Bill Betz, Graduate Assistant

Bill Betz is pursuing a Masters of Music in Conducting. He is a 1999 graduate o Schuylkill Haven Area High School in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania. Bill received his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP).

Bill is a Graduate Associate in Bands at Ohio University where his principal conducting teacher is Dr. John Climer. He conducts the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, University Band, New Music Ensemble, and the Marching 110. Bill also assists and teaches courses in conducting and works behind the scenes in support of the bands program.

During his academic career at IUP, Bill performed with several major ensembles, serving as co-principal trumpet of the IUP Symphony, principal trumpet of the Symphony and Concert Bands, and as a member of the "Legend" Marching Band, Brass Ensemble, Trumpet Ensemble, and other chamber groups. His principal conducing teachers were Dr. Jack Stamp and Dr. Jason Worzbyt. As a cum laude graduate, Bill was active as a private teacher and counselor in his come community for underprivileged students.

Upon graduation from IUP, Bill served as music director for Bishop Canevin High School in Pittsburgh, PA, where he directed all band, choral and liturgical activities as was as instructed classes in general and instrumental music.

Ben Sonderman, Graduate Assistant

Ben Sonderman is a first-year graduate assistant with the Marching 110 and the Ohio University percussion department. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in music education.

Ben began playing percussion at age 8. After deciding to prusue a career in music education, Ben enrolled in Ohio University in 2002. During his time at OU he performed with numerous ensembles including the percussion and jazz percussion ensembles, symphonic band, wind ensemble, symphony orchestra, and the new music ensemble. In the spring of 2006, Ben achieved performance honors by giving a recital that included works from Ney Rosauro, Keiko Abe, and Steve Reich. He has arranged numerous works for both the Ohio University percussion ensemble and jazz percussion ensemble, including an arrangement of Pat Metheny's "Have You Heard?" which was performed by the OU jazz percussion ensemble at Percussive Arts Society's 2007 Ohio Day of Percussion. Ben graduated from Ohio University cum laude in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in Music Education.

Iesha Leonard, Graduate Assistant

Iesha Leonard is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Wind Conducting here at Ohio University. She received her undergraduate degree in Music Education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. During her time at James Madison, Iesha held the office of State Vice-President for the Collegiate Music Educator's National Conference. She was also the chapter president for Tau Beta Sigma, National Honorary Music Sorority. Ms. Leonard was a principal clarinet player in the James Madison University Wind Ensemble and was awarded a number of chamber performance opportunities at the Virgina Music Educator's Association state wide conference. Her primary clarinet teachers have included Dr. Janice Minor and Dr. D. Ray McClellan. Ms. Leonard is a member of the International Clarinet Association and played an integral part in the hosting and photographing of Clarinetfest 2006 in Atlanta. Iesha was also the drum major for the 400 piece Marching Royal Dukes from 2004-2006. The Marching Royal Dukes were recipients of the Sudler trophy in 1994.