Ohio State University names new band director
Ohio State University named Christopher Hoch director of the school's marching band.
Hoch, 39, had served as the interim director since May 2015. His appointment still must be approved by the school's Board of Trustees and would become effective June 1.
If approved, Hoch would be given a four-year contract through May 31, 2020.
Hoch had worked under director Jonathan Waters, who was fired in July 2014 for allowing a "sexualized culture" in the band, according to the university. Waters filed suit in the U.S. District Court, saying he was wrongfully terminated.
Hoch was credited with designing some of the flashy OSU football halftime shows that gained national attention.
During the past year, he took the band to London to march on Regent Street and to perform in Wembley Stadium during an NFL game.
“Over the past year, Chris Hoch has proven himself on and off the field with our world-class marching band,” Bruce A. McPheron, interim executive vice president and provost, said in a statement.
“He has shown focus toward putting our students first and as director, will be expected to continue to instill in students the highest standard for their personal conduct, on and off the field.”
Ohio State said Hoch has 16 years of experience teaching music and bands at the high school and college levels. He joined Ohio State in 2012 as an assistant and then was promoted to associate director of marching and athletic bands. He is an OSU graduate who holds undergraduate, graduate and doctorate degrees in music education.
In addition to his director responsibilities, Hoch will be a member of the faculty in the School of Music and will teach several courses each year, conduct research and perform public service, according to the university.
His teaching interests include brass, woodwind and percussion pedagogy; instrumental conducting; marching band history and administration; and marching band show design.
His interim director pay was $120,912. Ohio State officials did not say what the director position pays.
