Directors

Lee Auer - Director of Bands - Mr. Auer has served as Director of Bands at Newark High School since 2016. Prior to his appointment at Newark High School, he served as band director at Heritage Middle School from 2014-2016, and Valley Local Schools in Lucasville, Ohio from 2007-2014.

Mr. Auer enjoys performing regularly with the Heisey Wind Ensemble, and also serves as Vice Chairman of the ensemble's Board of Directors. Mr. Auer has also served as OMEA District 10 President from 2022-2024.

Prior to his teaching career, Mr. Auer graduated from Licking Heights High School and earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree from The Ohio State University. While attending Ohio State, Mr. Auer performed in the symphonic band, wind symphony, and was a five-year member of the marching band.

Zach Banks - Assistant Director, Percussion Instructor - A 2019 graduate of Newark High School, he was a dedicated four-year member of the marching band, serving as a section leader for two of those years. His deep commitment to the band and its success has continued well beyond his high school days; after assisting with the band for four years over the summer, this is Mr.Banks first year as a full-time staff member.

Mr.Banks pursued higher education at Tiffin University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Cyber Security with a minor in Music. During his time at Tiffin, he was an active member of the university’s marching band, concert band, and various small group ensembles, showcasing his talents on the drum set.

Outside of his musical endeavors, Mr.Banks works at Genesis HealthCare Solutions in the IT Department, where he applies his expertise in cybersecurity.

Shelby Hipp - Assistant Director, Percussion Instructor - A 2021 graduate of Newark High School, and a five year member of the Pride of Newark. She had the opportunity to march as an eighth grader, and has been committed since. She was the drum major her senior year, and learned skills like leadership and musicianship, which she teaches today. Along with Newark, this will be her second year with the Heath marching band, where she assists with their percussion.

Ms. Hipp is currently pursuing higher education through Minnesota State University’s online program, where she plans to earn her Bachelors in Human Resources Management with a minor in Business Management.

Outside of teaching, Ms. Hipp works full time as a welder at Hendrickson Auxiliary Axles in Hebron, and performs as a member of the percussion section in the Heisey Wind Ensemble.

Noah Jenkins - Assistant Director, Director of Percussion, Audio Engineer - This is Mr. Jenkins’s 7th season working with the Pride of Newark as a percussion instructor. He graduated from Newark High School in 2017 after being a four-year member of the band. He is also a graduate of The Ohio State University where he earned his degree in Air Transportation and received his commercial pilot certificate.

He is now employed by The Ohio State University as a Certified Flight Instructor working with students receiving their private, instrument, and commercial certificates.

Mr. Jenkins performs as a member of the percussion section in the Heisey Wind Ensemble.

Michaela Orth - Assistant Director - Michaela graduated from Newark High School in 2022 having been fully involved with band all four years. This is her second year working with the Pride of Newark as a full-time staff member. Michaela also serves as a general assistant and snack provider with sweets from her job at R&M Bakery.

Michaela currently attends Shawnee State University. This is her third year out of four and she is pursuing a degree in Business Management. Although SSU does not have a band program, Michaela still finds ways to play her sax through the newly formed Newark Community Band.

Kaylee Priest - Color Guard Instructor - bio coming soon!

Kevin Ruppert - Assistant Director, Heritage Middle School Director - Mr. Ruppert is currently the director of bands at Heritage Middle School. This year will mark his fourth year of teaching. Before coming to Newark, Mr. Ruppert served as the director of choirs at Garfield Middle School in Hamilton, Ohio.

Mr. Ruppert graduated from The Ohio State University in 2021 with a degree in Music Education. While enrolled, he was a member of the saxophone studio, the Men’s Glee Club, as well as the Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony.

Paul Renzi - Visual Coordinator, Assistant Director, Wilson Middle School Director - Mr. Renzi is currently the director of bands at Wilson Middle School and also assists with the Newark High School ensembles. This is his second year of teaching at Newark City Schools.

Mr. Renzi graduated from The Ohio State University in 2023 with his Bachelors in Music Education. While attending Ohio State, he was a member of the trumpet studio, the Symphonic Band, the Men’s Glee Club, and various brass ensembles. Mr. Renzi was also a part of the trumpet section with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps marching from 2019 to 2021.

Tom Shook - Assistant Director - Mr. Shook earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Education from The Ohio State University. He is the retired band director from Licking Heights High School.

Mr. Shook performs with the West High School Alumni Jazz Band, Heisey Wind Ensemble, and the Sharyonim Choir at Temple Beth Shalom.

He continues to substitute teach in several local school districts and teaches private clarinet and saxophone lessons. He and his wife Terry live in Pataskala and spend much of their time with his four grandchildren.

Georgie Ward - Assistant Director - Georgie is thrilled to join the Pride of Newark band staff this year. Although this is her first official role with the band, Georgie has been a familiar face during band camp, where her passion and dedication have made a noticeable impact.

A recent graduate of Tiffin University, Georgie earned her Bachelor’s degree in Digital Media and Design with a minor in Music. While at Tiffin Georgie was a member of the Marching band, concert band, and select small group ensembles. She was also a section leader and assistant drum major and ran the band music Instagram. Her academic journey is complemented by her hands-on experience in music and design, reflecting her dual interests and talents.

Georgie’s musical journey began at Licking Heights High School, from which she graduated in 2020. During her seven years in the Licking Heights marching band, she demonstrated exceptional leadership as a section leader for multiple years. Her commitment to the trumpet and her role in the band have shaped her path and passion for music education.

As Georgie embarks on this new chapter with the Pride of Newark, her blend of experience, education, and enthusiasm promises to be a valuable addition to the band’s continued success.