Director Emeritus

Columbus City Concert Band’s director emeritus Stephen E. McGrew was conductor and music director of Columbus City Band from 1995 to 2022. He followed Leslie Gilkey, who had been conductor since 1987.

Steve was director of bands at Seymour High School for 32 years, retiring June 30, 2001. He previously taught at Centerville High School for two years. Steve holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana State University and has studied at Purdue University and Indiana University.

Steve has performed with the Columbus Philharmonic Orchestra, the Columbus City Concert Band, the Schulhaus 4+3 and a local Dixieland band.

Steve has done frequent adjudicating and guest conducting. He is also a clinician for the IMEA Noncompetitive Festivals throughout the state.

He and his wife, Jo, who plays saxophone in the band, have four children and seven grandchildren.

Motivational Uncle Steve-isms

“No one got hurt.”

“May lightening strike you.”

To trumpets: “It says ‘moderately slow and pompous.’ Can we do pompous?”

“That’s usually where it falls apart. … It didn’t disappoint.”

“It would be better if it were in tune.”

“There’s always togetherness until we get to the hangover. … Isn’t that always how it is though?”

“Don’t chase notes like you chase girls.”

“Let ‘er rip! … Within the realms of good taste.”

“I said it was ALMOST repulsive.”

Points to head: “Kidneys.”

“Don’t get hostile!”

“So close it’s pitiful.”

“It didn’t sound all that bad, except it was wrong.”

“It was almost really good.”

“It’s a long afternoon before we get to beat four.”

“Did anyone get hurt?”

“Pick your favorite note and hold it. … I don’t like your favorite note — pick another one.”

“It’s not as disastrous as you’re making it out to be.”

“Ruffles have ridges. These notes don’t.”

“That key change ate you alive.”

“The beginning — all at the same time, preferably.”

“Don’t hurt the music.”

“That’s the melody. Shake hands and make friends.”

“There’s a lot of Italian in those two measures.”

“Get nasty!”

“Those quarter notes need punished.”

“If that’s piano I’ll eat my baton.”