July 31 & August 1, 2026 | 8PM
The Ohio State University Marching Band
Stuart Chafetz, Conductor
Dr. Christopher Hoch, Director of Marching and Athletic Bands
Columbus Symphony Orchestra
A Columbus favorite and annual tradition, “The Best Damn Band in the Land” joins the Columbus Symphony for patriotic tunes and symphonic favorites, while also showing off their precision marching, dynamic musical arrangements, and beloved fight songs and battle cries. To top it all off, the concert concludes with a brilliant display of fireworks! These high-energy concerts are a highlight of the summer season for audiences of all ages.
In the first half of the program, Principal Pops Conductor Stuart Chafetz will lead the orchestra in favorite movie music tunes from Hollywood!
| Tonight's Program | ||
| WHITING | Hooray for Hollywood | |
| BILL CONTI | "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky | |
| SCHIFRIN | Mission: Impossible Theme | |
| NORMAN | James Bond Theme | |
| JONES | Soul Bossa Nova: Austin Powers Theme | |
| DANNY ELFMAN | Batman | |
| JOHN POWELL | How To Train Your Dragon | |
Brief Pause | ||
Selections by the OSU Marching Band, followed by these pieces for combined band and orchestra: | ||
| SHOSTAKOVICH | Festive Overture, op. 96 | |
| WARD | America the Beautiful | |
| TCHAIKOVSKY | IV. Finale: Andante maestoso - Allegro vivace from Symphony No. 5 in E minor, op. 64 | |
| SOUSA | Stars and Stripes Forever | |
Dr. Christopher Hoch
Dr. Christopher Hoch, director of The Ohio State University Marching and Athletic Bands, served as interim director from May 2015–2016. Previously, he served two years as associate director and one year as assistant director of the marching and athletic bands at Ohio State, seven years as the director of bands at Rutherford B. Hayes High School in Delaware, OH, and three years as a director of The Ohio State University Marching Band Alumni.
Dr. Hoch’s work with The Ohio State University Marching Band has received national recognition for innovation and creativity in the show design process. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Hoch serves as the musical director of the Scioto Valley Brass and Percussion Company, and he is active around the state of Ohio as a clinician, guest conductor, musical arranger and guest speaker.
Dr. Hoch's Ohio State education includes bachelor's degrees in music education and mathematics, master's degrees in instrumental conducting and music education, and a PhD in music education.