Marlyn Strickland’s drum corps career began as a member of the Madison Scouts in 2010 and 2011. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Music in music education from The Ohio State University (2013) and a Master of Music in music education and teaching artistry from Bowling Green State University (2020).
For the past twelve years, Marlyn has served on the band staff at Beavercreek City Schools, where he is currently a middle school band director and assistant marching band director. During his tenure, the Beavercreek High School Marching Band reached its first Bands of America (BOA) Regional Final in 2018 and has been a regular regional finalist since. He also co-founded the Beavercreek High School Indoor Percussion Ensemble and has served as its Visual Coordinator since its founding. The group has been a consistent WGI Regional medalist and a World Championship Finalist in both Open and A Class, earning a silver medal in 2023.
Outside of Beavercreek, Marlyn also serves on the visual staff of the award-winning Centerville Jazz Band. During his tenure, the band has been a consistent BOA Regional medalist, Super Regional finalist, and Grand National semifinalist. In addition, he freelances as a drill writer and show designer for regional marching bands and indoor percussion groups.
Marlyn remains active as a performer and adjudicator. He plays trombone with the Springboro Wind Symphony, which appeared at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago in 2024, and holds judging affiliations with CSJA, OMEA, MEPA, OIPA, NCPA, NSBA, SCGC, and HWAA. He is a native of Dayton, Ohio, where he resides with his dog, Duncan.