Support Staff

Randy Smith is a 1972 graduate of Cincinnati’s Anderson High School and holds multiple degrees from the University of Cincinnati where he was honored as Mr. Bearcat (Outstanding Senior) in 1977.  While a student at UC Mr. Smith was a 7 year member of the Bearcat Marching Band and president his senior year.  He also co-founded the UC Rallycats, UC’s student pep club.  Following a 36-year career at Procter & Gamble, Mr. Smith continues to be active in local and state government and with the Bearcat Bands. He has served as “The Voice” of the band since 2001 and on the Board of Governors of the UC Band Alumni Association, having founded this organization in 1979.  He continues to serve his alma mater as a Trustee of the University of Cincinnati Foundation, Chairman of the Communications Committee and as a member of this organization’s Executive Committee.  He is the immediate past president of the Ohio School Boards Association and the Forest Hills School District.

Bio coming soon

Nardos Tadesse began her MBA studies at the University of Cincinnati this Fall 2024. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, she earned her bachelor’s degree in economics and has accumulated over three years of professional experience in the logistics, telecommunication, and construction sectors, primarily focusing on administration and marketing. She is now starting as a Graduate Assistant with the Bearcat Bands. In this role, she will contribute to the instructional and administrative facets of the extensive Bearcat Bands program, ensuring it maintains the highest standards. She is looking forward to deepening her knowledge of Bearcat Bands, building connections with its members, expanding her network, all while leaving a lasting impact through her contributions. In her leisure time, Nardos enjoys taking long walks and baking.

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Will Gaines, a TUCBIDG sousaphone player from 2017-2022, developed his media production skills while studying Architecture at the University of Cincinnati's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). His education at DAAP and various other courses at the University provided a solid foundation in content creation, graphic design, and visual storytelling. Will also produced creative work for the band social media in the 2021-22 season. Complementing his academic experience, Will got a start at DJing for UC Band social events and fulfilled his dream to march DCI, which further strengthened his ongoing passion for music.

Currently a project manager at an architecture firm, Will continues to express his love for music performance as a now professional DJ by night. The combination of both his inspiration from the digital world in professional context and his unique blend of technical expertise and creative touch shaped by his education defines his approach to the media presentation of the UC Bearcat Bands.

Bio coming soon

Bio coming soon

Noah Moorhouse is a senior majoring in Cybersecurity. He was born and raised in Cincinnati and is a third generation Bearcat. Noah graduated from Clermont Northeastern High School and was a member of the Marching Rockets, with saxophone being his primary instrument. He is a fourth year member of the Bearcat Marching Band. He is also a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and serves as music director for the chapter. This is Noah’s third year in the role of sound engineer where he enjoys combining his passions for both technology and music to support the band.

Katie Kennard (née Korthauer) is a graduate of UC and a sister of the Theta chapter of Tau Beta Sigma (SKAKAM CELVK class of 2011). A former chapter VPM and Assistant VPS, she graduated from UC in 2015 and played mellophone and horn in the bands during her undergraduate years. Katie was also a Section Leader and Uniform Manager. She is currently a realtor in Cincinnati at Keller Williams Advisers Realty with 7 years of experience and resides in Anderson Township with her husband and two dogs.