Elaine Marie Ostrander
December 22, 1935 - September 18, 2025
Elaine M. Ostrander, born December 22, 1935, died September 18, 2025. Daughter of Paul and Marie Kousoulas, preceded in death by her parents, husband Tom H. Ostrander and brother James Kousoulas. She is survived by daughters Sarah E. Brown and Judy Kessler, grandchildren Scott G. Brown (Lesley), Derek A. Kessler and Erin F.G. Kessler (Alan Porter), and great grandchildren Magnolia and Masie Brown.
A native of Mt. Vernon, Ohio Elaine attended The Ohio State University earning a Bachelor of Music in Performance, a Bachelor of Music Education and a Masters in Woodwind Pedagogy. Elaine was the first female to serve as principal clarinetist of the OSU Concert Band whose membership consisted of the best musicians in the school of music, under the direction of Donald McGinnis. While at OSU, Elaine served as Librarian for the marching band where she met her husband, Tom. They were married for 56 years.
She and her husband Tom opened Colonial Music in 1964 which expanded to nine locations by 2006 when they sold the business. She and her daughters soon opened JET Music in Mt. Vernon and continued the tradition of helping music teachers throughout central Ohio.
A pioneer and great example as one of the first female band directors, Elaine became the Band Director at Danville Schools always producing outstanding bands. Nearly 50% of the student body participated in band classes which included Marching, Concert and Jazz Band, as well as Clarinet Choir. Elaine was also director of the Worthington Civic Band for nearly 40 years travelling and performing with the group in many European countries.
She received numerous awards. Some of those awards include: Ohio Band Directors Hall of Fame, God and Country (Brass Band of Columbus), Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame, The Ohio State School of Music Distinguished Alumnus, The Ohio State University Script Ohio Award, and Ohio Music Education Association Distinguished Service Award.
Elaine was a person willing to share, help and serve as a mentor for band directors throughout Ohio. Her legacy will be a part of school bands for many years to come.
Elaine was a member of the marching band in 1954 as a Librarian. In 2010 she was the recipient of the Script Ohio Award.
