Meet the passionate educators behind the Black Knight music programs. Each brings their own experience and dedication to the classroom, helping every student grow as a musician and a person.

Ella Hursh

Director of Bands and Choruses,
Belding High School

Ella Hursh is the Director of Bands and Choruses at Belding High School, now entering her second year leading the Black Knight band and choir programs. She joined Belding in 2025 after graduating from the University of Michigan, where she majored in instrumental music with a focus on flute.

While at Michigan, Ella received the Albert A. Stanley Medal, the highest honor awarded by the School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Dr. John Pasquale, Professor of Conducting and Director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, has called her one of the top students he's worked with in 24 years of teaching.

Ella's first year at Belding was a standout one for the program. The marching band placed third overall at the Michigan Competing Band Association (MCBA) State Finals, earning first place in both Music and Percussion. The Symphonic Band earned straight division-one ratings at the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association (MSBOA) festival. Ella also brought chorus back to Belding, re-launching the ensemble after a multi-year hiatus.

With a strong first year behind her, Ella is looking forward to building on that momentum and continuing to grow the band and choir programs together.

Don Showich

Director of Bands, Belding Middle School

Don Showich serves as Director of Bands at Belding Middle School, where he builds the foundation for the district's instrumental music program. At the high school level, he also works alongside the marching band staff as Assistant Band Director and Visual Coordinator, helping teach and clean visual performance for the Black Knight marching band.

Don is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University. Beyond Belding, he brings experience from the broader drum corps and marching arts community, currently serving as Assistant Director of Northern Lights Drum & Bugle Corps.

Don's work across both the middle school and high school programs helps ensure a strong, connected pipeline for Belding's band students as they grow from their first instrument to marching on the field.