Christian Karkosky
A native of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Mr. Christian Karkosky is a 2020 graduate of the Purdue Fort Wayne School of Music. While at PFW he was the principal chair of the Wind Ensemble, Sax Quartet and Choir, and was a Concerto-Aria Competition winner in 2019. Mr. Karkosky is coming to Paoli Jr/Sr High School after one year as the assistant band director at East Noble High School in Kendallville. IN. His professional memberships include the Indiana Bandmasters Association, the North American Saxophone Alliance, and NAfME. Mr. Karkosky is excited for another great year at Paoli Jr/Sr High School! He resides currently in Paoli with his wife, Maggie, cat, Niko, and dog, Mahler.
Bill Laughlin
Bill Laughlin is a 1983 graduate of Indiana Wesleyan University. While at the University, he participated in the “Dimensions in Brass” under the direction of the late Jerry Franks (also of Grace College). Mr. Laughlin has earned the Master of Arts in Education degree from Ball State University. He is a member of several professional organizations, including the Indiana Bandmasters Association, the International Trombone Association, American School Band Directors Association, Indiana Music Educators Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and, the Gamma Chapter of the International Band Fraternity – Phi Beta Mu. He has served as an adjudicator for various Indiana, Kentucky and Arizona events, has guest conducted the Indiana Honor Bands several times, and has served on the State Board of the ISSMA, IMEA and IBA organizations (past president of the Indiana Bandmasters).
Mr. Laughlin comes from Paoli, Indiana, where he is the director of the Pride of Paoli band program which has consistently earned top honors in marching band (12 state championships and 2 runner-up finishes in the last 20 years), concert band (consistent superior ratings in both junior and senior high Group I levels), and solo & ensemble participation.
The Phi Beta Mu band fraternity named Bill Laughlin “Indiana Bandmaster of the Year” in 2004. Mr. Laughlin has been the principal trombonist both in the Carmel Symphony and in the Indianapolis Symphonic Band, and is currently playing with the Southern Indiana Wind Ensemble (Bloomington, IN) and the Nostalgia Band of Bedford, IN. He is married to Gayle Laughlin who is the retired assistant director of bands at Paoli. They also have two Old English Sheep dogs named “Luci & Lily”.
The 2023 Band Staff:
The staff for the Pride of Paoli are a group of loyal, dedicated, hard-working individuals, several of which are alumni of the program. Each member of the staff contributes to the program’s success and stewardship.
Bill Laughlin – Director, Ret.
Matt Tabor – Design/Visual
Steve Satterfield – Color Guard
Trey Cranfield- Music/Visual
Brandon Nunez – Percussion
Judah Gehl – Music/Visual
Zach King – Technology Specialist
Elijah MacDonald – Music/Visual
Design Staff:
Bill Spencer-Pierce – Music Arranger
Eric Berger – Drill Writer
Steve Satterfield – Color Guard / Show Design
Matt Tabor – Show Design / Choreography
Josh Conley – Choreography