Familiar face tapped to lead band program
A familiar face will be returning to the halls of Tippecanoe High School and Middle School this year. With the departure of Mr. Steven Monath as band director, Mr. Jonathan Gaul steps in to oversee the growing band program.
However, this isn’t the first time Gaul has walked these halls. This new role marks the third time the 2016 graduate of Troy High School has worked within the music program within Tipp City Schools. The first being as a student teacher while attending Wright State University and more recently as the elementary music teacher at Nevin Coppock and Broadway Elementaries. He returns to Tipp City Schools after spending the last year with Brookville as a music teacher. “There is something about the district and the students that makes this a special place to work,” says Gaul.
And Gaul has big plans for the band program, starting with the 2025 season of the Tippecanoe marching band. He explains that with new uniforms debuting this fall, it’s an excellent opportunity for the program to rebrand. “I have lofty goals for this program,” Gaul shares. “I love the history of this band and school. Now I want to take it to the next level.”
Practices are already underway for the marching band, and students couldn’t be more excited for this year. The icing on the cake for all will be a late spring trip to Disney World. Gaul is ready for the challenge. “I’m excited. Nervous, but very excited. It’s going to go well because we have a great group of students.”
The Miami County native has an interesting background in music. Gaul’s first instrument was an unusual pick, an oboe. As a high schooler, he moved on to the alto saxophone for marching and never looked back. But that’s not all he found in high school band. He also met his wife Abby in band at Troy High School. The couple has been married now for three years and has a 16-month-old son, Rowan. They reside in Troy.
Following weeks of sectionals, two-a-days, and band camp, Gaul will step out with the band for its first performance of the 2025 season at National Night Out at Kyle Park on August 5.
