Doug Orzalek

Douglas Orzolek - Band Director 1995 - 1999

Douglas C. Orzolek, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Music Education, Director of the Graduate Programs in Music Education, and the Associate Director of Bands at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota. 

Prior to his time at UST, he was the Director of Bands at Bloomington Jefferson High School (1995-1999). He received the Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania, the Master of Education in Music Education degree from Penn State University, and the Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education degree from the University of Minnesota. 

Dr. Orzolek is a Past-President of the Minnesota Music Educators Association as well as a former MMEA Advocacy Chair. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Minnesota Band Directors Association, the co-chair of the Minnesota Arts Education Standards Revision Committee. He currently serves as the past-chair of the National Society for Music Teacher Education and was the local chair for the 2004 NAFME/MENC National Conference. 

Dr. Orzolek was named to the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association Hall of Fame in 2014. He was named to the Mansfield University Music Alumni Honor Roll in 2002 and received the Mansfield University "Distinguished Young Alumni" Award in 2001. In 2003, the students of St. Thomas named him the “Distinguished Educator of the Year" and he received the Minnesota ASBDA Distinguished Band Directors Award for 1999-2000.