orchestra groups. The recipients included:
In the Band program, Mr. Heath and Mrs. Olis celebrated a number of awards and other student achievements. The first three awards below were voted on by the students' peers, and the other awards were selected by the directors.
Outstanding Musician: This award is presented to a student(s) who demonstrates outstanding musicianship and has made a significant contribution to the music program at Larson Middle School/GHHS. Recipients of this award have been involved in numerous ensembles and have shown dedication, musical leadership, creativity, and a high level of proficiency on their instrument(s).
Band Citizenship: This award is presented to a student(s) who shows exceptional composure during all music rehearsals, giving the utmost respect to their teacher and peers at all times. Recipients are exemplary role models who lead by example and would do anything to help the music program at Larson Middle School/GHHS be its best.
Most Growth: This award is presented to a student(s) who has demonstrated a marked improvement in musical achievement and a positive growth mindset. Recipients of this award show a strong commitment to self-improvement.
Director’s Award: The Director's Award for Band is chosen by the band directors and is awarded to a student(s) who displays high qualities of dedication and conduct and is presented in recognition of the student's outstanding contribution to the music ensemble. Recipients of this award have gone beyond the normal classroom expectations, leading by example and enriching the foundation of the Larson Middle School/GHHS band program.
Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award: The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award is presented to the outstanding graduating senior jazz band member. The recipient must demonstrate the highest levels of dedication, loyalty, character, and discipline to the jazz band program while achieving the highest musical standards required of jazz music.
John Philip Sousa Band Award: The John Philip Sousa Band Award is presented to the outstanding graduating senior concert band member and recognizes those young musicians displaying superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation, and other qualities of conduct which school instrumental music programs strive to impart. The Sousa award is the most prestigious nationwide prize in the school band field.
Middle School Honor Band Participants: Mira Bondy, Rose Ritzman, Sydney Heren, Isla Swisher, Halle McNamara, and Ashlyn Quinby.
High School Honor Band Participants: Max McCollough, Colin Parker, Charlotte Ritzman, Tucker Betz, and Lyla Baxter.
Middle School Solo and Ensemble Participants: Isla Swisher, Mira Bondy, Bruno Lount, Mary Herlihy, Callie Rutter, Sophie Welsh, Brook Wangler, Hudson Barber, Evie Delong, Rose Ritzman, Julia Staton, Leela Stricklin, Sydney Heren, Harper Cunningham, Halle McNamara, Summer Martinez-Wheeler, Lexi Goncz, Emma Binkley, Maddi Barger, and Zachary Young,
High School Solo and Ensemble: Max McCollough, Lyla Baxter, Liv Glaser, Charlotte Ritzman, Colin Parker, and Ben Carini.
During the High School band concert, we also celebrated and said farewell to all of our eight graduating seniors: Lyla Baxter, Steve Chordas, Freddie Keil, Ben Matter, Eryn O'Harra, Colin Parker, Sammy Reichert, and Liv Rutter. You can click here to view the senior recognition program. We wish them all the best and thank them for their years of dedication to our programs!
GHBOB congratulates ALL of these young musicians for their achievements over the 2023-24 school year!
(Updated May 5, 2024)
For the orchestra program, Mr. Stanley selected and recognized "Outstanding Orchestra Students" in each of our five orchestra groups. The recipients included:
- 5th grade: Evan Arszman, Matilda Hopkins
- 6th grade: Madan Chiang, Tolliver Betz
- 7th grade: Ed Hastie, Liv Peppercorn
- 8th grade: Jude Haack, Jackson Young
- GHHS: Carmen Cunningham, Maura Yates, Frannchesca Espinoza Alvarado
In the Band program, Mr. Heath and Mrs. Olis celebrated a number of awards and other student achievements. The first three awards below were voted on by the students' peers, and the other awards were selected by the directors.
