Staff
Mr. Ryan Hurd - Director of Bands
Ryan Hurd is in his second year as Director of Bands for the Jackson Schools after previously serving four years as Associate Director of Bands for district. Originally from Parma, Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. He is responsible for coordinating all band activities and conducts the Wind Ensemble, Marching Ironmen, Jazz Band, Pep Bands, assists with the middle school bands, and teaches Music Appreciation and AP Music Theory.
Ryan lead the Symphonic Band (formerly Concert Band), to their first ever "Superior" rating at the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Event and was recognized by the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) with the 2017 "Outstanding Potential Award". Most recently, Ryan was named the 2018 OMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year.
A winner of the Three Arts Club of Lakewood competition, Ryan has performed recitals throughout the Cleveland area. As a member of The Four Corners Saxophone Quartet, Ryan won prizes from Bowling Green State University’s Annual Chamber Music Competition and MTNA Ohio Chamber Competition. With this group, Ryan participated also in master classes by both Dr. Clifford Leaman and Dr. Ryan Muncy. The Four Corners Saxophone Quartet devoted much of its time to the expansion of the saxophone quartet repertoire, having premiered pieces by composers Mihai Popean, Hannah Skowronek, John Gazda, Peng Xing, as well as working on a new piece with Mark Whitmer. While at Bowling Green State University, Ryan was a member of the Falcon Marching Band, Wind Symphony, and Jazz Ensembles.
Ryan Hurd is in his second year as Director of Bands for the Jackson Schools after previously serving four years as Associate Director of Bands for district. Originally from Parma, Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. He is responsible for coordinating all band activities and conducts the Wind Ensemble, Marching Ironmen, Jazz Band, Pep Bands, assists with the middle school bands, and teaches Music Appreciation and AP Music Theory.
Ryan lead the Symphonic Band (formerly Concert Band), to their first ever "Superior" rating at the OMEA Large Group Adjudicated Event and was recognized by the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA) with the 2017 "Outstanding Potential Award". Most recently, Ryan was named the 2018 OMEA Outstanding Young Music Educator of the Year.
A winner of the Three Arts Club of Lakewood competition, Ryan has performed recitals throughout the Cleveland area. As a member of The Four Corners Saxophone Quartet, Ryan won prizes from Bowling Green State University’s Annual Chamber Music Competition and MTNA Ohio Chamber Competition. With this group, Ryan participated also in master classes by both Dr. Clifford Leaman and Dr. Ryan Muncy. The Four Corners Saxophone Quartet devoted much of its time to the expansion of the saxophone quartet repertoire, having premiered pieces by composers Mihai Popean, Hannah Skowronek, John Gazda, Peng Xing, as well as working on a new piece with Mark Whitmer. While at Bowling Green State University, Ryan was a member of the Falcon Marching Band, Wind Symphony, and Jazz Ensembles.
Mr. Sam Koogle - Associate Director of Bands
Sam Koogle is in his second year as Associate Director of Bands for the Jackson City Schools. Originaly from Kent, Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Ohio University. He is responsible for conducting the Symphonic Band and Middle School Bands, 5th grade general music, and assists with the Marching Ironmen, Pep Bands, and Wind Ensemble.
Sam Koogle is in his second year as Associate Director of Bands for the Jackson City Schools. Originaly from Kent, Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Ohio University. He is responsible for conducting the Symphonic Band and Middle School Bands, 5th grade general music, and assists with the Marching Ironmen, Pep Bands, and Wind Ensemble.
Mr. Keith Wilson - Assistant Band Director
Keith Wilson is in his fourth year as Assistant Band Director for the Jackson Bands and Elementary Music Teacher for the Jackson City Schools. Originally from Canton, Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Mount Union and Master of Music Performance from the University of Akron. He is responsible for coordinating all elementary music activities including the Eistedfodd, and assists with the Marching Ironmen, Middle School Bands, Wind Ensemble, and conducts the Concert Band.
Prior to joining the Jackson staff, Keith was a graduate assistant at the University of Akron where he served as the drumline instructor for the University of Akron Marching Band.
Supplemental Band Staff
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Billman - Assistant Band Director
Mr. Paul Hogue - Assistant Band Director
Mrs. Karen Elliott - Double Reed Specialist
Ms. Tiffany Strong - Auxiliary Advisor
Mr. Matthew McKee - Announcer
Keith Wilson is in his fourth year as Assistant Band Director for the Jackson Bands and Elementary Music Teacher for the Jackson City Schools. Originally from Canton, Ohio, he received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Mount Union and Master of Music Performance from the University of Akron. He is responsible for coordinating all elementary music activities including the Eistedfodd, and assists with the Marching Ironmen, Middle School Bands, Wind Ensemble, and conducts the Concert Band.
Prior to joining the Jackson staff, Keith was a graduate assistant at the University of Akron where he served as the drumline instructor for the University of Akron Marching Band.
Supplemental Band Staff
Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Billman - Assistant Band Director
Mr. Paul Hogue - Assistant Band Director
Mrs. Karen Elliott - Double Reed Specialist
Ms. Tiffany Strong - Auxiliary Advisor
Mr. Matthew McKee - Announcer
