Leadership — Columbus Pride Bands

Artistic Staff

Robert Davis has served as Lead Artistic Director of Columbus Pride Bands since spring of 2017, having previously served as Assistant Artistic Director. Robert moved to Columbus and joined CapPride in the summer of 2015 after completing a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he studied with Dr. John Climer. At UWM he co-directed the Panther Pep Band, guest conducted with the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, and the University Band. and assisted with the administration of the band program. He previously completed a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education at Ohio University. Robert currently teaches high school band in suburban Columbus where he has the opportunity to work with an inspiring bunch of students each and every day.

Artistic Director

Robert Davis

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. This year, Megan has taken the role of Co-Artistic Director, alongside Joshua Powell, for the new Columbus Pride Jazz 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. This year, Josh has taken the role of Co-Artistic Director forming the new Pride Jazz Band. He graduated from Ohio University in 2013 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 this year 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