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Pickerington Schools' world-class music program begins here!
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Welcome to Toll Gate Middle School's dynamic sixth-grade band and orchestra program, where the world of music unfolds for all enthusiastic sixth graders! This program provides a remarkable opportunity for students to explore their musical talents, receive tailored instruction on their chosen instrument, and develop a strong foundation in universal musical concepts and skills. Emphasizing teamwork and cooperation, this program not only cultivates individual talents but also fosters the collective spirit necessary for group success. It serves as the gateway to our outstanding high school-level band and orchestra programs. Most importantly, it's an exciting and fun journey into the world of music!
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The band and orchestra programs at Toll Gate Middle School go the extra mile to ensure that students and their families are well-informed and prepared. The teachers offer a "get to know the band meeting" in the spring, as well as multiple "try out the instrument" sessions. Their effective communication with families before the assembly in the spring ensures that everyone is on the same page and ready to embark on this musical journey. Additionally, important details about the program are included in the school's newsletter, making it easy for families to stay up-to-date with all the opportunities and activities these programs offer.
Band Instructors
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Chris Carmean | Assistant Band Director & Percussion Instructor
Chris Carmean | Assistant Band Director & Percussion Instructor
Chris Carmean has been an Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor at Pickerington Schools since 2001. He teaches students in grades six through 12 at Pickerington High School North, Lakeview Junior High School, and Harmon and Toll Gate Middle Schools. Mr. Carmean marched with the Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps, has performed with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, is an Associate Musician with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and performs frequently with the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra. He is a percussion adjudicator for Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Solo and Ensemble and Marching Band Adjudicated Events, serves as Marching Band Adjudications Chair on the OMEA Adjudicated Events Committee, and is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team. His percussion ensemble works are available through C.Alan Publications. Mr. Carmean is married to professional flutist Lindsey Goodman, and together they try to keep up with their alternatively blitzing and napping Bichon Frisé dog, Jack.
Contact information:
Phone: 614-834-6400
Degrees and certifications:
M.M., Duquesne University
B.M.Ed., Miami University
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Matt Guirreri | Band Instructor
Matt Guirreri | Band Instructor
Contact information:
Phone: 614-834-6400
Degrees and certifications:
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Mark Parulekar | Band Instructor
Mark Parulekar | Band Instructor
Contact information:
Phone: 614-835-6400
Degrees and certifications:
Orchestra Instructors
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Jordan Koogler | Orchestra Director
Jordan Koogler | Orchestra Director
Jordan Koogler has been with Pickerington Schools since 2015 as the orchestra director for Harmon and Toll Gate Middle Schools, Lakeview Junior High School, and Pickerington High School North. He was previously the orchestra director for Ashland City Schools in Ashland, Ohio for six years. Mr. Koogler is married to his wife, Amanda, and they have one beautiful little girl named Madalynn.
Mr. Koogler received his Master of Music Education from The Ohio State University and his Bachelor of Music Education from Otterbein University.
Mr. Koogler may be reached by phone at 614-835-2000 or by email.
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Thomas Watts | Orchestra Instructor
Thomas Watts | Orchestra Instructor
Contact information:
Phone: 614-834-2600
Degrees and certifications: