Over Labor Day Weekend, the Groveport Madison High School band program took a trip down to Athens, OH to visit the Bobcats of Ohio University! 

This was a special trip for the GMHS band, as they not only watched some football, but they had the opportunity to show off their musical talents. GMHS band students were able to perform with Ohio University Marching 110’s during the National Anthem in pre-game, and they also played “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus at the end of the halftime show.

GMHS band students were among 20 other bands that were able to perform. Our band was able to receive this opportunity, thanks to Katie Harmon, Assistant Band Director at GMHS and current Middle School South Band Director. Mrs. Harmon is a graduate of Ohio University where she studied Music Education. 

During her time at Ohio University, Mrs. Harmon was a member of the Ohio University Marching 110 where she marched with the trumpet section in the 2018 through 2021 seasons. During the 2020 and 2021 seasons, Katie was the music session leader where she and two others were in charge of ensuring all the music was up to par for the shows. 

Prior to attending Ohio University, Katie was a 2018 graduate of Groveport Madison High School. 

“This weekend was a blast! I have heard nothing but positive reactions from our students. It was really great to be on the field with my brother (Brandon Cordle, 2021 GMHS Graduate), and other GMHS alum that are now apart of this prestigious band at OU.” says Mrs. Harmon. “Around Columbus, we tend to only see the OSU marching band. But Athens is only an hour away, and the style of the OU Marching 110 is entirely different from other bands I've seen. The choreographed dance breaks make for the most fun you could ever imagine in a marching band show!”

In addition to Mrs. Harmon’s experience at Ohio University, former GMHS band members and students - Bradley Campbell, Brandon Cordle, and Andrew Gacnik - are current members of the Ohio University Marching 110. 

“My favorite part of working with our bands at Groveport Madison Schools is watching them grow as young musicians. I love seeing the excitement the students get when they have a great performance.” says Mrs. Harmon. “My hope for going to OU's Band Day was to encourage more students to do college marching band regardless of their major. Mr. Jonah Angulo-Hurtig, GMHS Band Director, does a really great job of letting me express my ideas and act on them. He did everything in his power to get our band to Ohio University this weekend and myself and the students are extremely grateful for that.”