Dr. Aaron Witek

An accomplished trumpet player, music educator, clinician, and author, Dr. Aaron Witek has been an integral part of the marching arts community since 2001. His rich background includes roles such as Brass Pedagogical Coordinator and Assistant Brass Manager for the Cadets Drum Corps, as well as Assistant Brass Caption Head for the Blue Stars Drum Corps.

Beyond his contributions to the marching arts, Aaron has excelled in academia. Presently, he holds the position of Assistant Professor of Trumpet and serves as the Coordinator of Brass and Percussion at Stetson University. Prior to his tenure at Stetson, Witek was Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Ithaca College (2018-22) and the University of Louisiana Monroe (2013-18), where he was also a member of the distinguished faculty ensemble, Black Bayou Brass.

Maintaining an active performance schedule, Witek has performed throughout the United States, Australia, Bangladesh, China, and Mexico. His playing experience includes the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (NY), Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (LA), Monroe Symphony Orchestra (principal, LA), Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra (FL), Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (FL), Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (FL), Albany Symphony Orchestra (GA), and the Orchestra of Northern New York. As a soloist, Witek has performed with the state band of Querétaro, Mexico (Banda de Música del Estado de Querétaro), International Shanghai Symphonic Band, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, Florida State University Symphonic Band, University of Louisiana Monroe Wind Ensemble, and the University of Louisiana Monroe Symphonic Band. He is an award recipient, winning first place in the Historic Division of the National Trumpet Competition and an International Trumpet Guild Scholarship.

Witek has given recitals and master classes at many universities and conferences; including the International Trumpet Guild Conference, International Women's Brass Conference, Australasian Trumpet Academy, Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, Texas Music Educators Association Conference, Louisiana Music Educators’ Association Conference, and the Florida Music Educators’ Association Convention. He has frequently been an adjudicator at the International Trumpet Guild Conference and National Trumpet Competition. In addition, Witek is in demand as a clinician and has worked with ensembles throughout the United States.

As a noted author, Witek has been published numerous times in the International Trumpet Guild Journal. His book entitled Gordon Mathie: The Treasured Legacy of a Master Teacher and Performer, published by WR Enterprises, was released at the 2014 International Trumpet Guild Conference and is available for order at www.wiffrudd.com. In May 2018, Witek released his first publication with Mountain Peak Music entitled Solo Duet Training for Trumpet. 

Students who study with Witek have seen various successes, including receiving International Trumpet Guild Scholarships, becoming a division finalist in the Music Teachers National Association Competition, and selection as a semifinalist in the National Trumpet Competition. Witek was recognized and presented with two awards from ULM: The Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences Dean's Award of Excellence. While a graduate student at Florida State University (FSU), he was the recipient of a Teaching Achievement Award. In addition, during this time he directed the FSU trumpet ensemble – a group that had been a finalist at the National Trumpet Competition several times, and won second place.

Witek earned a Doctorate of Music in Trumpet Performance from FSU where he also completed his Master of Music degree in Performance. In addition, he received his Bachelor of Music in Education degree at the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. His principal teachers have included Christopher Moore, Bryan Goff, John Ellis, and Alex Jokopi.

Aaron Witek is proud to be a Yamaha Artist and a Monster Oil Performing Artist.