Elaine M. Ostrander

December 22, 1935 – September 16, 2025

Prepared by Linda Fox-Miller and Scott Curfman

Elaine M. Ostrander, born December 22, 1935, died September 16, 2025. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Tom H. Ostrander and brother. She is survived by daughters Sarah E. Brown and Judy Kessler, grandchildren Scott G Brown (Lesley), Derek A. Kessler and Erin F.G. Kessler (Alan Porter), and great grandchildren Magnolia and Masie Brown.

A native of Mt. Vernon, Ohio Elaine attended The Ohio State University earning a Bachelor of Music Performance, a Bachelor of Music Education, and a Masters in Woodwind Pedagogy. Elaine was the first female to serve as principal clarinetist of the OSU Concert Band whose membership consisted of the best musicians in the school of music, under the direction of Donald McGinnis.

She and her husband Tom opened Colonial Music in 1964 which expanded to nine locations by 2006 when they sold the business. She and her daughters then opened JET Music in Mt. Vernon, continuing the tradition of helping music teachers throughout central Ohio.

Elaine and Tom Ostrander, 2012

A pioneer and great example as one of the first female band directors, Elaine became the band director at Danville schools, always producing outstanding bands. Nearly 50% of the student body participated in band classes which included marching, Concert, and Jazz Band, as well as Clarinet Choir. Elaine was also the Worthington Civic Band conductor for nearly 40 years traveling and performing with the group in many European countries.

OBDC Inductees Recognition, 2019

She received several awards, including the Ohio Band Directors Hall of Fame, God and Country, Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, The Ohio State School of Music Distinguished Alumnus, The Ohio State University Script Ohio Award, and the Ohio Music Education Association Distinguished Service Award.

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