Van Wert Live is pleased to announce the grand return of The Ohio State University Marching Band to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center presented by Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry on Wednesday, November 1 at 7:00 p.m. The nationally recognized, 228-piece “Pride of the Buckeyes” is one of the few college all-brass-and-percussion bands in the U.S. and is acknowledged as the largest of its type in the world. The Ohio State University Marching Band performs for all Ohio State Buckeye home football games, selected away games, postseason bowl games, and additional events during the autumn semester. It has been a decade since the band traveled to Northwest, Ohio. Their return is made possible by Presenting Sponsor Jeffery-Mohr Family Dentistry and Supporting Sponsors, Mel & Arlene Hurless and Edward Jones office of Eric Hurless, The Ohio State Alumni Association of Van Wert and Paulding Counties, and JoAnne Wolford.
Many marching band innovations were first tried and developed at Ohio State. Among them are floating and animated formations, measured-step marching, script writing, the fast cadence with a high knee lift, and the enhancement of rehearsals and performances through the implementation of new technologies. Brass instruments specially designed for marching bands were also first used at Ohio State. In 2013, the band garnered national attention for using iPads, a sustainable alternative to paper charts and music, to facilitate its rehearsal process.
More recently, the band cheered the Buckeyes on to victory at the first-ever College Football Playoff National Championship game in January 2015, took its talents abroad in October 2015 for a performance at an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium in London, performed at Fiesta Bowls to conclude the 2015, 2016, and 2019 seasons and at the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic to conclude the 2017 season. The band also marched in the 2018 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City along with the 2019 and 2022 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game in California.
Grounded in tradition yet propelled by innovation, The Ohio State University Marching Band, year in and year out, lives up to its nickname: The Best Damn Band in the Land.
Dr. Christopher Hoch is in his seventh year as director of Marching and Athletic Bands at The Ohio State University. An assistant professor in Ohio State’s School of Music, Dr. Hoch holds the Endowed Chair for the Director of The Ohio State University Marching Band and also serves as associate director of university bands.
Prior to his appointment, he served one year as interim director, two years as associate director, and one year as assistant director of the Marching and Athletic Bands at Ohio State. In addition, he served three years as director of The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni and seven years as director of bands at Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware, Ohio.
Dr. Hoch’s work with The Ohio State University Marching Band has received national and international recognition for innovation and creativity in show design; he has been the architect behind many of the shows that have been watched by millions of people on YouTube and at sites across the country.
For information go to vanwertlive.com or call 419-238-6722.
The Van Wert Area Performing Arts Foundation presenting VWLive events is powered by the Van Wert County Foundation. 2023 Annual sponsors helping keep ticket prices low are Central Insurance, Statewide Ford, and First Federal Bank of Van Wert. The Box Office is located within the Niswonger Performing Arts Center, 10700 SR 118 S, Van Wert.
