DiBenedetto will take over for current Director of Bands Randall Lamb, who is retiring at the end of the school year.

“We had a lot of very strong candidates for this position, and Rossi rose to the top,” said Richards.

DiBenedetto has served as the Head Instrumental Band Director for Mount Gilead Schools since 2005. Under his direction, the marching band returned to the Ohio Music Education Association’s State Finals competition in 2006 for just the second time in the school’s history. The band made a repeat appearance in 2007, earning the highest rating of “superior.”

Newark High School Principal Jesse Truett said DiBenedetto is extremely enthusiastic about the Newark band program.

“He really understands and appreciates our traditions and is ready to bring his own flair and excitement to them,” said Truett. “Rossi has big shoes to fill, but he’ll be working with Randy Lamb during the next few months to ease the transition. It’s a great situation for the kids.”

During his 28 years with Newark City Schools, Lamb has led the Pride of Newark to OMEA State Finals for a state-record 28 years in a row. The band has earned “superior” ratings during 23 of those appearances.

DiBenedetto received a degree in music education from the University of Akron in 2005. While in school he earned several scholarships, was named the 2004 Percussionist of the Year and earned the 1999 Avon Award for Musical Excellence.