Clinician Detail

Jon Waters - Biographical Information

A devoted and enthusiastic music educator, Jonathan Waters most recently served as Director of The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands from 2012-2013. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director from 2002-2011. The outstanding work of his students and adherence to the mantra “Tradition through Innovation” garnered The Ohio State University national and international attention through creative, well-executed field performances. In his teaching career, Waters has taught courses in marching band techniques, beginning, intermediate, and advanced conducting, and brass methods. Also, while at Ohio State, Waters conducted the University Band, and guest conducted the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony. Jonathan Waters was the co-founder of the College Band Directors National Association Marching and Athletic Band Symposium in 2003. This annual event has provided a tremendous platform for collegiate marching and athletic band directors to share ideas and to promote the art in a comprehensive manner. In 2013, through a collaborative effort, Waters and his students implemented the use of the iPads into the rehearsal plan for The Ohio State University Marching Band. Under Waters’ leadership, students and staff pilot tested and developed applications and technologies, which revolutionized the teaching and learning process for the marching arts. Waters is an enthusiastic clinician, speaker, and guest conductor throughout the country. He has served as North Central District Governor for Kappa Kappa Psi from 2009-2011. He was a proud member of the Big Ten Band Directors’ Association and currently holds memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Beta Mu, the Ohio Music Education Association, and the College Band Directors National Association. One of Waters’ most memorable achievements professionally, was the establishment of a community service program called “March to Pay Forward.” This initiative engaged students of The Ohio State University Marching Band in many and various forms of community service, including serving the homeless and in under served communities in Columbus, Ohio, work with children battling cancer, and mentoring middle school and high school students the Ohio State School for the Blind Marching Band. Students in the band gave over 5,000 total hours in service to the community in the 2013 calendar year and stands as a testament to a culture of student leadership.