Walsh University has appointed John Rivers as the new Director of Bands, responsible for the oversight of the University’s Marching Band, Pep Band, Concert Band and other music courses.
Rivers brings 20 years of experience in the local high school band community to his new position at Walsh, where he has previously served the University as Interim Director of Bands in 2015.
"We feel very fortunate to welcome such an accomplished director to this position who has been a part of the Canton musical community for the past 20 years," said Chair of the Division of Fine & Performing Arts Britt Cooper, Ph.D. "We are eager to apply Mr. Rivers talents to our program as we continue to grow and expand our musical opportunities for our students."
Rivers joined Walsh from the Canton Local School District where he served for more than 13 years as the instrumental Music Teacher and Director of Bands for students in the 5th to 12th grades. His responsibilities included directing the high, middle and elementary school bands including marching, concert, pep, jazz, steel pan and recorders. He also taught high school Music Theory and Digital Music Technology. He was directly responsible for more than 40 performances each year including classroom instruction, music selection, drill design and implementation, music arranging, student auditions, solo & ensemble preparation, incorporating computer technology into the classroom, curriculum design, instrument repair, purchasing and scheduling and working closely with the Band Booster organization.
Prior to the Canton Local School District, he served the Plain Local School District from 1997-2003 as an Instrumental Music Teacher, Middle School Director and First Assistant High School Director. He began his career as a U.S. Marine Bandsman playing the Baritone Bugle/Trombone and singer, for the United States Marine Corps Band from 1982-1985.
Rivers earned his Master of Music in Conducting, Bachelor of Music in Education and Associate of Arts from Kent State University. His education also includes earning his Basic Musician Course diploma from the U.S. Naval School of Music.
More information about Walsh's Marching Band Program available here.