Leadership — Columbus Pride Bands

Artistic Staff

Jennifer Olis

Jennifer Olis is the Director of Bands in the Grandview Heights School District in central Ohio. At Grandview, Jennifer teaches the high school concert band, high school marching band, high school jazz band, eighth grade band, and assists with the fifth, sixth, and seventh grade bands. Prior to coming to Grandview, Jennifer taught for five years in the Logan Hocking School District in southeastern Ohio and six years at Muskego High School in southeastern Wisconsin. Under her direction, the Muskego High School Wind Ensemble performed at the 2009 and 2014 Wisconsin State Music Association Conferences.

An avid supporter of new works for concert band, Jennifer has participated in several commissioning projects resulting in works by composers Viet Cuong, Zachary Koors, Taras Nahirniak, Michael Sweeney, and John Mackey. She is the recipient of The Ohio State University Outstanding Graduate Associate Award (2017), The Ohio State University Fellowship Award (2015), and participant in the National Band Association Young Conductor Mentor Project (2012). She earned her Bachelor of Music Education and Trombone Performance degrees from Ohio University and Master of Music degree in Wind Conducting from The Ohio State University, where she studied with Dr. Russel Mikkelson.

Associate Artistic Director

Megan Jacoby-Banks

Megan has been with the Columbus Pride Bands since 2016, serving in many roles from drumline instructor to section leader. She also served as the Pep Band director at the 2024 Pride Bands Alliance National Conference. Megan is the Co-Artistic Director, alongside Joshua Powell, for the new Columbus Pride Big Band.

Megan has a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the University of Toledo and a Master’s Degree in Music Technology from Southern Utah University. For the past 10 years, Megan has taught band and choir in the Columbus City Schools local school district.

Outside of teaching, Megan is an active performer in the Columbus local music scene. She is a freelance drummer/percussionist and is the bandleader and songwriter of Made of the Mist, a local queer alternative band. When Megan isn’t immersed in the world of music and performance, she spends her time motorcycling, hiking, and video gaming.

Jazz Artistic Director

Joshua Powell

Joshua has been with the Columbus Pride Bands since 2020. He is Co-Artistic Director of the Columbus Pride Big Band.

He graduated from Ohio University in 2013 after studying Music Composition and Audio Production. Since graduation Josh has directed non-profit youth bands and chamber ensembles. Joshua is also part of a saxophone quartet “Cinq!” that made its debut performance in 2024 in the Columbus State house during the National Pride Band Conference.

Outside of music, in 2021, Joshua took over ownership of the historic 90 year old restaurant, Clay’s Cafe, in Hebron, Ohio just east of Columbus. He has utilized the business as a platform to further his philanthropic efforts in music and youth organizations.

Jazz Artistic Director

Mark Tegtmeier

Associate Artistic Director

Mark Tegtmeier has been with the Columbus Pride Bands since 2025. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education from The Ohio State University in 2013, where he was a member of the renowned OSU Marching Band. Mark has experience directing middle and high school choirs, assisting instrumental programs, and leading community and church ensembles. As a trumpet player and vocalist, he enjoys performing in a variety of musical settings and creating welcoming, inclusive musical experiences for musicians of all backgrounds and abilities.

Mark serves as Associate Artistic Director with the Columbus Pride Bands, where he leads the Pep Band and Holiday Winds, and helps bring music into the community through performances and special events. He loves the energy, camaraderie, and opportunities for connection that community music creates, and is excited to continue growing the organization's outreach and musical opportunities. When he's not making music, Mark enjoys spending time with his two dogs, Ted and Cooper..