MORROW, OHIO - Matthew Suddendorf new band Director

MORROW, OHIO - Little Miami Local Schools has hired Matthew Suddendorf as the new high school band director for the 2007-08 school year.

"Mr. Suddendorf brings a wealth of experience to our district," said Superintendent Dan Bennett. "I am confident he will build on the success of the program."

Mr. Suddendorf has more than 15 years of experience as both a performer and instructor. He earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Miami University and his Master of Music in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati.

"As a life-long resident of the Cincinnati area, I am well acquainted with the strength of the music program at Little Miami, and I appreciate the opportunity to assist in its continued growth," Mr. Suddendorf said.

His goals include building upon the established traditions of the Panther Band while helping improve the overall musicality and performance capabilities of the students and providing multiple performance outlets to broaden the students' experiences.

Prior to joining Little Miami, Mr. Suddendorf has been the graduate teaching assistant for the Bearcat Marching and Concert Bands. Additionally, he served as the project manager for UC College-Conservatory of Music's Zoo Project, an effort by the Music Education Division to provide music opportunities via computer-based music programs to Cincinnati Public Schools students enrolled in a special Cincinnati Zoo Academy.

While the Assistant Band Director in Norwood City Schools, he taught high school concert, marching and jazz bands, fifth- and sixth-grade beginning bands and kindergarten through eighth-grade general music. He also been a band camp instructor, private lesson teacher and concert band coach for several southwestern Ohio high schools.

"Music has had a profound impact on my life. I am excited about sharing my personal passion for the art of music with students at Little Miami and learning from them their views about music," said Mr. Suddendorf.

Mr. Suddendorf, who resides in Milford with his wife Kate and daughter Meredith, was selected from among 70 applicants for the position. A team of teachers, parents, members of Band Boosters and a board member interviewed the first round of applicants. This committee recommended three candidates to be interviewed by a team of administrators and a board member.