Fall 2012 - Spring 2013 Staff

• Director of Bands:
  Jack R. Anderson (see below)
• Associate Director and Arrangers:
  Dr. Mel Orange (see below)
• Assistant Director and Drill Writer
  Alex Alspach
• Drum Major:
  Paul Bowers
• Assistant Drum Major:
  Stephen Ruzzini
• Golden Girls Instructor:
  E. Michael Baldauf, Lindsey Sammel-Brett
• Color Guard Instructor:
  Mark Yohe
• Percussion Instructors and Arrangers:
  Brad Root, Jesse Wilson
• Operations:
  Louis Rusiski, Dan Boyd, Bill Gernert, Tina Foremsky and Drew Warble
• Graduate Assistants Drill Instructors:
  Geoff White, Jason Donovan, Jeremy Herrman, Tyler McGaughey
• Photographer:
  Harry Bloomberg
• Videographer:
  Jennifer Costello
• Announcer:
  Clayton Hartman

Jack R. Anderson

Jack R. Anderson was appointed Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh in 1995 after serving as assistant director at Pitt for 9 years. His responsibilities include directing the Varsity Marching Band, leading the Pep Band, and conducting the Symphonic Band. As a music educator in Pennsylvania for 39 years, he has served as a guest conductor and adjudicator for PMEA throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Jack played in the Pitt Band in the late 60’s and early 70’s and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master’s of Education degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

Anderson is a member of many professional organizations including the College Band Directors National Association, Big East Band Directors Association, Music Educators National Conference, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and the following honoraries: Omicron Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Mu Kappa Upsilon, and Iota Beta Kappa.

In 2007, Anderson was awarded the “Distinguished Service To Music Medal for Marching Band,“ the highest national award presented by Kappa Kappa Psi, the national college band fraternity. He also was awarded the “Professor of the Year Award“ in 2006 and 2007 for outstanding teaching from Pitt’s Fraternity and Sorority Life, a part of the Division of Student Affairs. In addition to these prestigious awards, he has received the “Paula Crider Outstanding Band Director Award“ presented annually by Tau Beta Sigma, Honorary National Band Sorority, to a college band or university band director who distinguishes himself in the field of university bands; “Outstanding Leader on Campus Award,“ presented by the Student Government Board at Pitt; and a “Special Recognition Award,“ given by the Mon Valley Chapter of the Panther Club for his dedicated service to Pitt athletics.

Jack and Peggy, his wife of 41 years, met while in the Pitt Band as undergraduates and live in Scott Township. They have two daughters, Katie Anderson (Business and Communication, 2000), and Carrie Fisher (Industrial Engineer, 1996), both alums of the Pitt Band. They have two grandsons, Anderson (4) and Jake (1), sons of Carrie and Michael Fisher.

Dr. Mel Orange

Dr. Mel Orange has recently completed his 26th year as associate band director of Pittsburgh in 2010. His duties have included music arranging, drill design, brass instruction, and general administration responsibilities. He is also the current choir director and music department chairperson in the Greensburg Salem School District, where he has worked since 1979.

Orange has taught and played trumpet professionally for the past 34 years, has been an active music arrangers for marching and jazz bands, and has served as an adjudicator and clinician. As the music director for numerous high school musical productions, his credits include “My Fair Lady,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Hello Dolly,” “South Pacific,” “Music Man,” “Anything Goes,” and “Grease.”

A graduate of Trafford High School and Duquesne University, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music education, he is also a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.