The Pettisville Local School District music department is committed to providing each child with the opportunity to express themselves through a multitude of musical activities and outlets. These outlets at Pettisville include small and large instrumental ensembles for various age and skill groups, small and large vocal ensembles for various age and skill groups, music theory and history instruction, and public/community performances. We value the hard work, extra effort and time put in by the various students, teachers and parents, which make our music program both unique and outstanding.

Foodie Highlights:
Short Stop Po-Boys; Café du Monde for coffee/soda & Beignets; Mulate’s Original Cajun Restaurant; lunch at Destrehan Plantation; BB King Jazz Club Restaurant; Raising Cane's Chicken; Mission BBQ

Entertainment Highlights:
Performance at the River Walk Market Place
Nashville Nights Buffet & show
Cajun Pride Swamp Tour
City Tour of New Orleans  
Music Walking Tour of the French Quarters & Jazz Museum
Mardi Gras World Tour
Destrehan Plantation Tour
Steamboat Natchez Harbor Jazz Dinner Cruise
Preservation Hall
Shopping in French Market
WW II Museum
“Beyond All Boundaries” 4-D movie
Jefferson Parish
Grand Ole Opry

Friday, March 4, 2022
Our Music Department hosted Vox Profundi from Goshen College. Students and staff enjoyed a mini-concert, instruction, and reception in The Atrium. Scott Hochstetler and the men's chorus worked with the Junior High boys and Marcia Yost worked with the 7th grade girls. Thanks to Mr. Beck for sharing your talented alma mater with PHS!

Local Teens Take the Stage with World Famous Rock Band

Pettisville Takes the Stage: Godspell

Pettisville visits Disney World

Mr. Duane Beck, Choir Director

Duane Beck is in his twenty-third year of teaching at his alma mater, Pettisville High School, where he directs the junior high and high school choirs. He also teaches elementary music and theatre at Pettisville.

Mr. Beck's school responsibilities include directing the high school musical and sixth grade musical. He also serves as student council advisor. Duane served as the artistic director of The Junior Choral Society, a forty-voice children’s chorus of singers from various schools in Northwest Ohio, from 1991 to 1993 and 2004 to the present. Since 2016, Duane has directed the choir at Zion Mennonite Church.

Mr. Beck earned his B.A. in Music Education from Goshen College in 1991 and an M.A. in Gifted Education from Bowling Green State University in 2001. Duane is a member of MENC and a life member of ACDA. He has been honored to serve as guest conductor for the Southeast Ohio Children’s Chorus Festival and the Indiana/Michigan Mennonite Youth Chorus Festival. Mr. Beck was on the staff of the Ohio Ambassadors of Music during their 2011 European tour. He is an active member of Central Mennonite Church, where he serves as hymn leader and pianist.

Mr. Nate Kester, Band Director

Nate Kester is in his 3rd year of teaching at Pettisville Schools, leading all band activities. The bands include High School Concert Band, Junior High Concert Band, 5th and 6th Grade Band, Jazz Band, and Pep Band. In addition, Mr. Kester is the Pit Orchestra Director for the spring musicals and Co-director of the 6th Grade musical.

Mr. Kester attended Bowling Green State University where he earned a B.A. in Music Education in 2018. Mr. Kester is also an active member of District I for the Ohio Music Education Association. Mr. Kester plays the saxophone as his main instrument and can be found with his jazz band playing around the greater Toledo area. When not in the band room, Mr. Kester is the Junior High Golf Coach for Pettisville.