Showcasing Excellence: Pickerington North's Performing Arts Programs
Experience the magic of the arts at Pickerington North! Our Performing Arts Programs are a testament to our commitment to excellence in band, orchestra, choir, and theater. With a diverse range of opportunities, students can explore their creative passions, refine their skills, and leave an indelible mark on the stage. From dynamic musical performances to captivating theatrical productions and mesmerizing choir and orchestra renditions, our programs foster talent, discipline, and a profound sense of community. Join us in celebrating the performing arts and discover how Pickerington North is the stage where dreams are realized and applause never ends.
The Pickerington North Color Guard is open to all 9th-12th graders at Pickerington North High School (PHSN). Membership is based on audition.
The Color Guard performs at all events with the PHSN Marching Band, including football games, special Saturday performances, and trips regionally and nationally. The rehearsal schedule for the Color Guard is the same as the Marching Band.
No experience is needed to join the Color Guard. Potential members must show a willingness to learn, make an effort in practice, and complete an audition for membership. Once a member of the Color Guard, students schedule the Color Guard class when selecting classes which meet during the fall semester.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a part of the Pickerington North Color Guard, please contact Mr. Benson, Director of Bands at PHSN, at: greg_benson@plsd.us
At Pickerington High School North (PHSN), our band ensembles offer an extraordinary platform for musical growth and personal excellence. The "Marching Panthers," a dynamic ensemble combining the PHSN Marching Band and Color Guard, dazzles audiences at football games, local festivals, parades, and band shows. The Symphonic Band, our premier concert ensemble, showcases the most advanced wind and percussion musicians. With a repertoire of challenging music, they consistently earn "Superior" ratings at Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) events, setting high standards for technical and musical brilliance.
Concert Band I and Concert Band II offer opportunities for students of all levels to excel in grade-appropriate literature. Jazz Ensemble, our premier jazz group, immerses students in the rich world of jazz, maintaining high standards of musical and personal excellence. Our students often perform at outreach events, demonstrating their commitment to music and their community. Join us in celebrating the talent and dedication of our band ensembles at PHSN!
Gregory Benson, Pickerington High School North's Director of Bands, boasts 12 years of teaching and directing experience in Ohio. Since 2018, he has led the Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Concert Band I, and Jazz Ensemble, while also instructing sixth graders in woodwind basics. Previously, as the Assistant Director of Bands at Grove City High School, he co-led the Grove City Marching Band in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Mr. Benson consistently garners Superior ratings at OMEA events, focusing on musical excellence. His leadership at Gallia Academy High School and Middle School similarly saw growth and success. Currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Music Education, Mr. Benson actively contributes to the world of music through various ensembles and associations.
Chris Carmean | Assistant Band Director & Percussion Director
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. Mr. Carmean received his Master of Music from Duquesne University and his Bachelor of Music Education from Miami University.
Matt Guirreri | Assistant band Director & Lakeview Junior High Band Director
Matt Guirreri has taught for more than 20 years. He is the Lakeview Band Director as well as an assistant band director at Pickerington North High School. Mr. Guirreri began his career in the school district of Southeastern, where he taught Band 5 -12, choir 9-12, and general music. Mr. Guirreri received his Bachelor of Music Education at The Ohio State University and his master's in Instrumental Music from Capital University. During his time at The Ohio State University, Mr. Guirreri was a five-year member of the Ohio State University Marching Band and was named the Most-Inspirational Bandsmen by his peers in 2001. He has served with the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) as an adjudicator as well as All-State band coordinator. Mr. Guirreri currently resides in Pickerington, Ohio with his beautiful wife Janelle, and children Jonathon and Mia.
At Pickerington High School North, the high school orchestra class is a cornerstone of our music education program. Students explore orchestral music with a focus on string instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Our curriculum spans classical and modern compositions, tailored to diverse skill levels. Students learn ensemble dynamics, music theory, and performance techniques. They showcase their talents at school concerts and public performances. Regular rehearsals and practice nurture individual skills and group cohesion. Participation in competitions and festivals enriches the experience. The orchestra class not only enhances musical abilities but also fosters discipline, teamwork, and creativity. It's a valuable platform for future musical pursuits, whether in college or career paths.
