John Glenn School Board Hires New Band Director

Nathanael Suddeth

A new leader will guide the John Glenn music department at the high school.

The John Glenn School Board welcomed Nathanael Suddeth to the school corporation Tuesday night as they approved his appointment to the position. He along with four other candidates underwent a rigorous interview process which included administrative team interviews, previous and current choral director input and consulting of the band booster president. Two band students also had a chance to interview the candidates.

Suddeth comes to the John Glenn School Corporation with 11 years of experience and a Master’s Degree in music. He previously taught at the Brown County school system and at LaVille High School.

Suddeth is no stranger to the John Glenn band program. He told the board that he worked with Dan Fortlander and the band in 2014 as the brass instructor. He said he was good friends with Mr. Fortlander and worked well with him. He added that it was thought that he was being groomed to take over for Dan Fortlander some time down the road and now he’s poised to start the school year in that director’s position.

Mr. Fortlander passed away on June 10. He had been with the John Glenn High School as band director for 32 years.

The school board noted that Suddeth has big shoes to fill but they are confident that he will lead the band program to accomplish great things.