Darby Band

The Bands

The core of our curriculum is the concert band program. The concert bands are grouped by ability based on an audition that occurs in the fall. The concert bands perform four or five concerts throughout the year and have a strong history of outstanding ratings at OMEA Adjudicated Events. Membership in a concert band is required for membership in other band classes.

Wind Ensemble is the most advanced of the concert band classes and typically performs music at an advanced high-school/collegiate level.

Membership in Wind Ensemble is elective and selective. The ensemble will develop advanced musicianship and skills through daily rehearsals and participating in after school concerts and OMEA Adjudicated Events. Music will be selected from many different styles and music periods. Membership in Wind Ensemble includes membership in Marching Band* unless a student is a member of a fall school athletic team or by special permission of the head band director.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor is Required / Audition Required

The core of our curriculum is the concert band program. The concert bands are grouped by ability based on an audition that occurs in the fall. The concert bands perform four or five concerts throughout the year and have a strong history of outstanding ratings at OMEA Adjudicated Events. Membership in a concert band is required for membership in other band classes.

Symphonic Band is the middle concert band and typically performs music at an advanced high-school level.

Membership in Symphonic Band is elective and selective. The ensemble will develop advanced musicianship and skills through daily rehearsals and participating in after school concerts and OMEA Adjudicated Events. Music will be selected from many different styles and music periods. Membership in Symphonic Band includes membership in Marching Band* unless a student is a member of a fall school athletic team or by special permission of the head band director.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor is Required / Audition Required

The core of our curriculum is the concert band program. The concert bands are grouped by ability based on an audition that occurs in the fall. The concert bands perform four or five concerts throughout the year and have a strong history of outstanding ratings at OMEA Adjudicated Events. Membership in a concert band is required for membership in other band classes.

Concert Band students perform high school level music.

Membership in Concert Band is elective and selective. The ensemble will develop advanced musicianship and skills through daily rehearsals and participating in after school concerts and OMEA Adjudicated Events. Music will be selected from many different styles and music periods. Membership in Concert Band includes membership in Marching Band* unless a student is a member of a fall school athletic team or by special permission of the head band director.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor is Required / Audition Required

Membership in Jazz Ensemble is elective and selective. The performance group is open to all high school band members who play saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, drum set, guitar, or string bass. Students must display advanced playing technique and an interest in Jazz music.

The ensemble will perform traditional and modern Jazz in various concerts, community events, and/or adjudicated events throughout the school year and summer. Students who play non-band instruments (piano, bass, guitar) should see the director at the time of registration to arrange an audition. This class rehearses Zero (0) period only.

Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor is Required / Audition Required

Membership in Percussion Ensemble is elective and selective. The ensemble will begin rehearsals following the conclusion of marching band season. The ensemble will develop advanced musicianship and percussion skills through preparation and participation in concert and contest performances. Literature will include classical, jazz, rock, and contemporary music. All Percussion Ensemble members must be members of Symphonic Band, Concert Band, or Wind Ensemble.
Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor is Required / Audition Required

Color Guard is comprised of those individuals who provide visual elements for the marching band through the use of flags, rifles, etc. The group rehearses after school for the first ten weeks of the school year. Performances are at Friday night football games and Saturday contests.

  • Prerequisites: Permission of Instructor is Required / Audition Required
  • Note: Fee: $100 (pay-to-participate fee)
  • Participation in Color Guard can be used to waive the PE requirement. Talk to the band directors and/or your guidance counselor for more details.

Gallery

Our Staff

Jeremy Kozman
Director
Jeremy Kozman has been a music educator since 1998 and has served as the Director of Bands at Hilliard Darby High School since 2010. Prior to coming to Hilliard City Schools, Mr. Kozman taught for two years at Sheridan High School, near Somerset, Ohio. Originally from Grove City, Ohio, Mr. Kozman holds a Master of Music degree in Trumpet Performance and a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, both from The Ohio State University, where he performed with the Concert Band (now Wind Symphony), Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Ohio State University Opera, Trumpet Ensemble, and OSU Marching Band. Mr. Kozman began his Master’s Degree at Florida State, performing in London, England and Gothenburg, Sweden. He began his teaching as the high school and middle school band director at Sheridan High School. In 2000 Mr Kozman became the assistant director at Hilliard Davidson High School, where he taught for 9 years. Mr. Kozman taught for one year at Heritage Middle School before he was selected as director at Darby. Mr. Kozman is a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Ohio Music Education Association. He is currently an OMEA music adjudicator and serves as the OMEA marching band Caption Head for Music. In addition, Mr. Kozman has been active as a performer and clinician throughout his career. Mr. Kozman resides in Grove City with his wife Kelly. He has two daughters, one of whom also teaches in Hilliard City Schools.
Nick James
Assist. Director
Nick James is a seasoned percussion instructor with a rich and diverse background in music education and performance. For over 13 years, he has served as a dedicated educator at Hilliard Darby, imparting his passion for percussion onto countless students. His commitment to excellence has contributed to the growth and success of the program, earning recognition both locally and beyond. Nick’s journey in percussion extends beyond the classroom. In 2010, he showcased his talents as a member of the acclaimed Drum Corps International (DCI) group, The Bluecoats, where he honed his skills alongside some of the best in the field. This experience not only refined his technique but also instilled in him a deep appreciation for the artistry and discipline required for high-level performance. Driven by a thirst for cultural exploration and musical immersion, Nick embarked on a transformative journey to Brazil. There, he delved into the vibrant rhythms and traditions of samba, studying at prestigious schools in Rio De Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Salvador. This firsthand exposure to Brazilian percussion not only expanded his repertoire but also enriched his teaching philosophy, infusing it with a global perspective and a profound respect for cultural diversity. Nick’s quest for musical enlightenment led him to Chennai, India, where he shared his expertise at the renowned music conservatory of Grammy Award winner A.R. Rahman. Immersed in the rich tapestry of Caribbean music, he imparted his knowledge and passion to aspiring musicians, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation for the genre. Throughout his career, Nick James has remained dedicated to empowering students, fostering creativity, and nurturing a lifelong love for percussion. His multifaceted experiences as an educator, performer, and cultural explorer continue to inspire and enrich the lives of those he encounters, leaving an indelible mark on the world of percussion education.
Matthew Smith
Director
Matt Smith is in his 14th year teaching and his 10th year with Hilliard City Schools. Prior to joining the Hilliard band staff, he taught for four years in Wheelersburg, Ohio as the Director of Bands at Wheelersburg Middle and High School. This is his first year at Heritage Middle School after spending the previous nine years as the Assistant Director of Bands at Hilliard Bradley High School. He is a proud graduate of The Ohio State University.

General Info

Established in 1997, the Hilliard Darby High School Band has earned a reputation for excellence in our community and throughout Ohio. The band provides a comprehensive music education to its students through a wide variety of courses and performing ensembles. In addition to their growth as musicians, band members develop an appreciation and understanding of commitment, pride, teamwork, discipline, and dedication.

Incoming students join a terrific group of young people who are active in all areas of our school and successful academically. The average GPA of the Marching Band is one of the highest of all student activities each year.

In addition to band, our students participate in a wide range of activities including choir, orchestra,
drama, tech, athletics, student leadership, Panther Ambassadors, yearbook, and the school paper. Music students are truly motivated students.