OMEA Elections 2025

Matthew Shirey is in his 12th year of teaching and 7th year as the Director of Bands for Northwood Local Schools. He previously taught K-6 General Music and was the Assistant Band Director at Sandusky City Schools. Mr. Shirey graduated Magna Cum Laude with his BM in Music Education from Wayne State University and MM in Saxophone Performance from Bowling Green State University. He is currently the chair for the OMEA D1 HS Honor Band, OMEA D1 JH S&E East location, and directs the BGSU Academy Band.

Jeff Agan Jr serves as Choir Director for grades 6-12 at Northwood Local Schools in, where he has taught for 3 years. Jeff has lived in the District 1 area most of his life and was a student of Janine Baughman at Otsego Local Schools. He is a big advocate at Northwood for participation of OMEA Events such as Solo and Ensemble, District 1 Honors Festival, and Large Group Contest. In addition he consistently sends students to BGSU's Falcon Choral Festival.

Don Clark is in his 31st year of teaching and a band director in the Wauseon Schools. Now in his third term as secretary/treasurer, he has served District 1 for 6 years and has helped deliver a wide range of events—from general music workshops to band, choir, and orchestra festivals. He looks forward to continuing his service for District 1.

Lisa Carbone is running for President-Elect for OMEA District 2. In her 14th year as Director of Bands at New London Local Schools, she is a dedicated music education advocate and active OMEA member. Her experience includes adjudicating events and hosting site chair responsibilities for District 2’s Middle School Solo and Ensemble event.

Joe Gaither is in his 17th year of teaching instrumental music and 10th year at a South Central Local Schools in Greenwich, OH. His bands have received Superior ratings at OMEA Large Group Contests. Joe is an OMEA adjudicator, a member of the American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA), and the Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio (SACSO). He has served as the Director of the Cleveland International Military Tattoo, Director of the Ohio Scottish Festival Twilight Tattoo, directed and produced numerous high school musicals, and a member of the Westshore Chorale in Rocky River. Joe is also a member of the Saluting America’s Band Director’s Marching Band and has marched in the 2021 Tournament of Roses Parade, 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and will be marching in the 2026 Tournament of Roses Parade again. His bands have performed in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl, Disney World, Universal Studios, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and Chicago.

Briann Edwards earned his Bachelor of Music from Bowling Green State University and a Masters from Marygrove College. After 35 years of teaching music (entirely in District 2), Briann is a recently retired music educator, having spent the last 30 years of his career with the Genoa Area Local School District. He currently holds the office of secretary/treasurer for District 2. Previously, Briann has served as co-chair for District 2 JH Music Festival, chair of District 2 JH Solo & Ensemble and chair of District 2 HS Solo & Ensemble.

Jen Beair earned a Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Miami University and a Masters in Educational Leadership from Marygrove University. Now in her 26th year as Director of Bands at Minster Local Schools, she has long been involved in District 3 activities including Honors Band, Solo and Ensemble events, and mentoring students and teachers alike. She is eager to lead with passion and vision.

Jaz Wallace Bluhm serves as the Director of Bands for the Shawnee Local Schools District in Lima, Ohio, where he teaches instrumental music in grades 5 - 12. Mr. Bluhm is in his eighth year of teaching and his fourth year at Shawnee. He holds a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from The Ohio State University, a Master of Music Degree from Bowling Green State University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts Degree from Boston University where his research interests focus on leadership development and ensemble culture, a nod to his roots as an instructional staff member of the George N. Parks Drum Major Academy.

Karen Kelly holds both Bachelors and Masters degrees in Music Education & Conducting from Bowling Green State University, the University of Akron, Vandercook, and Illinois University. She has taught instrumental music in Michigan and Ohio, serves as a woodwind adjudicator, and has worked on numerous music selection committees. Karen is currently the OMEA D3 Secretary/treasurer.

