Tracz recognized as one of nation's top 10 music educators

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Sources: Gary Mortensen and Anthony Pursell, 785-532-5740
Pronouncer: Tracz sounds like Trace

Friday, April 20, 2007

TRACZ RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF NATION'S TOP 10 MUSIC EDUCATORS

MANHATTAN -- A Kansas State University faculty member is being recognized as one of the top 10 music educators in the nation by the Music Educators National Conference.

Frank Tracz, director of bands and professor of music at K-State, has been named a 2006 Lowell Mason Fellow. Tracz is one of 10 music educators nationwide who will be honored as a Mason Fellow at the organization's Centennial Congress and Celebration June 25 in Orlando, Fla. The award is named for Lowell Mason, who is credited with introducing music instruction to American public schools and establishing teacher training in music education.

"Frank Tracz truly deserves to be recognized nationally for his outstanding career achievements," said K-State President Jon Wefald. "He is a superb music educator and excellent band director."

"This honor and recognition is one of the highest awards MENC can bestow on individuals who have made significant contributions to music education in our nation," said David Circle, organization president.

Gary Mortenson, head of the music department, credits Tracz with moving the K-State Marching Band into an elite status among all major university groups.

"When Frank Tracz came to K-State in 1993 we were on the verge of turning an important corner with our football program here in Manhattan," Mortenson said. "That year, Tracz began building a new tradition with the "Pride of Wildcat Land" marching band. Frank is a tremendous leader, educator and musician, and he continues to attract hundreds of students to K-State through his commitment to the highest ideals in music education. On the concert side of the equation, he continues to challenge our students to be their very best, has commissioned new works for the group, and has opened many musical doors through successfully executed tours with K-State's Symphony Band on regional, national and international stages."

Under Tracz, Mortenson said, the K-State Marching Band has grown considerably in personnel and in quality from 120 members in 1993 to more than 300.

Other aspects of K-State's bands have also seen an increase in personnel and quality over the past 14 years. The Basketball Pep Band now numbers nearly 160 members, and there are three fully functioning concert ensembles. The Symphony Band, K-State's top concert ensemble, has toured nationally and has been invited to perform at state, national, and international venues.

Tracz serves the Manhattan community and the region by offering some of the most successful camps and clinics in the nation. Band Day serves more than 2,000 students and more than 40 band directors; the annual Central States Marching Festival attracts more than 30 bands, 3,000 students and brings in more than 10,000 spectators; Concert Band Clinic brings in six nationally-recognized guest conductors and serves more than 600 students and their directors in a three-day concert band setting; Future Music Educators Day gives high school students an opportunity to live the life of a college student by attending classes and seminars; a summer music camp gives students in grades 5-12 the opportunity to perform in a concert setting, learn music theory, and take private lessons on their instrument; and a leadership camp develops leadership skills for high school students who are drum majors and section leaders.

Tracz earned his Ph.D. and his bachelor's in music education from The Ohio State University, and a master's in music from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He has several years experience teaching in the public schools of Ohio and Wisconsin and has served as the assistant director of bands at Syracuse University and director of bands at Morehead (Ky.) State University. Tracz has received many awards and recognitions. At K-State, he has been honored with the Stamey Award for Outstanding Teaching and as a Mortar Board Outstanding Faculty Member. He also participates in the K-State Presidential Lecture Series. He received the Outstanding Bandmaster Award from the Kansas Bandmasters Association and Phi Beta Mu.