Featuring Over 100 Student Musicians
January 9, 2026
Fairfield County Educational Service Center (ESC) coordinated the annual All-County Band Performance at Berne Union High School during the evening of Wednesday, January 7, showcasing nearly 130 student musicians across the county.
Top performers from all 12 Fairfield County school districts performed set pieces under the direction of two accomplished musicians, Lisa Galvin and Russel Mikkelson. Students arrived the morning of the performance, diligently practicing throughout the day in preparation for their concert.
The Middle School All-County Band was conducted by Sugar Grove native and Ohio State University graduate, Lisa Galvin. She has collected many accolades during her lifetime for demonstrating musical excellence and instruction, particularly in the Reynoldsburg and Hilliard School Districts. As an ode to her music career, the middle school performance included two of her compositions.
The High School All-County Band welcomed Russel Mikkelson, University Bands Director at The Ohio State University, as their guest conductor. Mikkelson is a successful composer/arranger, as well as musical scholar, having published articles in The Instrumentalist and The Journal of the Conductor’s Guild.
Both ensembles featured a mix of woodwinds, brass, and percussion, demonstrating a variety of musical talent amongst students of many ages.
“This school event is a tremendous example of cross-county collaboration and the rising talents of our students,” said Marie Ward, Ph.D., Superintendent, Fairfield County ESC. “It was a pleasure to coordinate such a powerful display of music and bring over a hundred students and their families together for one evening.”
The Fairfield County Educational Service Center provides student-centered educational leadership and supportive services to meet the individual and collective needs of the staff, students and boards of education of the eight local school districts located in Fairfield County. More information can be found at faircoesc.org