Kalee Bondzio has taught at Elyria High School in Lorain County for the past 11 years. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Education from Baldwin Wallace University in 2014 and her Master's in Music Education from Bowling Green State University in 2023. During her time in Elyria, she has earned the role of Lead Vocal Teacher for the district. Through this role, she has helped facilitate recruitment and retention efforts district wide, facilitated choral festivals, and is working towards a more aligned curriculum. Kalee shares the music directing role for her school's musical with her choral colleague, Erin Behrendt, where they prepare the students for the musical and alternate who conducts the pit. She has been thrilled that the Elyria choirs have had the opportunity to participate in a new choral collaboration between Avon, North Ridgeville, Amherst, and St. Joseph's Academy. This event allows students to learn selections from a major work or advanced level choral pieces to be performed collaboratively. Additionally, this choral event serves as a fundraiser for a local food bank. Kalee has been the District 4 Large Group Adjudicated Events Host Chair for the District 4 District Choir Event for the past 7 years. Through this role, she has been able to become better acquainted with the other choir directors in her region. She has learned so much about the LGAE process and it has encouraged her to become more involved with OMEA overall. She believes that there is much learning to be gained from participating in LGAE and hopes to work towards lowering any barriers that may stop other OMEA members from participating. Kalee feels passionately about encouraging connections between OMEA members and using one another as resources throughout the teaching process. Kalee is an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the music classroom as well as our world at large. Kalee would love the opportunity to serve the OMEA members of District 4 and will do all she can to improve the OMEA experience in any way possible.

Angelo Kortyka currently serves as the director of bands and orchestra at Longfellow Middle School in Lorain. Prior to his appointment at Longfellow, he was the director of performing arts at St. Edward High School from 2013-2022 and directed the Symphonic Band, Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Jazz Combo. In the past, Angelo has taught choir, jazz improv, music technology, elementary music, music theory, and history of rock and roll. He holds degrees from Tennessee Tech University, University of Cincinnati, and The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Prior to working full time in Northeast Ohio, he served as the Director of Bands at Chattanooga Central High School and Assistant Band Director at Pecos-Toyah-Barstow ISD. He has also served on faculty at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, Xavier University, Lee University, and Sul Ross State University.

Megan Arnica serves as the 5–8 Band Director for North Ridgeville City Schools—a role she has held for 11 years. In addition to directing middle school bands and serving as Assistant Marching Band Director, she is excited to continue her role as Treasurer for District 4 and support music education.

Justin Dye is in his 9th year of teaching at Pymatuning Valley Local Schools in Andover, OH. As Band Director, he leads all instrumental ensembles (grades 5–12) and previously taught elementary music. He holds a MM in Conducting and a MSEd in Educational Administration from Youngstown State University, and a BS in Music Education from Malone University. He is passionate about cultivating well-rounded leaders through music.

Alyssa Titi is the intermediate and high school vocal music instructor at Springfield Local Schools in New Middletown. In addition to her work as district drama director and marching band assistant, she has been active with OMEA since 2018—serving on festival committees, presenting at professional conferences, and adjudicating solo and ensemble events. She is dedicated to supporting student growth in music.

Mrs. Megan (Kalosky) Mullins received her Bachelors in Music Education from Youngstown State University (2009) and her Masters from Kent State University (2014). She has served as Director of Choirs and Assistant Marching Band Director at Conneaut Area City Schools and as High School Choir Director at Lakeview Local Schools. Now in her 16th year of teaching at Canfield High School, she is excited to continue upholding and evolving long standing traditions as Choir Director and OMEA District 5 Treasurer.

Lee Gibson - For thirteen years, Lee Gibson has been a passionate educator, shaping the lives of middle and high school students through the transformative power of music. He's not just a teacher; he's a builder of community,fostering a love of music that resonates far beyond the classroom. A recognized leader in music education, Lee actively serves as an OMEA adjudicator and clinician, demonstrating his commitment to excellence. His dedication to service is further exemplified by his instrumental role in hosting both the District 6 High School Solo and Ensemble event and the District 6 Middle School Honors Festival—providing invaluable opportunities for young musicians. Lee is a proven innovator, developing and implementing programs that expand access to music education and empower students to reach their full potential. His contributions have earned him national recognition, including being named one of Yamaha's prestigious "40 Under 40" award recipients. Now, Lee is ready to bring his leadership, vision, and proven track record of success to the role of District 6 President. He will work tirelessly to strengthen our music programs, support our educators, and ensure that every student has the opportunity to experience the joy and enrichment that music brings.

Montana Fassnacht is currently serving as a Band Director in the Revere Local Schools teaching grades 5-12. Prior to her appointment in Revere, Montana taught 3 years in the Massillon City Schools, and has also had the pleasure of working with the bands at Firestone High School and in the Jackson Local Schools. Under her direction, students have consistently received Superior and Excellent ratings at OMEA Adjudicated Events and participated in numerous honors bands over the years. A graduate of Kent State University, during her undergraduate career she also served as the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association State Board Secretary and President of the Kent State OCMEA Chapter. As an actively performing musician she regularly plays a variety of woodwind or percussion instruments with the Canton Concert Band and for local churches. Montana is passionate about chamber music and loves to foster musicianship in smaller ensembles for solo & ensemble events. In her time outside of the classroom, she enjoys traveling and spending time outside of school with her band director husband, Stephen, and their two dogs.

