About Us
Check us Out!
Click the images to see more about our different programs and ensembles.
2K26 / Project Mayhem
Find out more about how much Boardman ROCKS!
Jazz Band / Concert Ensembles & More!
Have your senses taken over by the smooth mellow stylings of Boardman's Jazz and Concert Ensemble offerings.
Our Directors
Timothy Tuite
Johnathan Linko
Crosbee Lisser
Embarking on his second season as Director of Bands, Mr. Tuite has
dedicated the past twenty years to serving every aspect of the
instrumental music department at Boardman, including beginning band,
strings, woodwinds, brass, and the symphony orchestra. Most notably,
he has played a pivotal role in shaping the high school band program,
inspiri
Embarking on his second season as Director of Bands, Mr. Tuite has
dedicated the past twenty years to serving every aspect of the
instrumental music department at Boardman, including beginning band,
strings, woodwinds, brass, and the symphony orchestra. Most notably,
he has played a pivotal role in shaping the high school band program,
inspiring countless students with his passion for music and commitment
to excellence.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Youngstown State
University and a master’s degree in music education from Kent State
University.
Originally from Washington Township, PA, Mr. Tuite was introduced to
music and the trumpet through the nationally acclaimed Kiski Area music
program. While studying at YSU’s Dana School of Music, he performed in
the top concert and jazz ensembles, served as Drum Major, and later
became Assistant Director of the YSU Marching Pride.
During the summers of 1999 and 2000, Mr. Tuite performed with the
world champion Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps from Rosemont, IL. He
was also a cast member of the Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway
production Blast! from 2001-2002.
In addition to teaching, Mr. Tuite is an active performer with local bands
3ThreeYo and The Vindys. He has also recently served as a staff
member for the 2023 Bands of America Class AA National Champion
Kiski Area Marching Band in Vandergrift, PA.
Mr. Tuite is deeply honored to have been chosen by the administration to
serve the students and parents of the Boardman Band Program.
Boardman is a rare and special community, distinguished by its
unwavering dedication to the performing arts at every level.music to our users.
Crosbee Lisser
Johnathan Linko
Crosbee Lisser
Crosbee Lisser just successfully completed her first year as a band director,
bringing a fresh perspective, strong leadership experience, and a deep passion for
music education. A 2025 graduate of The Ohio State University, she earned both a
Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Originally from Medina, Ohio, she fi
Crosbee Lisser just successfully completed her first year as a band director,
bringing a fresh perspective, strong leadership experience, and a deep passion for
music education. A 2025 graduate of The Ohio State University, she earned both a
Bachelor of Music Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Originally from Medina, Ohio, she first discovered her love for music through the
Medina Band Program. At Ohio State, she was a dedicated member of The Ohio
State University Marching Band for six years, serving as Head Squad Leader of E
Row (mellophones) for two years. She also performed with the Ohio State
Symphonic Band for four years on French horn, and was an active member of
Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity, serving two terms as North
Central District President.
Her studies also took her abroad on a music education immersion trip to Brazil,
where she explored Brazilian culture and studied percussion, improvisation, and
horn performance.
Crosbee is excited and honored to join the Boardman Band family, and looks
forward to inspiring students to find joy, pride, and lifelong memories in music.
Johnathan Linko
Johnathan Linko
Johnathan Linko
Mr. Linko is a 1999 graduate of the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (B.M.-Saxophone), and a 2014 graduate of Kent State University (M.M.). He has been teaching for 25 years over four school districts, including Medina City Schools, Campbell City Schools, Sebring Local Schools, and currently Boardman Local Schools.
His
Mr. Linko is a 1999 graduate of the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (B.M.-Saxophone), and a 2014 graduate of Kent State University (M.M.). He has been teaching for 25 years over four school districts, including Medina City Schools, Campbell City Schools, Sebring Local Schools, and currently Boardman Local Schools.
His career at Boardman started as a Choir Director at Glenwood Junior High and Drama Director at both Glenwood and Boardman High School where he staged several amazing productions including “Jekyll and Hyde” and “25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee”. He also assisted with summer band duties during that time as associate band director and woodwind specialist.
A professional saxophone and flute player, Mr. Linko spends much of his musical life outside of the classroom performing with the Mahoning Valley Latin Orchestra, Youngstown Area Community Concert Band, Girard Swingtime Big Band, various musical pit orchestras, and his new solo project “Barrel and Blue”.
Some of Mr. Linko’s career highlights include performing alongside other notable jazz alumni in the Leonardi Legacy Concerts at Youngstown State University and the Mission #LoveMusic concerts at Stambaugh Auditorium.
Mr. Linko resides in Canfield with his wife Malynda, and sons Jackson and Evan.
Lauren Gerberry
Johnathan Linko
Johnathan Linko
Mrs. Lauren Gerberry currently teaches Biology at Boardman High School.
A graduate of Lowellville High School, she first discovered a love for music
during those formative years, which set the stage for a lifelong passion in
both education and the arts.
Mrs. Gerberry went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with a
minor in Music, fol
Mrs. Lauren Gerberry currently teaches Biology at Boardman High School.
A graduate of Lowellville High School, she first discovered a love for music
during those formative years, which set the stage for a lifelong passion in
both education and the arts.
Mrs. Gerberry went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Education with a
minor in Music, followed by a Master of Science in Education in
Educational Administration from Youngstown State University. While
attending YSU, she was a proud member of the Marching Pride serving on
the Leadership Team as a Visual Technician.
In addition to a career in education, Mrs. Gerberry remains active in the
local music community- currently playing trumpet with the Lowellville Mt.
Carmel Band, and serving as both a cantor and choir member at St.
Dominic Catholic Church in Youngstown.
Mrs. Gerberry is beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the
Boardman Spartan Marching Band.
The Beat Goes On with the Boardman Band
HISTORY
The Boardman Band Program was established in 1926 when instrumental music was introduced into the Boardman Schools curriculum. James Minteer served as the first director of bands and orchestras, leading the program’s inaugural concert in the spring of that year.
In 1948, Richard Bame became director and expanded the program’s musical development. A former member of The Ohio State University Marching Band, he led the band and orchestra for several decades and continued supporting the program as a private instructor following his retirement.
The current Boardman High School building opened in 1969, the same year Thomas A. Groth was appointed Director of Bands. During his tenure, the program gained national and international recognition, including performances in major parades, at Carnegie Hall, and alongside guest artists.
Thomas M. Ruggieri, a 1983 Boardman graduate, became Director of Bands in 1999. Under his leadership, the program maintained strong participation in adjudicated events and expanded its concert, marching, and jazz ensembles. He retired at the end of the 2024–2025 school year after 37 years in education.
Timothy Tuite, who previously served as Assistant Director for 20 years, was promoted after Ruggeri's retirement and holds the current title of Director of Bands. He is joined by Assistant Directors Crosbee Lisser, Johnathan Linko, and Lauren Gerberry.