Richard Canter

Richard Canter joined the Walnut Hills High School music department as band director in 2015. He directs Beginning Band, Intermediate Band, Junior Band, the Marching Blue & Gold, the Wind Ensemble, and assists with Symphonic Band. A highly sought-after clinician, adjudicator, educational consultant, and guest conductor, Richard has presented sessions on band pedagogy at music education conferences across twenty-nine states, including two sessions at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. Outside of his position at Walnut Hills HS, he serves as conductor of the Cincinnati Junior Youth Wind Ensemble at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM).

With more than 25 years in music education, Richard is committed to fostering student growth and supporting arts education. He served four years as District 14 President of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA), advocating for programs and resources that strengthen student learning. He is the author of Scale & Rhythm Chunks, an instructional resource widely adopted by band programs nationally and internationally. The program’s 3rd edition (2023) features a collaboration with Patrick Sheridan, co-author of the Emmy Award-winning The Breathing Gym® series, and has been praised for its practical impact on building musical literacy.

A native of Cincinnati, Richard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Bowling Green State University (2000) and a Master of Music Education from Miami University (2006). While at BGSU, he served as Drum Major of the Falcon Marching Band. Prior to his appointment at Walnut Hills, he served as Director of Bands and Music Department Chair for the Finneytown Local School District (2000–2012) and as Director of Bands for the Mariemont City School District (2012–2015).

His professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Mark S. Kelly Senior Marcher Award (Bowling Green State University), Finneytown Local School District Educator of the Year, the Hamilton County Celebrate Excellence Award, and the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching at Walnut Hills High School. Richard was inducted into both the Ross Local Schools Hall of Fame