Member Milestone Recognitions
Submit A Milestone Recognition
Have you reached a milestone in your career or know of someone that should be recognized for career excellence or remembrance amongst the OCDA community? You can submit your career milestones to OCDA by clicking the button below for the OCDA Member Milestone Submission Form. Please note that all submissions will be published in the OCDA News and on our website. If information needs to be validated or confirmed, you may be contacted.
OCDA's membership is full of creative and accomplished individuals. We believe it is important to recognize, highlight and celebrate these milestone achievements. They are listed on this page and the most recent are published in the corresponding issue of the OCDA News.
Appointments/Relocations
Steven Hankle was appointed as the Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra Chorus Conductor, Dayton Performing Arts Alliance (pub 8/22).
Richard Schnipke received tenure and was promoted to Associate Professor at Bowling Green State University (pub 10/21).
Stephen Trumbull was appointed as Director of Vintage Voice, the community chorus of Granville, OH (pub 10/21).
Brock Burkett has accepted a position teaching vocal music in grades 6-12 at Maumee Middle and High Schools (pub 7/21).
Shelvin Burns has accepted a position teaching choir in grades 9-12 at Perrysburg High School (pub 7/21).
Degrees Earned
Dara Gillis completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The Ohio State University in Fall 2020.
Libby Hainrihar completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The Ohio State University in Spring 2021.
Christian Longberry completed the Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree at Bowling Green State University in Spring 2021.
Brandon Moss completed the Doctor of Musical Arts degree at The Ohio State University in Fall 2020.
John Warner completed the Master of Music in Choral Conducting degree at Bowling Green State University in Spring 2021.
Specific Institutional Milestones
Eric West completed his 15th year as Director of Vocal Music at Defiance High School (pub 7/21).
Total Years of Service to the Profession
Jason McKee has completed his 20th year of teaching choral music (pub 6/22).
Retirements
John Drotlef, twice President of OCDA, recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, and Ohio choral conductor for 60 years retired as Artistic Director of the West Shore Chorale and Orchestra after 38 years. During that time the Chorale has performed many of the major works in the choral/symphonic repertoire as well as hundreds of shorter works and has collaborated with dozens of musical organizations (pub 10/22).
Robert Duris retired from Toledo Public Schools after a career of 34 years in education. Within TPS he served as assistant vocal director/accompanist at Bowsher, Rogers, Libbey, Waite, Start and Woodward High Schools (pub 10/21).
Amy Gelsone retired from Anthony Wayne Schools in Spring 2020.
Chris Venesile is retiring after 39 years of teaching that included positions in Brooklyn City Schools, North Olmsted Schools, and choral music education at Kent State University (pub 7/21).
In Remembrance
Karen Biscay, Professor Emeritus of Music at Lourdes University, passed away November 28, 2019. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries /toledoblade/obituary.aspx?n=karen-lynn-thornton-biscay&pid =194748275
Julie Sterman, former choir director at Brecksville-Broadview Heights High School, passed away December 7, 2020. https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ohio/obituary.aspx?n=julie-gregory-sterman &pid=197250985&fhid=27647