Our Music Staff
Charles Lauterbach
Charles “Chuck” Lauterbach founded The Music Staff in 1985 to provide band programs for a number of grade schools in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. He received his B.S. in Music Education in 1967 from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and M.Ed. from Xavier University in 1970. While teaching band, chorus and general music for the Mt. Healthy City Schools Lauterbach composed and arranged competition music for the award winning Roger Bacon High School Band. In 1977 he accepted the position as band director at Badin High School in Hamilton growing the program for six years. Since then he has continued with developing Catholic grade school bands throughout southwest Ohio. His published works include Musitraks, a general music curriculum for grade K-12 and A young Person’s Guide to the Recorder. Chuck lives in Cincinnati with his wife Jean and two rescue cats Kate and Leo. Contact Chuck via email here.
Beth Breda
Beth Breda began her musical career in the summer after 4th grade, taking flute lessons from Mr. Charles Lauterbach! Soon after, she began to take Suzuki piano lessons and subsequently expanded her repertoire of instruments to include all of the band instruments, plus stringed instruments, such as the Violin, Viola and Cello. Beth began playing at area churches as a freshman in high school, and continues to play for liturgies and weddings. Beth has taught general music classes at Sts. Peter and Paul Academy and Royalmont Academy. Currently she teaches general music at John Paul II Catholic School. Over the years, Beth has taught band in 14 different Catholic schools in Hamilton, Butler and Warren counties. Beth joined the Music Staff in the Fall of 2014. She also gives private music lessons. Beth is truly grateful to help students to develop and hone their musical talents and encourages them to give back to their family, school, and faith communities by sharing their musical talents. Email Beth here.
Helen Kanaitis
Helen Kanaitis is currently the K-8 General Music Teacher at Sacred Heart of Jesus School, and Band Director at St. James School. She graduated from Westminster College with a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with a focus in French horn. Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Helen began playing and performing music at a young age, with inspiration and unwavering support from her family and friends. She has performed in marching bands, jazz ensembles, wind ensembles, orchestras, brass ensembles, woodwind ensembles, as well as numerous choral groups and honors bands and choirs. Helen has also participated in the Pennsylvania Intercollegiate Honors Band. When Helen is not teaching or practicing music, she is probably hanging out with her cat, crafting, playing video games, or spending time with family. Helen can be reached here.
Ian McIntyre
Dr. Ian McIntyre is a woodwind performer, composer and educator. For the past 12 years, he has been teaching clarinetists, saxophonists and music producers of all ages. In 2020, Ian graduated from Florida State University with his Doctor of Music in Woodwind Performance degree. Ian is an active performing musician in the classical and electronic space. He held the second clarinet position with the Lakeland Symphony Orchestra in Lakeland, FL for 6 years and performs frequently with the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. He has also performed with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, Gainesville Orchestra, and Holland (MI) Symphony Orchestra. As a soloist, Ian was a Semi-Finalist in the International Clarinet Association Young Artist Competition in 2019. He has toured and performed throughout the United States as a soloist and chamber musician. Since moving to Cincinnati in 2022, he has worked with multiple arts organizations, The Music Staff, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, and The Carnegie, providing music education to students throughout the greater Cincinnati area. When not performing or teaching, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Katlin, and their dog, Gabby, as well as watching sports.
John Thacker
John has been a musician since 5th grade. He is a percussionist by trade, and has Marched in high school, college, and drumcorps. He was a part of Cincinnati Tradition for 8 years and won back to back world championships with them in 2016 and 2017. John has a degree in music education from Mount Saint Joseph University and has taught high school percussion programs, as well as the percussion program at Thomas Moore University. He has taught general music and band for 3 years. He has had the privilege of playing with the Fillmore Wind Band as well as being a part of the University of Cincinnati Marching Band. He was a part of the Orange Bowl in 2008. John also had the privilege of playing for the Bengals Growl drumline. John is very excited to be a part of the team! When he is not teaching or drumming, he is almost definitely nerding out on video games!
Debbie Eaton
Debbie Eaton handles many of the administrative duties at the Music Staff. A lifelong lover of music, Debbie plays the piano and can often be found at Music Hall listening to the CSO. As a proud mom of two musical kids, she has a soft spot for French Horn and Oboe and is an enthusiastic supporter of the UC Marching Bearcats. When she's not travelling, Debbie can be found studying French, taking photos, and gardening. Please email Debbie here if you need to change your contact information, need more details about concerts, or any other general Music Staff information.