Aaron Witek

Dr. Aaron Witek, an accomplished trumpet player, music educator, clinician, and author, currently serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of Brass and Percussion at Stetson University. Prior to his tenure at Stetson, Dr. Witek held the position of Assistant Professor of Trumpet at Ithaca College from 2018 to 2022 and previously at the University of Louisiana Monroe from 2013 to 2018. Notably, during his time at the University of Louisiana Monroe, he was a distinguished member of the renowned faculty ensemble, the Black Bayou Brass.

An active performer on the international stage, Dr. Witek has showcased his musical talent in countries spanning from the United States to Australia, Bangladesh, China, and Mexico. His extensive performance repertoire includes engagements with orchestras such as the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra (NY), Syracuse Symphony (NY), Shreveport Symphony Orchestra (LA), Monroe Symphony Orchestra (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, Dr. Witek has captivated audiences with performances alongside esteemed ensembles including 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, Stetson University Symphonic Band, University of Louisiana Monroe Wind Ensemble, and the University of Louisiana Monroe Symphonic Band. His exceptional talent has garnered recognition, including first place in the Historic Division of the National Trumpet Competition and an International Trumpet Guild Scholarship.

In addition to his performance career, Dr. Witek is a sought-after clinician and educator, having conducted recitals and master classes at prestigious universities and conferences worldwide, 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 also served as an adjudicator at prestigious events such as the International Trumpet Guild Conference and National Trumpet Competition.

Dr. Witek's contributions extend beyond the stage and classroom; he is a distinguished author with publications featured in the International Trumpet Guild Journal. Notably, his book "Gordon Mathie: The Treasured Legacy of a Master Teacher and Performer," published by WR Enterprises, was unveiled at the 2014 International Trumpet Guild Conference. Furthermore, his publication "Solo Duet Training for Trumpet" was released by Mountain Peak Music in May 2018.

Dr. Witek's dedication to mentorship has resulted in numerous successes for his students, including the attainment of International Trumpet Guild Scholarships, recognition in esteemed competitions such as the Music Teachers National Association Competition, and finalists in the National Trumpet Competition. His excellence in teaching has been acknowledged with awards such as The Foundation Award for Excellence in Teaching and the College of Arts, Education, and Sciences Dean's Award of Excellence from the University of Louisiana Monroe.

Witek currently holds the role of Brass Supervisor for the Crossmen and Bugle Corps. With a rich background in the marching arts, Dr. Witek has served in various capacities since 2001, including 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.

Dr. Witek earned his Doctorate of Music in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University, where he also completed his Master of Music degree in Performance. He obtained his Bachelor of Music in Education degree from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam. His formative training was under the guidance of Christopher Moore, Bryan Goff, John Ellis, and Alex Jokopi.

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