Jarrod O'Donnell

• Band Director/Trombone Instructor

Mr. Jarrod O’Donnell is in his tenth year as Director of Bands at Atlantic High School. Jarrod started his teaching career at South O’Brien Community Schools, Paullina from 2001-2003. He next accepted the position as High School Director of Bands at the Nodaway Valley School District, Greenfield from 2003-2009. During his tenure at Nodaway Valley bands earned their first time Division I - Superior ratings in both Concert Band and Jazz Band, along with many Superior ratings at the IHSMA State Solo/Small Ensemble contest. Under Mr. O’Donnell’s direction the Atlantic the Trojan Guard earned seven consecutive Division I – Superior ratings at the IHSMA State Marching Band Contest. The Atlantic Concert Band, Jazz Band, and individuals earn consistent high ratings at state sponsored music festivals including “Best of Center Performances, Southwest Iowa Honor Band, Southwest Iowa Honor Marching Band, and Iowa All State Band. Several of Mr. O’Donnell’s students have gone on to study music at the collegiate level.
 
Mr. O’Donnell is a graduate of Clinton High School, Clinton Iowa, where he was a student of David Gaulrapp. Jarrod earned his Bachelor of Music Education from Buena Vista University where he was a student of Jerry Bertrand, Director of Bands, and Curt Ohrlund, instructor of trombone. He earned his Master in Music Education from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio in 2012. Mr. O’Donnell is active as an adjudicator and clinician for both the IHSMA, and individual contests around the state. He is a member of IBA, and SWIBA, where he is currently the SWIBA High School Honor Band Chair, and serves on the Public Relations committee.
 
Jarrod has been married to Leah for ten years. She is the Middle School Director of Bands at Atlantic. Jarrod and Leah are proud parents of their first child, Colin born in December of 2011. They both enjoy playing golf, and having play-time with Colin.