Ottoville Music Department Staff

Mr. Warren Bowery, Band/Music/Choir Director

Mr. Bowery has been the band, choir, and general music teacher for grades 1-12 at Ottoville Local since 1985 (as of 2000, grades 4-12.) He has also directed the spring high school musical since 1985. He was a member of the first graduating class from Wheeling Park High School in Wheeling, WV (1977). Mr. Bowery earned his bachelors degree at West Liberty State College in West Virginia, and his masters degree from Indiana Wesleyan University  He has additional graduate credits through Findlay University and Walsh University.  Since coming to Ottoville, Mr. Bowery has written the score for two original musicals - "The Bloody Bridge" in 1994 and "You Can't Get There From Here!" in 1996. He performed on guitar and saxophone with the bands "Just Us" and "Secrets" for 10 years, and often plays guitar in the Immaculate Conception Church's folk group and at Trinity Lutheran in Middle Point. He is also a member of the Middle Point Community Choir. In his free time, Warren enjoys computers, radios, and target shooting. He is a licensed amateur radio operator (Amateur Extra) with the callsign KC8YKQ.

Mrs. Kimberly Birt, Assistant Band Director/Music and Art Teacher

Mrs. Kimberly Birt  is in her sixth year as General Music and Art teacher for grades K-3. She also serves as the Assistant Band Director. Mrs. Birt is a 1997 graduate of Coldwater High School, where she performed in the marching band, concert band, pep band, jazz band, and all three choirs.  She was also a member of the Thespians at Coldwater.   Kimberly received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from Ohio Northern University University and her masters degree from Ashford University.  At ONU, Mrs. Birt performed in the two college large-group choirs,  sang in the children's opera, served as the associate director of the University/Community Chorus her junior year, and as associate director of the Chapel Choir during her junior and senior years.  She also played horn in the ONU Brass Ensemble.  In her spare time, she enjoys music, loves to cook (her husband enjoys that!), and has fun taking care of her pet cats.  Kim sings at many weddings in Mercer County and surrounding counties, and also is a member of her church's choir. She is also soon to be a new mommy!

Mrs. Tonya Buss, Flag Corps Instructor

Our new flag corps advisor for 2008 is Tonya Buss.  Tonya (originally Tonya Knippen) is a 2002 Ottoville High School graduate. She attended Bowling Green State University and received a degree as an Intervention Specialist. She will graduate from The University of Findlay with her Master’s of Arts in Education in May. Tonya is currently employed through the Putnam County Educational Service Center and is working at the Putnam County Alternative School in Miller City New Cleveland. She resides in Ottoville with her husband Charlie, cat Hamlet, and Deo their gold fish. Tonya loves being the flag corps director and enjoys spending time with the girls. She is very proud of the students and their dedication to the corp and band. She is also looking forward to working with Mr. Bowery and Mrs. Birt!

Mrs. Sherri Edelbrock, Band Camp Assistant

Mrs. Edelbrock is a 1989 graduate of Ottoville High School, and is a "Big Green Pride" alumnus. Sherri was a multi-year member of the All-Putnam County Band, and received first chair trumpet and soloist honors in 1988. After graduating from Heidelberg College in 1993, Mrs. Edelbrock taught in the Ottawa Hills School District for the 1993-94 year. She returned home to serve the Ottoville Local School District in 1994, and currently teaches third grade. Sherri stays active musically by playing with the Brass Notes, a band comprised of Ottoville residents. Sherri's instrument of choice is a Bach Strad.  She also sits in with the OHS Pep Band from time to time.