Winter 2025 Updates from the Ohio Arts Council

With a career spanning more than five decades, Mr. Swearingen has touched the lives of countless students in Ohio and beyond as an educator, conductor, composer, and arranger. A native of Dayton, Ohio, he began his career as a teacher in Sunbury, Ohio. He then served, for 14 years, as the director of instrumental music at Grove City High School. After 18 years of working in Central Ohio’s public schools, Mr. Swearingen joined the faculty of the Capital University Conservatory of Music where he now holds the title of professor emeritus. During his nearly 30-year tenure at Capital, he taught a variety of classes, supervised field experience for music education students, and served as chair of the music education department. He also helped to create the Conservatory’s Master of Music program. Graduates of the Conservatory have gone on to successful careers across Ohio and the United States.

While teaching in public schools, Mr. Swearingen began to explore composing his own works and arranging others to more closely match the learning needs and instrumentation of his ensembles. This endeavor resulted in an impressive catalog of more than 700 published works, many with an eye toward helping students develop essential technical and musicianship skills. His works continue to be used by music educators and band directors across the country. Complimenting his work in the classroom and as a composer, Mr. Swearingen has worked with the Ohio State University Marching Band as a staff arranger for many seasons. He also remains active as a guest conductor, adjudicator, music workshop clinician, and founding director with the Grove City Community Winds.

Award recipients are presented with the only arts award in the state that is conferred by the governor. Please visit the OAC website for information on the 2025 award recipients and how to register for the awards ceremony.