Lakota West High School Bands Greg Snyder

Gregory L. Snyder

Director of Bands - Lakota West High School

513-874-5699 ext 10056

Congratulations, Mr. Snyder!

Lakota West Band Director Greg Snyder was inducted into the elite ranks of the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) at its convention in San Luis Obispo, California in March, 2007.

The ABA is considered worldwide as the most prestigious organization for concert band conductors of distinction. Its invitation-only membership ranks include professional, military, university, high school and community band directors. Among its most notable members is legendary bandmaster John Philip Sousa, who was named the first honorary life president in 1929.

To be considered, a band director must be nominated by an active member of ABA and a recording of the nominee’s band must be reviewed by the organization. Of the 290 active members, only 30 are high school band directors. To learn more about the American Bandmasters Association, CLICK HERE for its web site.

Experience. Gregory Snyder is in his 21st year as director of bands in the Lakota School District. He spent the first nine years at Lakota High School, and the last twelve years at Lakota West High School. At Lakota West, he directs Symphonic Winds; Symphonic Red Band; Symphonic White Band; Marching Firebirds and Pep Band. Mr. Snyder assists with Concert Band, and at the Lakota Freshman School with three concert bands. Prior to his tenure at Lakota, he served as assistant director for five years, and director of bands for three years, in the Clyde-Green Springs School District.

Mr. Snyder spent the first nine years at Lakota High School, and the past ten years at Lakota West High School. At Lakota West, Mr. Snyder directs Symphonic Winds, Symphonic Red Band, Symphonic White Band, and the Marching Firebirds. He assists with Concert Band and at the Lakota Freshman School with two concert bands. Prior to his tenure at Lakota, he served as assistant for five years and director of bands for three years in the Clyde-Green Springs School District (Clyde, Ohio).

Performances. Under Mr. Snyder’s direction, Symphonic Winds has received a superior at Class AA Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) state competition since the first year of Lakota West in 1998. Major performances have included: Bowling Green State University New Music Reading Clinic, 1998; The Dixie Classic Music Festival, Atlanta, 1998; Music in the Parks Festival, Chicago, 1999; The 54th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago, 2000; the 30th Annual Ohio Band Directors Conference, University of Akron, 2001; New Concert Band Music Reading Clinic, Capital University, 2002; the OMEA State Convention, Columbus, 2004; a European tour with performances in Paris, Brussels, and London, 2004, and the 60th Annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, Chicago, 2006.

The Lakota West Marching Firebirds have earned more than 30 grand champion awards in the past 12 years under Mr. Snyder’s direction. In 1999, the band marched in the Hollywood Christmas Parade. The Firebirds marched at the Sugar Bowl, New Orleans, in 2003. They traveled to Hawaii in November 2005 to perform at Pearl Harbor and in the Waikiki Holiday Parade. In January 2008, the Marching Firebirds marched in the 119th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California.

Education. Mr. Snyder has a bachelor of music degree from Bowling Green State University, and a master of music education degree from VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, Illinois. He has acquired additional work from the College-Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University. He is pursuing a doctorate of musical arts degree from Boston University.

Professional Activity. Mr. Snyder is a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. He serves as both large group and solo and ensemble adjudicator for OMEA. He is a member of Phi Beta Mu , Ohio Music Educators Association, and Music Educators National Conference. Mr. Snyder has chaired many OMEA adjudicated events, including the 1994 and 2002 Ohio All-State Band. In 2004, he presented clinics on chamber playing at the OMEA State Conference and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. He is past president of OMEA District XIII.

Many prominent composers and conductors have been invited by Mr. Snyder to conduct Lakota West bands, including: David Booth, John Bourgeois, Geoffrey Brand, John Climer, Eugene Corporon, Raymond Cramer, James Curnow, Elliot Del Borgo, Stephen Gage, David Gillingham, Gary Gilroy, Gary Green, Joseph Hermann, Robert Jorgensen, Brant Karrick, Mark Kelly, Barry Kopetz, Edward Lisk, Stephen Melillo, Russel Mikkelson, Alfred Reed, David Shaffer, Robert Sheldon, Phillip Sparke, Gary Speck, James Swearingen, Mallory Thompson, Jan van der Roost, Myron Welch, John Whitwell, Frank Wickes, and Rodney Winther.

Mr. Snyder resides in West Chester, Ohio, with his wife Sandra and two sons, Alex, 21, a junior at the Dana School of Music, Youngstown State University, and Adam, 18, a senior tuba player at Lakota West.