About Us
200 Members Strong
The Olentangy Orange High School Band performs in a collegiate style and is best described as a show style marching band that incorporates precision drill and dance routines into their performances. During parades, the Orange band not only plays selections from their list of contemporary songs, but also perform a number of drum cadences. Because of their style of performance, the band does not routinely participate in marching band competitions, but rather perform at band festivals, sporting events and parades. In addition to entertaining crowds at Friday night football games, the band has been busy entertaining crowds all around the state this year.
"We have PRIDE, we Build TRADITION, we are ORANGE"
Additional performances for 2021 include: Orange Township 4th of July Parade and the Circleville Pumpkin Show. Recently, members of the band appeared on stage at Rock on the Range for a special performance with the band Papa Roach and they made a special appearance at the Bowl College Series Semi Final Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Georgia on New Year’s Eve. The Marching Pioneers received Grand Champion trophies in all categories while in Atlanta. This included Grand Champion Parade Performance, Field Show Performance, Jazz Ensemble and Concert Band. First place trophies were also awarded to color guard and percussion. The band has also appeared in the Indianapolis 500 Parade and Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Dr. Ishbah Cox, Director of Bands, most recently served as the Assistant Professor of Bands at Purdue University. This is his fifth year as the Director of the Marching Pioneers. A native of Notasulga, Alabama, Cox received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University; his master’s degree is in music performance from the University of Alabama, and most recently his Doctorate of Arts in Wind Conducting with a secondary specialization in Euphonium Performance at Ball State University.
The band member’s level of musicianship is reflected in the band receiving superior ratings at the District and State level I Large Group adjudicated events, their numerous high marks received at OMEA solo and ensemble competitions, and the many band alumni currently performing in collegiate bands around the country.
We have PRIDE, we build TRADITION, we are ORANGE!
Marching Pioneers Staff
Dr. Ishbah Cox
Director of Bands
Dr. Cox is Director of Bands at Olentangy Orange High School. He most recently served as the Assistant Professor of Bands at Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN. A native of Notasulga, Alabama, Cox received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Auburn University, his master’s degree is in music performance from the University of Alabama, and most recently his Doctorate of Arts in Wind Conducting with a secondary specialization in Euphonium Performance at Ball State University. As a former drum major of the Auburn University Marching Band and as an Assistant Marching Band Director for the “All-American” Marching Band at Purdue University he witnessed the passions for band traditions, by students, alumni and community members. Dr. Cox is proud to now be a part of the excellence in musicianship, showmanship and the heritage of OOHS. In addition to working the marching and concert bands and teaching in the classroom, Dr. Cox is an accomplished arranger for marching and pep bands.
Mr. Craig Dunn
Assistant Director & Percussion Director
Craig Dunn was born and raised in Westerville, Ohio. Craig was a member of the Westerville South High School Marching Band, a Bands of America Finalist. Craig attended The Ohio State University and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Music Education. Craig then went on to get re-certified to teach elementary school after teaching high school at Westerville South for five years. Craig is currently completing his internship for a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from the University Dayton. Craig has been teaching in Olentangy for ten years and is now at Freedom Trail Elementary teaching second grade. Craig has been teaching percussion in central Ohio since 1993 and has served as the director of percussion at Westerville South, Fairborn, Olentangy Liberty, and Olentangy Orange High Schools. Prior to leading Rhythm X to an Independent open title in 2002, he led Westerville South to five Winter Guard International regional championships, and two bronze medalist finishes departure from International World Championships. Craig developed Rhythm X upon his Westerville South to offer the performing experience to kids from all over the Midwest, Craig has been on the wGI Percussion Advisory Board for many years, also a member of the Drum Corps International adjudication team. Craig is endorsed by Evans, Pearl, Innovative Percussion, and Sabian.
Mr. Zachary Zerkle
Assistant Director
Zachary Zerkle was raised in Springfield, Ohio where he attended Kenton Ridge High School. He attended The Ohio State University where he marched with TBDBITL, participated in many performing ensembles, and obtained a bachelor's degree in music education. Since college, Zach has worked on the marching band staff at Westerville South and as a substitute music teacher around central Ohio. He has been teaching private lessons since 2014 and has worked in band camps for many other schools in that time. An avid performer, Zach has had the pleasure of recording with local groups Hello Emerson, The Ark Band, Omni-Tet, Zoo Trippin’, and the Brooklyn Rose Ludlow Future Jazz Orchestra. He also regularly performs with local jazz bands such as Vaughn Wiester’s Famous Jazz Orchestra and Rick Brunetto’s Big Band. Mr. Zerkle is proud to now be working with this strong program full of Pride and Tradition here at Orange.
Adam Schornak
Colorgaurd Instructor
Adam Schornak has been both a performer and instructor for many years. He has marched at Greeneview Highschool, Cincinnati Tradition Drum and Bugle Corps, Tour de Force Winter Guard, The Columbus Saints Drum and Bugle Corps, and Juxtaposition World Class Winter Guard. He has been a tech/director for Greeneview High School, Columbus Saints Outdoor and Winter Guard, and now Olentangy Orange High School. Outside of teaching and performing he enjoys being with friends, drawing, and watching movies.