Mr. Ryan Jaeckin - Director of Bands

Ryan Jaeckin is Director of Bands of the Oberlin City Schools. He is in his fourth year as a music educator, all of which have been with the Oberlin Schools. Mr. Jaeckin directs concert bands grades 5-12, the Phoenix Marching Band, teaches music for the spring musical, and assists with other musical opportunities in the Oberlin Schools.

Mr. Jaeckin is a northeast Ohio native and a 2017 graduate of Avon Lake High School. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, studying with Scott A. Jones, Caroline Hartig, Daryl Kinney, and David Hedgecoth. At Ohio State, Mr. Jaeckin performed with the University Symphonic Band, Men’s Glee Club, the ClariNetwork Association, and the Buckeye Philharmonic Orchestra. Additionally, he served as president of the Pi Deuteron chapter of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.

In his free time, Mr. Jaeckin enjoys spending time with family and friends, riding roller coasters (of which he's ridden 176), collecting crystals, and knitting. He plays with musical ensembles in the Cleveland area like Patriots Symphonic Band and the CSU Alumni and Friends Band, and he serves as Music Director of the Oberlin Civic Winds. Mr. Jaeckin is a member of the National Association for Music Education, as well as the Ohio Music Education Association. 

Mr. Patrick Ploenzke - Drumline Instructor

Patrick Ploenzke is the Drumline Instructor for the Phoenix Marching Band. He assumed the role in 2022, and oversees advancement of percussion technique and performance.

Mr. Ploenzke is a long-time northeast Ohio resident, and has a recent grad of the band program, as well as another student still enrolled. He holds a Master of Arts in Science Education degree from Western Governers University, and currently teaches science at the Erie County Juvenile Justice Center.

Ms. Shana Wells - Color Guard Instructor

Shana Wells is the Color Guard Instructor for the Phoenix Marching Band. She took over the role in 2025. Ms. Wells is also a northeast Ohio native, and is a proud graduate of Marion L. Steele High School in Amherst. At Amherst, she spun in the guard for the Amherst Marching Comets.