Building a BrAND
After more than 33 years as K-State Bands director, Frank Tracz instilled and practiced one ideal: leave it better than you found it.
Frank Tracz is more than a professor at Kansas State University — he’s a mentor, innovator and champion for student success.
From the classroom to campus leadership, Tracz has helped shape the academic experience for countless Wildcats over the past 33 years as director of K-State Bands.
Under his direction, the Pride of Wildcat Land has grown into a nationally-acclaimed band, primarily through the hard-work, effort and dedication Tracz inspired of his students.
"This is the heart and soul of Kansas State," Tracz said. "These kids are the spirit. We have something we own in the tunes that we play and the way we do things that represent all of us. We bring people together. There's no question."
And as he prepares to retire this school year and pass the baton, Tracz is proud of the legacy of excellence he leaves.
"We have a saying: leave it better than you found it," Tracz said. "And when I walk away from here, I'm convinced that I left this better than I found it."
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