After months of searching for a new athletic band director, The Ohio State University has decided to continue with Dr. Christopher Hoch as the interim leader.
“This is an important academic program for the university as we continue to focus on supporting and educating the students in our band programs and ensuring that they have another great season,” said Joseph Steinmetz, executive vice president and provost, in a university-issued news statement. “Chris already has a great reputation for his innovative and impressive show designs, and he continues to grow and evolve as a music educator, administrator and advocate of the student experience in and out of the classroom.”
Hoch has been in his current position of associate director of marching and athletic bands since 2013. He earned two bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees as well as a Ph.D. in music education, all from Ohio State.
“The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands are truly special, and I want to be part of continuing to build on our success and supporting our students,” Hoch said in the same news brief.
The position of director was vacant following the university’s firing of Jonathan Waters in July 2014, after a university investigation brought to light a “sexualized culture” within the band. Waters is suing the university for reinstatement as well as millions of dollars in damages.
The search committee has seen its fair share of controversy as well; in April, two finalists for the position withdrew from the search, and a member of the committee resigned due to concerns about how the committee was being run and how the candidates were being evaluated. It is unknown at this time if the committee will consist of the same members when it reconvenes in 2016.
Hoch did not respond to a request for comment.—JJK
