Nathan Hochstetler – Director of Bands- PHMS
Nathan Hochstetler is currently in his 18th year of teaching music. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Ball State University. Mr. Hochstetler served 12 years as the Assistant Director of Bands at Pendleton Heights High School and Middle School. He is currently the Director of Bands at Pendleton Heights Middle School. Nathan’s duties at Pendleton include conducting each of the 4 ability based concert ensembles at PHMS, overseeing the Middle School Jazz Band, and assisting with the Marching Arabians at Pendleton Heights High School.
The PHMS Jazz Band is an extra-curricular jazz band that performs throughout the area including the Pendleton Heights Jazz Festival and the ISSMA Jazz Competition. Nathan has helped the band program grow tremendously while at Pendleton. Under the direction of Nathan, the Pep Band had been invited to perform at Worthen Arena at Ball State University and Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Marching Band has earned numerous awards including advancing to the ISSMA State Finals Competition for Class B in 2018, 2019 & 2022. The Marching Band also placed 2nd in the Class 4A Mid-States Championships in 2017.
Prior to his time at Pendleton, Mr. Hochstetler spent five years starting the Alexandria-Monroe Schools band program. Before he started, the program had one class and grew to multiple ensembles at the Intermediate and High Schools. His students regularly performed in Concerts, Honor Bands, ISSMA events, Basketball Games and Jazz Festivals. Nathan is an active member of the Indiana Music Educators Association and is a regular attendee of both the IMEA State Conference and the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
Outside of school, Nathan plays the trumpet and bass in several ensembles, including The Directors Jazz Orchestra and Alpha Brass. Nathan is also a member of the First United Methodist Church choir in Anderson Indiana. Nathan is an Eagle Scout and has been involved with council leadership in the White River District near Anderson. Nathan enjoys biking, camping, and spending time with his wife Rachel, their 11 year old daughter Maizen, their 8 year old son Leland, and their dog Winston.