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.
At Pickerington High School North, our high school choir class offers students a dynamic journey into the world of vocal music. Our choir students explore an extensive repertoire, spanning classical to contemporary genres, enhancing their vocal versatility. Vocal training covers proper techniques, breathing, pitch control, and diction, empowering students to become skilled singers. Music theory lessons deepen their understanding of notation and harmony. Regular rehearsals and performances within the school and the local community promote precision and teamwork. We often participate in competitions, earning recognition for our vocal abilities. Choir class at Pickerington North nurtures personal growth, self-confidence, and prepares students for future musical endeavors.
Ms. Vance is excited to say that she has been teaching at Pickerington Schools for the past 25 years. "What a wonderful blessing to say that I enjoy coming to work every day and being involved in the development of young minds and young people," says Ms. Vance. She has not only been established as a teacher in the community, but Ms. Vance is also a member living in the community as a parent to three beautiful children that attend or are alumni of the Pickerington Schools. Her children, Nate, Steven, and Evelyn are the love of her life. Ms. Vance enjoys focusing on her children as they are involved in the wonderful opportunities provided through athletics, academics, and the arts.
Ms. Vance was raised in the Pickerington area and graduated from neighboring Bloom-Carroll High School. She attended Capital University for a Bachelors in Music Education K-12 Vocal and Instrumental. There she was involved in the Choral Union Vocal Choir and played French horn in the Capital University Wind Symphony. Ms. Vance graduated from Capital University and obtained her first teaching position with Pickerington Schools at secondary level. She was involved at the only junior high and high school at that time in the vocal program and was an assistant to the marching band. When the buildings split, Ms. Vance moved to Pickerington High School North and Lakeview Junior High, helping to establish those programs on that side of the district. During this time, she obtained her master's in administration through the University of Dayton. Ms. Vance is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association, where she continues to develop professionally. She attends workshops and clinics for the opportunity to continually develop ideas for her students. The vocal groups of Pickerington have also had the opportunity to be demonstration groups and performance groups for other educators across the state of Ohio under her direction. They have been invited to these conventions with a respected reputation. Ms. Vance is a licensed adjudicator that gets invited to other districts to give her experience to other groups under Large Group Adjudicated Events and Solo and Ensemble Events.
Ms. Vance's primary focus is kids — your kids and her kids. Music is her tool for teaching and growing kids. Throughout her educational experience, work experience, and life experience, Ms. Vance promises to continually give 100 percent to assist in the raising of our community. Please feel free to contact her anytime through email and phone calls. And follow the wonderful things that our students are involved in @PHSNChoir.
Support Student Theater! Pickerington High School North Theatre Department, which raises all production costs, is gratefully accepting contributions. Patrons of the performing arts are needed to produce a first-class production. You can now make a donation online at the ticket link or mail your donation to the Theatre Department, Pickerington High School North, 7800 Refugee Road, Pickerington, OH 43147.
Are you interested in learning more about the wonderful world of theatre? Allen DeCarlo serves as the theatre aficionado at both Lakeview Junior High School and North High School. As the Theatre Director, Mr. DeCarlo teaches Theatre I, II, III and IV. Mr. DeCarlo earned his bachelor's degree in musical theatre with a minor in dance from Northern Kentucky University.
The Theatre Department successfully puts on four shows a year: two main stage productions and two dinner theatre productions. For more information, please contact Mr. DeCarlo by phone at 614-830-2700 or by email. Mr. DeCarlo will gladly answer any questions that you may have. Follow PHS North Theatre on Twitter!
It is not a requirement to take Theatre as a class in order to audition for a main stage show. Anyone may audition! We applaud you for your courage in auditioning and we look forward to seeing you!
Scott Skiles teaches Theatre Production at Pickerington High School North. Mr. Skiles is a Pickerington High School graduate. He has been teaching in Pickerington since 1996. In addition to teaching Theatre Production classes, Mr. Skiles is the Scene Designer/Technical Director for the North Theatre Department and manages the Pickerington High School North Performing Arts Center.
