About the Directors
Mr. Elliott Lentz | Director of Orchestras & IB Music
Email | elentz@msdwt.k12.in.us
As a versatile conductor in both the orchestral and wind band worlds, Elliott Lentz is a dynamic musician and strong advocate for arts education. Currently serving as Director of Orchestras at North Central High School (Indianapolis, IN), he is also the Conductor-in-Residence with Sound Ecologies (Indianapolis, IN) and Head Clinician for the Smith Walbridge Student Conducting Clinic (Charleston, IL). From 2021 - 2026 Lentz served as Artistic Director & Conductor for the Circle City Orchestra (Indianapolis, IN). In addition to his various roles, Elliott likewise maintains an active freelance conductor, adjudicator, & clinician schedule.
Lentz’s ensembles at North Central have earned numerous accolades and “With Distinction” Honors. In 2023 the Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the Indiana Music Education Association State Professional Development Conference. His conducting experience extends in this role to also include leading live stage productions as Pit Orchestra Conductor for Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia!, and Sister Act and assisting with The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and the Indiana premier of Frozen. As a strong advocate for arts education he has given multiple professional development presentations covering such topics as “Introduction to String Players on Teaching Jazz”, “The Chosen Ones: Hoth Topics in Music Selection”, and “Getting the Gig: Tips to Help You Stand Out as the Ideal Candidate for the Job”.
During his tenure with the Circle City Orchestra, ensemble membership has continued to grow exponentially. Local collaborative performances have included Ballet INitiative, the Circle City Chamber Choir, Sound Ecologies, and the Indianapolis Arts Chorale in addition to hosting multiple local concerto soloists. The CCO also performed by invitation at the inaugural “Symphony on the Circle Festival” hosted by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra & made their debut performance at the Indiana Music Educators Association State Professional Development Conference in January of 2026. Since the organization’s inception, they have premiered 6 new works for String Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Symphonic Orchestra. Elliott routinely makes appearances on both television and radio programs to feature and promote the organization. In his role with Sound Ecologies thus far, he has premiered over 30 new works by local composers with additional performances scheduled.
Lentz was selected as 1 of 5 finalists to conduct & perform with the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in the 10th Annual Army Band Workshop & Concert in July of 2025. During the 2023 - 2024 season he was named as a Music Director Finalist with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra of Indiana conducting his concert cycle “Outside the Box” & Semi-Finalist for the position of Music Director/Conductor with the Bloomington Symphony Orchestra. Guest conducting and collaboration opportunities have included the Purdue University Philharmonic Orchestra, University of Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indiana Bandmasters Association All-Region & All-District Honor Bands, Ballet INitiative, the Circle City Chamber Choir, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, Columbus Indiana Philharmonic, and Columbus Symphony Orchestra. Symposium participation has included the Conductors Retreat at Medomak, University of Colorado - Boulder, University of Illinois, University of Indianapolis, and University of Missouri - Kansas City.
Elliott completed his Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Ball State University where he studied Trumpet with the late Professor Paul Everett and Conducting with Dr. Thomas Caneva. Additional conducting mentors include Maestro Matthew Kraemer, Professor Gary Lewis, Professor Donald Schleicher, Dr. Rodney Dorsey, and Professor Barry Houser. Outside of the rehearsal hall, he loves spending time with his wife, Amy, and rescue Bernese Mountain Dog, Augie.
Ms. Grace Hosford | Associate Director of Bands and Orchestras; AP Music Theory Instructor
Email | ghosford@msdwt.k12.in.us
Ms. Grace Hosford is an enthusiastic Indianapolis educator and international performing artist. Her love for music and service to students began in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where she studied Music Education at Purdue University Fort Wayne. During her schooling, she studied conducting under Dr. Dan Tembras, and has attended conducting workshops with Dr. Dennis Llinás and Ret. Col. Jason Fettig.
Following her student teaching experience at Carroll High School (Director Doug Hassell), Ms. Hosford moved to Indianapolis and began teaching at St. Pius X school as their K-8 music teacher. She had numerous responsibilities, such as teaching beginning band, multiple choirs, coordinating grade level plays, and directing the middle school musical. Under her direction, the middle school theater program grew to 60+ students and put on junior Broadway musicals such as Alice in Wonderland Jr., Shrek Jr., Seussical Jr., and Mary Poppins Jr. The performances were held at Butler University’s Shelton Theater and Marion University Theater.
Ms. Hosford continues to perform as an accomplished trumpet player. Most recently being involved with the Indianapolis Symphonic Band under the direction of John Hilmer, and the Dan Nix Big Band. Previously, Ms. Hosford has traveled to Schladming, Austria to perform with the World Youth Wind Orchestra Project (WYWOP). This international orchestra gathered instrumentalists from all over the globe to perform as part of the Mid-Europe Festival. During this time, Ms. Hosford connected with esteemed conductors Verena Mösenbichler-Bryant, Michael Haithcock, Miguel Etchegoncelay, and Sami Ruusuvuori to name a few.
Ms. Hosford continues to teach all across Indiana through marching arts programs. Additionally, she gives back to the community with the Indianapolis Christmas Caroling Big Band organization, which brings together Indianapolis musicians of all levels to perform Christmas carols for families and facilities in need of extra holiday cheer across Hamilton County.
When she is not involved in music, Ms. Hosford enjoys learning the martial art of Muay Thai and lounging outside with her boyfriend Daniel. Together they have three dogs, Arlene, Faye, and Vera…plus a foster dog, Bruno.