N. Brett Dawson is a dedicated music educator with over a decade of experience in Ohio. A 2011 graduate of the College of Wooster with an MME from Capital University, he has been involved in leadership academies and professional organizations while advocating for clearer communication and improved member engagement. He previously served as President-Elect of D6 before moving to D7.

Mike Leone has been a music teacher at University School since 2011. He teaches concert band, jazz band, and general music for boys (grades 5–8). He holds BME and BM degrees from The Ohio State University and an MM in wind band conducting from Messiah University, and is a member of NAfME, OMEA, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

Julie Green has been teaching high school and middle school vocal music in the Kenston Local School District in Geauga County for the past 17 years. Julie is a graduate of the Capital University Conservatory of Music (BMEd) and has a Masters Degree in School Counseling from Kent State University. She previously taught vocal music at Edgemont Junior-Senior High School in Scarsdale, NY and London (OH) City Schools. If you happen to be looking for Julie, you can probably find her somewhere at Kenston High School on any given day herding children, directing choirs, teaching AP Music Theory, co-directing theater productions and pestering her music colleagues. Julie enjoys traveling, reading, singing, laughing, and spending time with family.

Nathan Stowe is in his 19th year of teaching and 11th year at Pickerington High School Central serving as Director of Bands as well as Department Chair for the performing Arts at PHSC. His service to OMEA includes hosting Large Group Contest, Large Group music selection committee and assistant host for Pickerington Band Fest. Mr Stowe is an active member of the Brass Band of Columbus and local musician.

Kristen Seymour is currently in her 10th year of teaching. She has taught all 10 years within the South-Western City School District, having taught both general music and instrumental music. She currently serves as the Assistant Instrumental Director at Westland High School in Galloway, Oh. Ms. Seymour is a graduate of Otterbein University and earned a Master of Music Education degree from Kent State University.

Mr. Jeff Donahue is the Instrumental Music Director for Southeastern Local School District, a role he has held since 2003. He graduated from Fairfield Union High School in 1995 and earned both his Bachelor (1999) and Master (2008) of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Ohio University. His professional development includes coursework at Capital University, ITSCO, and Learner’s Edge, as well as active memberships in the International Trumpeters Guild and the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). He also serves on the OMEA Professional Development Conference Band Selection Committee and performs as a trumpet player in the Great Seal Community Band and the Chillicothe Big Band.

Rick Duffus is the current band director at McClain High School and has held that role for 3 years. He received his Bachelors in Music Education from Ohio University, where he was involved in multiple ensembles. During the 2020-2021 year he served as Service Chair in Kappa Kappa Psi and will work to continue growing District 16’s leadership team.

Nicholas Michael, a 2000 Meigs High School and 2009 University of Rio Grande graduate, is in his second year as high school band director at his alma mater. With 25 years of involvement in the band program—including nine years as middle school director—he is also an avid guitarist and bassist, and is eager to advocate for equitable representation in Southeast Ohio.

Ryan Hurd is the Director of Bands for Jackson Schools, where he has taught for 11 years. He earned his Bachelor of Music and a Master in Teaching Artistry in Music Education from Bowling Green State University. He coordinates all band activities, has led his symphonic band to Superior ratings, and is a passionate mentor and leader in music education.

Lori Cornett joined the Olentangy Local School District in 2003 and began at Orange Middle School in 2004, where she served as director for 12 years. Now the orchestra director at Olentangy Orange High School, she also teaches general music and strings at several elementary schools. She founded the Olentangy Summer Strings Camp and is passionate about integrating technology and developing innovative programs.

Elissa Hock-Wimmer has served as EC Region Secretary/Treasurer since 2022. She enjoys serving the students and directors of the EC Region, making sure that there is accountability for all funds and that the region maintains its sound financial state. Elissa retired from Tuslaw Local Schools in 2020 after serving as the MS/HS Choir Director for 32 years. As nice as retirement is, she is not ready to leave the music field. She keeps up her music teaching skills by vocal coaching at Massillon Washington High School, substitute teaching, accompanying for solo and ensemble for different schools, and is a church music director.

Jordan Millard is the orchestra director for Centerville City Schools and a Miami University graduate. He currently serves as the SW Region Chair, dedicated to fostering collaboration and leadership among music educators.