Announcements
Forms & Links
Diana Nicklas is an experienced and dedicated music educator with a passion for fostering musical growth and appreciation in her students. She currently serves as a Beginning Band Director, where she helps introduce young musicians to the joys of instrumental music. Diana holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Capital University, where she developed a strong foundation in both performance and pedagogy. She furthered her expertise by earning a master’s degree in music education from The Ohio State University.
Throughout her career, Diana has worked with students at various levels, from beginner to advanced, and has made a lasting impact on many young musicians’ lives. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes building strong technical skills, fostering a love for music, and creating a positive, inclusive environment for students to explore and develop their musical talents.
John Montgomery is in his 27th year in education with experience teaching band in grades 5-12. He has been the band director at Memorial Middle School since 2014. In his time at Memorial the band program has grown and flourished while participating in collaborations with the Grove City Community Winds, composer James Swearingen and commissioning and the world premiere of “Bayside Reflections” by Lisa Galvin.
Mr. Montgomery completed a bachelor of music education from The Ohio State University, a masters degree from Capital University and post graduate studies at Vandercook College of Music. He is an active freelance trumpet player performing in the Newark Granville Symphony, Brass Band of Columbus, Grove City Community Winds and many church and community events in central Ohio. Outside of the classroom, Mr. Montgomery is an avid golfer and serves as the golf coach at Memorial.
The Band

Station Beginning Band is designed for students who are new to instrumental music and eager to explore the world of band performance. Throughout the course, students will develop fundamental skills necessary for playing wind and percussion instruments in a band setting. The curriculum focuses on building technique, developing musical literacy, fostering ensemble skills, and cultivating a passion for music.
General Information
For information about the Station Band Grading Policy, Required Performances, Concert Attire, Practice Logs and the things your students needs for class, please see the Station Band Handbook link at the top of the webpage.
For addresses and phone numbers of the local music stores, please see the Local Music Stores link at the top of the webpage.
For phone numbers of recommended private lesson teachers, please see the Private Lessons Teachers link at the top of the webpage.
If your student needs additional access to the Note Reading Challenges, please see the Note Reading Challenge link at the top of the webpage.
For information regarding the Hilliard Music Boosters, please see the Boosters link at the top of the webpage.