Outstanding Musician: This award is presented to a student(s) who demonstrates outstanding musicianship and has made a significant contribution to the music program at Larson Middle School/GHHS. Recipients of this award have been involved in numerous ensembles and have shown dedication, musical leadership, creativity, and a high level of proficiency on their instrument(s).
- 6th grade: Madi Burton, Emmett Bierlein
- 7th grade: Rose Ritzman
- 8th grade: Mira Bondy
- GHHS: Colin Parker
Band Citizenship: This award is presented to a student(s) who shows exceptional composure during all music rehearsals, giving the utmost respect to their teacher and peers at all times. Recipients are exemplary role models who lead by example and would do anything to help the music program at Larson Middle School/GHHS be its best.
- 6th grade: Avery Szabo-Ramsey
- 7th grade: Alexa Karst
- 8th grade: Callie Rutter, Isla Swisher
- GHHS: Ben Matter, Samantha Reichert
Most Growth: This award is presented to a student(s) who has demonstrated a marked improvement in musical achievement and a positive growth mindset. Recipients of this award show a strong commitment to self-improvement.
- 6th grade: Daisy Buzzard
- 7th grade: Ashlyn Quinby
- 8th grade: Mary Herlihy, Brook Wangler
- GHHS: Jeremy Wurster
Director’s Award: The Director's Award for Band is chosen by the band directors and is awarded to a student(s) who displays high qualities of dedication and conduct and is presented in recognition of the student's outstanding contribution to the music ensemble. Recipients of this award have gone beyond the normal classroom expectations, leading by example and enriching the foundation of the Larson Middle School/GHHS band program.
- 6th grade: Jack Smith
- 7th grade: Sydney Heren
- 8th grade: Evie Delong
- GHHS: Freddie Keil
Louis Armstrong Jazz Band Award: The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award is presented to the outstanding graduating senior jazz band member. The recipient must demonstrate the highest levels of dedication, loyalty, character, and discipline to the jazz band program while achieving the highest musical standards required of jazz music.
- Lyla Baxter, Steve Chordas
John Philip Sousa Band Award: The John Philip Sousa Band Award is presented to the outstanding graduating senior concert band member and recognizes those young musicians displaying superior musicianship, leadership, dependability, loyalty, cooperation, and other qualities of conduct which school instrumental music programs strive to impart. The Sousa award is the most prestigious nationwide prize in the school band field.
- Colin Parker
Middle School Honor Band Participants: Mira Bondy, Rose Ritzman, Sydney Heren, Isla Swisher, Halle McNamara, and Ashlyn Quinby.
High School Honor Band Participants: Max McCollough, Colin Parker, Charlotte Ritzman, Tucker Betz, and Lyla Baxter.
Middle School Solo and Ensemble Participants: Isla Swisher, Mira Bondy, Bruno Lount, Mary Herlihy, Callie Rutter, Sophie Welsh, Brook Wangler, Hudson Barber, Evie Delong, Rose Ritzman, Julia Staton, Leela Stricklin, Sydney Heren, Harper Cunningham, Halle McNamara, Summer Martinez-Wheeler, Lexi Goncz, Emma Binkley, Maddi Barger, and Zachary Young,
High School Solo and Ensemble: Max McCollough, Lyla Baxter, Liv Glaser, Charlotte Ritzman, Colin Parker, and Ben Carini.
During the High School band concert, we also celebrated and said farewell to all of our eight graduating seniors: Lyla Baxter, Steve Chordas, Freddie Keil, Ben Matter, Eryn O'Harra, Colin Parker, Sammy Reichert, and Liv Rutter. You can click here to view the senior recognition program. We wish them all the best and thank them for their years of dedication to our programs!
GHBOB congratulates ALL of these young musicians for their achievements over the 2023-24 school year!
(Updated May 5, 2024)
APRIL, 2024
WHAT AN UNBELIEVABLE WEEK!
|
For those who might have missed it, we had an incredible week of friend-raising and fundraising last week. We kicked things off on Wednesday evening with our orchestra students performing the first ever CUPCAKE CONCERT at the Grandview Heights Public Library. Almost thirty orchestra students performed, including 16 who volunteered to present solos and small ensembles, plus the full 8th grade and GHHS orchestras.
