DIRECTORS


Elkins, WV native Jeff Caplinger, has been a high school band director and general music teacher for 27 years in West Virginia and South Carolina and is in his second year as Director of Bands at Tygarts Valley Middle High School. He completed undergraduate work at Davis and Elkins College, West Virginia University and Fairmont State University graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with trumpet emphasis. In addition, Mr. Caplinger has completed post-graduate work at Marshall University, Monclair State University, Duquesne University, West Virginia University and University of Massachusetts.
During his teaching career, he served as the Director of Bands at East Preston High School, Philip Barbour High School, Elkins High School, Berkeley High School (SC) and taught band and general music at several elementary schools. Over the years, Mr. Caplinger has been responsible for directing concert bands, symphonic bands, pep bands, jazz ensembles, percussion ensembles, world music ensembles, brass ensembles and woodwind ensembles. His ensembles have consistently received high ratings in both the marching and concert band idioms.
Professionally, Mr. Caplinger is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Honorary (Omicron and Theta Sigma Chapters), Tau Beta Sigma Honorary Band Sorority (honorary member), American School Band Directors Association, West Virginia Music Educators Association, West Virginia Bandmasters Association, South Carolina Music Educators Association, South Carolina Band Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, the National Judges Association, and Kiwanis International. He is also a member of the West Virginia University Alumni Marching Band and Concert Band.
Mr. Caplinger is active as a conductor, adjudicator, clinician and performer. He is also the owner/operator of All About Destinations and Allegheny Highlands Tours and has traveled extensively with music ensembles throughout the United States and internationally.
In 2023, Mr. Caplinger will be organizing the Allegheny Highlands Community Band and will serve as its musical director.
Mr. Caplinger is married to former TVMHS Director of Bands Lisa Caplinger. They are the proud parents of 7 children and currently reside outside of Huttonsville, West Virginia.
North East Ohio native, Kathryn Staub, is currently completing her 9th year as music educator. With experience ranging from competition marching band to general music, Mrs. Staub is extremely excited to share her experience with the Tygarts Valley Marching Bulldogs. She is a 2010 graduate of Ohio University in Athens, Ohio having earned a Bachelors Degree in Music Education with an emphasis on the clarinet. During her time at Ohio University, Mrs. Staub served as the President of the Ohio University chapter of the National Association of Music Education and was able to work as a private clarinet instructor with the Athens Community Music School. In addition she has performed with the Ohio University Marching 110, Ohio University concert band, symphonic band, and orchestra.
During her career, Mrs. Staub has had a wide range of teaching experience serving as concert band, marching band, and choir director in multiple districts within the Eastern Panhandle. Ensembles playing under Mrs Staub have earned multiple awards and have been invited to perform at a wide range of community events. Students of Mrs Staub have performed with the All State Orchestra and Govenor's School of the Arts, both instrumental and vocal.
In her free time Mrs Staub enjoys teaching private lessons on the piano, guitar, and various wind instruments. Mrs. Staub also enjoys reading, crafting, and spending time with her family.
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