Mruzek earns honor for service to music education
David Mruzek, Hanover College’s director of instrumental music programs, will be honored for his commitment to the profession by the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) during the organization’s annual professional development conference.
Mruzek, a music educator for the past 35 years, will receive KMEA’s Years-of-Service Award Friday, Feb. 7, during a ceremony in Louisville, Ky.
A member of the Hanover faculty since 2006, Mruzek is professor of music and currently serves as department chair. He teaches introduction to music, fundamentals of music and lessons on band instruments. He is also the coordinator of the music theory computer lab. In addition, he serves as director of the College’s ensembles, including the Hanover Concert Band, Hanover College-Community Orchestra and the Hanover Saxophone Ensemble.
Prior to his arrival at Hanover, Mruzek taught at Colby Community College, Dodge City Community College and Columbus State Community College. In the fall of 2004, he was selected as the outstanding college music educator for the northwest district of the Kansas Music Educators Association. He is credited with having founded the concert band at Columbus State.
For 11 years, Mruzek was a member of the 122nd Army Band of the Ohio Army National Guard, advancing to the rank of sergeant. He served as principal clarinetist and chief librarian for the ensemble. In 1994, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for distinguished service. Although the clarinet is his primary instrument, he also plays the alto saxophone, euphonium and flute.
Along with his musicianship, Mruzek is a composer of original works for concert band and has more than 30 works to his credit. His compositions have been performed by numerous ensembles, including the U.S. Military Academy Band, Indiana Wind Symphony, Ohio State University Concert Band and Philharmonic Winds Osakan (Japan). Four of his works are published, including “Apollo Anniversary,” “American West,” “Early One Morning March” and “Boy Scout Centennial.”
In addition, his text, “Contemporary Rhythm Drills for Band and Orchestra,” was published by the Kjos Company.
Mruzek has had a long association with the Boy Scouts of America, including service on the band staff for national jamborees in 2005, 2010 and 2013. He has written several pieces for concert band to honor the organization, including “The Eagle Scouter March,” an extended concert march with unexpected harmonic twists.
Along with the Kentucky Music Educators Association, the state affiliate organization of the National Association for Music Education, Mruzek is also a member of the College Music Society, Indiana Bandmasters Association, National Band Association and Phi Beta Mu (International School Bandmaster Fraternity).