The GHBOB provided free cupcakes and a raffle, which included a $50 gift card to Johnson's Ice Cream, won by Derrick Knapp, and a BOBCake Bash ticket package, claimed by Ames Metcalf. We had a great crowd, raised a few hundred dollars, provided an opportunity for our orchestra students to perform in a non-school venue, and generally just kicked off our BOBCake Bash week with a bang! Check out the photos to the right. |
|
You can bet we look forward to making this an annual event! BIG thanks to GHBOBer Tessa Carrel for dreaming up this concept and then working so hard to make it a reality. Thanks also to our friends at Grandview Heights Public Library for hosting us for this event, and partnering with us on the BOBCake Bash as well.
We followed that up with the 75th ANNUAL BOBCAKE BASH on Friday night, and man, oh man, did our co-chairs Catt Dimes and Terra Welsh knock it straight out of the park! From all the new games and activities (including several that were handmade by Terra's parents), to the unprecedented number of businesses contributing to the silent auction (with thanks to GHBOBer Jenni Betz for leading this effort), to the brand new "buyout" option that allowed families to make a BOBCake Bash donation instead of bringing in a cake (with thanks to GHBOBer Eloise Maun for this genius suggestion). . . . our fundraising this year is going to reach record levels! We have to total up the final expenses before we can make it official, but we believe we are teetering on the brink of our first ever $10,000 Bash! We also enjoyed our first ever "AFTERCAKE" event at the Grandview Theater - look for that to become an annual staple as well, and plan to join us for some laughs and unwinding once the cleanup is done.
Here are just a few (hundred?) pics from last Friday:
We followed that up with the 75th ANNUAL BOBCAKE BASH on Friday night, and man, oh man, did our co-chairs Catt Dimes and Terra Welsh knock it straight out of the park! From all the new games and activities (including several that were handmade by Terra's parents), to the unprecedented number of businesses contributing to the silent auction (with thanks to GHBOBer Jenni Betz for leading this effort), to the brand new "buyout" option that allowed families to make a BOBCake Bash donation instead of bringing in a cake (with thanks to GHBOBer Eloise Maun for this genius suggestion). . . . our fundraising this year is going to reach record levels! We have to total up the final expenses before we can make it official, but we believe we are teetering on the brink of our first ever $10,000 Bash! We also enjoyed our first ever "AFTERCAKE" event at the Grandview Theater - look for that to become an annual staple as well, and plan to join us for some laughs and unwinding once the cleanup is done.
Here are just a few (hundred?) pics from last Friday:
|
|
The talk of the Bobcake Bash evening was the beautiful "burn away" cake donated by A Cake For Leroy in the silent auction. Winners Mitch Harville and Jennifer Voit invited a few folks over on Saturday afternoon to watch it burn, including our own GHBOB president Dot Keil, who shared these photos and video (and pronounced the cake delicious):
It's truly impossible to thank everyone who contributed to the success of an event like this, but we are exceptionally grateful to the facilities team at GH Schools (who, in addition to all of their other plentiful support and hard work, pulled out the hydraulic lift to help rescue a "75" balloon from the rafters during setup), all of the teachers and administrators who volunteered to be "caked in the face", all of the many parents of band and orchestra students who volunteered their time, and the many other community members who don't even have a band or orchestra students who signed up to help as well. And our generous donors and sponsors, of course. Plus the hundreds of people who attended and participated and laughed and had fun - the smiles are what make it all worthwhile!
The GHBOB organization is truly honored to be the steward of this beloved community jewel, and we look forward to 75 more years of sweet memories....and cake! (Updated April 17, 2024) |
CONGRATS TO OUR 2024 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS!
