MEET OUR STAFF

No band would be able to perform without the hard work and dedication of the staff of the Eastern Marching Vikings programs.  These men and women devote long hours to the design and execution of every maneuver and song that the band and color guard performs.  Their ability to teach our students new skills helps our Eastern Marching Vikings grow musically, artistically, and emotionally. The success of our program is, in part, a result of our professional staff’s efforts to bring out the very best in each student. They provide the instructional and coaching support necessary to run this very large organization throughout the entire school year.  

Mr. John Stanz, Music Director

Mr. Stanz is currently in his 16th year as a Band Director at Eastern Regional High School in South Jersey. In addition to directing the seven-time Tournament of Bands State-Champion Eastern Marching Vikings, Mr. Stanz directs the Honors Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, and teaches Introduction to Music Theory and Advanced Placement Music Theory. Mr. Stanz is also the director of Eastern High School's annual spring musical Pit Orchestra - which has received numerous local and regional awards - most recently the 2022 Southern New Jersey Cappies. Mr. Stanz served as SJBODA president from 2010 - 2012.

Consummate as an educator and musician, Mr. Stanz, has served the South Jersey community, the country, and indeed the world with his distinctive talents as a musician, a mentor, and a leader.

Prior to teaching, Mr. Stanz was a sergeant in the United States Marine Corps Band, Albany, GA. Sgt. Stanz attained the status as a featured soloist around the world, performing for dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, former President Jimmy Carter, Robert DeNiro and Harvey Keitel.  He was selected to perform “Taps” at the New York Stock Exchange following the events of September 11, 2001.  In 2002, Stanz served as the chief arranger and drill designer for the “Bands Performance” at the 2002 Edinburgh Military Tattoo which was seen live by 300,000 people and aired Live on British Broadcasting Corporation.  Stanz’s awards include 2001 Marine Musician of the Year (Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal) and in 2003 was named Marine of the Year for Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA (Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal).  

Mr. Stanz earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from The College of New Jersey and his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Walden University.

Mr. Stanz currently can be seen performing “The Star Spangled Banner,” “God Bless America,” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” for the Philadelphia Phillies. He can more often be seen as a parent taxi-driver and cheerleader along with his wife Cathy for their four children - Kayla, Ashley, Lauren and John.