Berne Union Bands

Sugar Grove is located in the southeastern corner of Fairfield County, about 40 miles southeast of Columbus. The Berne Union Local School District provides instruction to about 850 students K-12. To learn more about Berne Union Local Schools visit the School website. .

The Berne Union band program has been in existence since the school was formed in 1930, and has enjoyed strong support from the small community of Sugar Grove throughout its history. Instrumental music instruction begins in 5th grade at BU, where students meet every day. Grades 6-12 meet daily for 45 minutes, with the 6th grade meeting in their own seperate ensemble, and the 7-12 graders divided between Concert Band and Wind Ensemble. Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Pep Band are extracurricular.

Other curricular offerings include Music Theory and two recording technology courses offered every year. All told, the Band program presents nearly 50 performances a year, (not including solo and ensemble). Currently there are about 150 students in the Berne Union Band Program (grades 5-12), which represents about 25% of the student body. Berne Union Bands enjoy a brand new, 4200sqft band facility including a recording studio, practice modules, a mezzanine for instrument storage, a uniform storage room, and a large office.

Although there have always been assistant directors to aid the marching band, curricular instrumental music instruction only warrants one full time instructor. Some of BU's past director's include Dr. Tim Swinehart and Jeff Shellhammer. Since the fall of 1996, the band program has been under the direction of J.D.Latorre.

Berne Union High School
506 North Main St.
Sugar Grove Oh, 43155

740.746.8859 (band room phone)
Email JD Latorre