Dr. Frank Tracz, The Ohio State University (Ph.D.)
Director of Bands

Dr. Tracz is Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. At K-State he coordinates the undergraduate and graduate conducting programs, teaches classes in music education, and administers and guides all aspects of the K-State band program, which includes the Symphony Band, Concert Band, University Band, Athletic Pep Bands, and Marching Band. Under his direction the Symphony Band has performed at the Kansas Music Educators Association Conference, the MENC Conference as well as regional and international tours. Dr. Tracz received the Doctor of Philosophy (music education) from The Ohio State University, a Master of Music degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Bachelor of Music Education degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Tracz has several years experience teaching in the public schools of Ohio and Wisconsin. He has also served as Assistant Director of Bands at Syracuse University. Prior to his appointment at K-State, he was the Director of Bands at Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. He has served as an adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor for all-state and honor bands across the nation, as well as in Canada. Dr. Tracz is a past member of the Music Education Journal Editorial Board and is a contributor to the series Teaching Music Through Performance in Band. Dr. Tracz is past President of the Big XII Band Directors Association, past-President of the Kansas Bandmasters Association, and Director of the Manhattan Municipal Band. At K-State, he has been honored with the prestigious Stamey award for Outstanding Teaching, and has been recognized as a Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty Member. Most recently he was honored with the Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Kansas Bandmasters Association and Phi Beta Mu, and the MENC "Lowell Mason Fellows" award for 2006. This program recognizes individuals for their unique and important contributions to the national music education scene.