Brian D. Sheehe, Donnell Director of Bands -  Brian is in year 27 with the Donnell Band program and year 30 overall.  Brian is a graduate of Van Buren HS and Ohio Northern University with a Bachelors in Music Education.  In 1994 Brian took his first teaching job with Montpelier Schools. There he taught 5-12 Band and general music.  In 1997 he came to Findlay City Schools and began work at Donnell Middle School as well as working with Findlay High School Band. 

During Brian’s time at Findlay the Donnell Band program has been a three time Middle School Band Grand Champion for the Music In the Parks National Competition.  The Symphonic Band has traveled to Chicago (2005, 2011 & 2018), Niagara Falls (2009 & 2014) and St. Louis (2007 & 2016).  The Donnell Bands are 17 time Espirt De Corps winners at the Music in the Parks National Competitions.  SHOCKWAVE, the Findlay Middle School Indoor Drumline has earned numerous medals including State Champion Gold Medalists in 2009, 2010, 2019 & 2023.  SHOCKWAVE has also been the State Runner Up eight times.  The Donnell Percussion Ensemble has been the Concert Class State Champion in 2013, 2016 and 2017 as well as the State Runner Up in both 2014, 2015, 2018 & 2019.

Brian was named Ohio Indoor Performance Association Percussion Director of the Year in both 2010 and 2012.  Brian is a four time Golden Apple nominee, the 2004 Bruce B. Hill award winner, and the Arlington VFW Teacher of the Year in 2012.  Brian is a member of the Ohio Music Education Association, Kappa Kappa Psi Alumni Band fraternity and has previously served five years on the OIPA Board of Directors as Second Vice-President, Secretary and an At-Large position.  

Brian also enjoys teaching his two sons percussion, trumpet and trombone as well as spending time with his beautiful wife Denise.

 Mr. Dan Wilson, Findlay HS Band Director & Department Chair - A graduate of Findlay High School, Mr. Wilson joined the Findlay City School staff in 2007. He holds Bachelor degrees from Miami University in both Music Education and Business with a minor in Arts Management as well as a Master degree in Music Education from The Ohio State University focusing in instrumental music with additional coursework towards administrative licensure. Mr. Wilson currently serves as Band Department Chair teaching band throughout the Findlay City School district and is an active member in the Ohio Music Education Association. In addition to participating in OMEA Large Group and Solo & Ensemble Adjudicated Events students in his ensembles have been selected for several honor groups including OMEA Honor Bands, Bowling Green State University Honor Band, and The Ohio State University Honor Band. Outside of school Dan is an active performer and private instructor on both clarinet and saxophone, enjoys playing hockey, and spending time with his family.

Elle Smith, Color Guard - Elle is an alum of Donnell Middle School and the Band program.  Elle  also was a member of the SHOCKWAVE indoor Drumline.  When he moved onto Findlay High School he began in the High School Color Guard and excelled.  Elle also was in the Findlay Indoor Drumline and HS Band and Marching Band.  Now he is our Color Guard Director and we are so happy to have him on board!

Donnell Band Director History

1997 - 2024:          Brian D. Sheehe (27 Years)

1994 - 1997:            Tim Mattis (3 Years)

1992 - 1994:            Bill Kermavner (3 Years)

1987 - 1992:            Greg Ruffer (5 Years)

1969 - 1987:            George Amend (18 Years)