Benjamin Podolski, Music Director
Benjamin Podolski has been a strings instructor for Ohio County Schools for nineteen years. He is a graduate of the former Buckeye North High School in Brilliant, OH, and was a member of the Wheeling Youth Symphony.
Mr. Podolski is a cum laude graduate of Youngstown State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and a Master in Music Performance degree. While a student at YSU, he was employed at Hiram College as a part-time instructor in the music department. He also served as assistant concertmaster with the Youngstown Symphony and the Wheeling Symphony. A member of the Caldwell String Quartet, Podolski served as music director and co-conductor of the Wheeling Symphony Youth Orchestra during the 2003-2004 season.
Mr. Podolski was chosen as the winner of the National Federation of High Schools Music Association Music Educator Award at the state level in 2003 and at the regional level in 2004. He also was chosen as Teacher of the Year for Ohio County Schools in 1996-97 and in 2000, was named Outstanding String Teacher of the Year by the West Virginia Chapter of ASTA.
Mr. Podolski is a member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Wheeling, WV. He is most proud of being a volunteer at the Belmont County Animal Shelter and serves as vice president for the Belmont County Animal Rescue League.
