Aaron Witek is a versatile trumpet performer, educator, and author whose work has reached audiences and students worldwide. He currently serves as Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Coordinator of Brass and Percussion at the Stetson University School of Music. Previously, he taught at Ithaca College and the University of Louisiana Monroe, performing with the resident ensemble Black Bayou Brass.
Students who have studied with Witek have achieved exceptional success, earning International Trumpet Guild Scholarships, recognition in the Music Teachers National Association Competition, and finalist placements in the National Trumpet Competition. Many have gone on to careers as college professors, performers in military bands, educators, and professionals throughout the music industry. His teaching excellence has been recognized with honors including Yamaha’s 40 under 40, 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.
As a performer, Dr. Witek has appeared on international stages in the United States, Australia, Bangladesh, China, and Mexico. His orchestral work includes performances with the Cayuga Chamber Orchestra, Syracuse Symphony, Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Monroe Symphony Orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast Orchestra, Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra, Albany Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of Northern New York. He has also been featured as a soloist with the Banda de Música del Estado de Querétaro in Mexico, the International Shanghai Symphonic Band, the Monroe Symphony Orchestra, and major collegiate ensembles such as the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble and the Florida State University Symphonic Band. His artistry has earned top recognition, including first place in the Historic Division of the National Trumpet Competition and an International Trumpet Guild Scholarship.
Witek is also a highly sought-after clinician and guest artist. He has presented recitals and master classes at universities and conferences across the world, including the International Trumpet Guild Conference, International Women’s Brass Conference, Australasian Trumpet Academy, Trumpet Festival of the Southeast, and conventions of the Texas, Louisiana, and Florida Music Educators Associations. He regularly serves as an adjudicator for the International Trumpet Guild Conference, the National Trumpet Competition, and state marching band competitions, and works with ensembles nationwide as a guest clinician.
In addition to his performing and teaching, Witek is an active scholar and author. He has written extensively for the International Trumpet Guild Journal and is the author of Gordon Mathie: The Treasured Legacy of a Master Teacher and Performer. His book Solo Duet Training for Trumpet (Mountain Peak Music, 2018) has become a valuable resource for teachers and students alike, and plans to develop additional publications in collaboration with the press.
Since 2001, Witek has also been deeply involved in the marching arts, serving in leadership roles with several Drum Corps International ensembles, including The Cadets, Blue Stars, and Crossmen. His work as Brass Supervisor, Pedagogical Coordinator, and Assistant Brass Manager has shaped generations of performers and educators.
Witek earned his DMA and MM from Florida State University and his BME from the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam, studying with Christopher Moore, Bryan Goff, John Ellis, and Alex Jokopi.
Aaron Witek is proud to be a Yamaha Artist and a Monster Oil Performing Artist.