About The Director
Mr. Marc Zirille is a 1995 graduate of Steubenville (Ohio) High School. Upon gradation, Marc was awarded the Ester Simmons four-year scholarship, presented to one senior every four years, to pursue his degree in Music Education. While attending Ohio University, Marc participated in the concert band, varsity band, and the Ohio University Marching 110 (in which he also served as assistant dance commander). In 1999 Marc was the recipient of the Houck Memorial Scholarship, an award given to one junior each year. Following his student teaching experience with the Logan-Hocking School District, Marc received his bachelor degree in music education in the winter of 2000. Marc accepted the position of the Director of Bands for the Johnstown-Monroe School District immediately following his graduation.Marc recently completed his eighth full year of directing the district’s instrumental music program, which includes fifth grade band, three middle school bands, and the high school concert, jazz, pep, and marching bands. In 2004 Marc was honored with the “2003-2004 Teacher of the Year Award” (from the 8th grade class) and the “You Make A Difference Award” (from the high school classes). Marc conceived the Johnstown High School Big Red Band shortly after his arrival to the Johnstown Monroe School District. Through his energetic teaching style, and by changing the performance style of the marching band, Marc has generated tremendous interest in the instrumental music programs. This is reflected in the fact that over the past seven marching seasons membership in the band has steadily grown from 55 members in 2001 to 171 participants in the 2007/2008 band (out of approximately 460 total students in the high school).
Marc teaches a collegiate style marching that is best described as a show style which incorporates precision drill and dance routines into the performances. During parades, his bands play selections from their songlist of contemporary songs, as well as perform to a number of drum cadences.
Marc's inspiration to his students is reflected in the fact that they routinely receive high marks at annual OMEA solo and ensemble competitions, and that 14 of his former students currently perform in collegiate bands at The Ohio State University, Ohio University, Mount Vernon Nazarene University, and Ohio Dominican University.
Marc accepted the position of band director at Olentangy Orange High School in December 2007, and looks forward to building another successful instrumental music program.
Marc and his wife Angela are the proud parents of two children, Anthony and Frieda.
Mr. Zirille can be contacted here,