Seniors Lyla Baxter and Colin Parker were awarded our $1000 GH Band & Orchestra Boosters scholarship at last night's GHHS scholarship event. The GHBOB scholarship recognizes students who have had a positive impact on the GH instrumental music program. Colin also took home the $500 Mary Jo Gaskalla scholarship, which is awarded to a student who intends to study or otherwise participate in music programs in college.
Congratulations to both Lyla and Colin, shown below with our GHBOB VP, Jenn Kinsinger, who presented the awards.
Kudos as well to band students Tucker Betz, Steve Chordas, Ella Kinsinger, Colin Parker, and Max McCollough, who provided a little jazz music for the evening's events!
Congratulations to both Lyla and Colin, shown below with our GHBOB VP, Jenn Kinsinger, who presented the awards.
Kudos as well to band students Tucker Betz, Steve Chordas, Ella Kinsinger, Colin Parker, and Max McCollough, who provided a little jazz music for the evening's events!
|
|
|
(Updated April 17, 2024)
CONGRATS TO OUR AMAZING MIDDLE SCHOOLERS!
|
|
This past Saturday an unprecedented total of twenty
7th and 8th grade musicians participated in the OMEA District 15 adjudicated events opportunity at Dublin Scioto High School. These students presented a total of fourteen pieces via solos, duets, trios, or quartets - and eleven of them received the top rating of Superior, with the other three receiving the second highest rating of Excellent. GHBOB congratulates the following middle school musicians: Hudson Barber, Maddie Barger, Emma Binkley, Mira Bondy, Harper Cunningham, Evie DeLong, Lexi Goncz, Mary Herlihy, Sydney Herren, Bruno Lount, Summer Martinez-Wheeler, Halle McNamara, Rose Ritzman, Callie Rutter, Julia Staton, Leela Strickland, Isla Swisher, Brook Wangler, Sophie Welsh, and Zachary Young. (We caught pics of as many students as we could, but unfortunately we missed a few. There were just so many!)
GHBOB is proud to support this event every year, and positively thrilled that this year's participation is double the number of students from just one year ago. Great things are happening in our instrumental music programs! (Updated April 7, 2024) |
march, 2024
GHHS IN CONCERT, AND THEN ON THE ROAD
|
Our GHHS instrumentalists had a busy last week of school before spring break. It started with our GHHS Jazz Ensemble, giving their longest and most creative concert of the year. All the pieces on the concert program were arrangements or mash-ups of video game music, and some featured onstage costume changes and accompanying video montages! Guest artists Zach Compston and Logan Moore from the Jazz Arts Group joined the performance, and our students premiered four original works, including two arranged by Logan Moore and two arranged by our own GHHS senior and jazz ensemble member, Colin Parker!
The next day, all of our GHHS band and orchestra students had a unique opportunity, traveling together to Dayton to see an afternoon performance of the Dayton Philharmonic. The Dayton Phil performs at the stunning Schuster Center for the Performing Arts, a world-class facility that plays host to opera, musical theatre, traveling comedians, and concerts, among other things. The GH Band & Orchestra Boosters were proud to support this extended learning opportunity and field trip by purchasing their admission tickets. And our thanks to everyone reading this story, for your efforts to help us raise the funds that make these opportunities possible!
(Updated March 27, 2024) |
|
GHHS CONCERT BAND PERFORMS AT OMEA
In case you missed it, our GHHS Concert Band had a huge achievement last week, performing at OMEA as a large group for the first time in a very, very long time. Dr. Ishbah Cox, Director of Wind Ensembles at Capital University, came to GHHS to help our students prepare during the week leading up to OMEA, and the students also gave an "open rehearsal" performance for family and friends last Tuesday night in the GHHS auditorium.
|
|
And then the big day came. Our students headed up to Westerville South HS on Friday March 15, and by all accounts, knocked everyone's socks off! They received the highest and second highest ratings available on the three songs they performed, and in the words of Mrs. Olis, they "paved the way for amazing things for this program!" Congratulations to our young musicians - we are all so proud of you!
(Updated March 17, 2024)
(Updated March 17, 2024)
FEBRUARY, 2024
ALL IN THE FAMILY AT OWU
Presidents' Day weekend offered a very special opportunity for some of our middle and high school musicians and our GHHS Director of Bands Jennifer Olis. Three GHHS band students and five LMS band students were selected to participate in the Ohio Wesleyan Honor Band festival, including:
- Halle McNamara (trombone, 7th grade)
- Ashlyn Quinby (baritone, 7th grade)
- Rose Ritzman (alto sax, 7th grade)
- Mira Bondy (clarinet, 8th grade)
- Isla Swisher (tenor sax, 8th grade)
- Tucker Betz (percussion, 9th grade)
- Max McCollough (horn, 9th grade)
- Charlotte Ritzman (flute, 9th grade)
|
|
|
It is an outstanding achievement to be selected to participate in an honor band event, and to have eight students involved is quite a feather in the cap of the GH Band program. GHBOB is so proud of our Grandview band students for going above and beyond with these performance opportunities!
(Updated February 27, 2024)
(Updated February 27, 2024)
CONGRATULATIONS, SOLISTS!
GHBOB is proud to congratulate the following six GHHS musicians who recently performed solos at the OMEA District 15 solo and ensemble event:
Lyla, Liv, Max, and Charlotte all achieved a superior rating, which is the highest available, and Ben and Colin each received a rating of excellent, which is the second highest available. In addition, Lyla, Liv, and Max each performed a Class A piece, which is the highest level of difficulty.
GHBOB congratulates and is proud to support the efforts of all of these students! Interested in how your student can participate in extended learning and performance opportunities like this? Talk to your student's director!
(Updated February 19, 2024)
- Lyla Baxter, senior (baritone sax)
- Ben Carini, junior (trumpet)
- Liv Glazer, sophomore (bassoon)
- Max McCollough, freshman (horn)
- Colin Parker, senior (trumpet)
- Charlotte Ritzman, freshman (flute)
Lyla, Liv, Max, and Charlotte all achieved a superior rating, which is the highest available, and Ben and Colin each received a rating of excellent, which is the second highest available. In addition, Lyla, Liv, and Max each performed a Class A piece, which is the highest level of difficulty.
GHBOB congratulates and is proud to support the efforts of all of these students! Interested in how your student can participate in extended learning and performance opportunities like this? Talk to your student's director!
(Updated February 19, 2024)
MORE GH MUSICIANS OUT THERE MAKING US PROUD!
Kudos to GHHS junior Carmen Cunningham who - when she isn't busy performing with the GHHS orchestra, the GHHS band, the GHHS cheerleaders, and any number of other amazing things - appears onstage with the Columbus Youth Symphony Orchestra! Carmen is pictured at left, settling in for her January concert with the CYSO.
GHHS senior Colin Parker and freshman Max McCollough also recently had an opportunity to participate in an awesome weekend of music making at The Ohio State University Honor Bands Event. Colin and Max were selected from more than 960 director nominations representing 173 schools in 9 different states! Colin played trumpet with the Gray Symphonic Band, while Max played horn with the Scarlet Symphonic Band.
GHHS senior Colin Parker and freshman Max McCollough also recently had an opportunity to participate in an awesome weekend of music making at The Ohio State University Honor Bands Event. Colin and Max were selected from more than 960 director nominations representing 173 schools in 9 different states! Colin played trumpet with the Gray Symphonic Band, while Max played horn with the Scarlet Symphonic Band.
Interested in how your student can get involved in opportunities like these? Talk to your student's director for more information. Congrats, Carmen, Colin, and Max - we are proud to call you our own!
(Updated February 4, 2024)
(Updated February 4, 2024)
|
|
This web site is maintained by the Grandview Heights Band & Orchestra Boosters, serving and supporting the instrumental music students of the Grandview Heights Schools.
|