The Pittsburgh Band

Jack R. Anderson was named the 12th director of bands at the University of Pittsburgh in March 1996. His association with the Pittsburgh Band, however, began almost at birth. He grew up on the sidelines of Pitt Stadium following his father, Dr. Jack B. "Doc" Anderson, assistant director of the Pitt Band from 1948 to 1970. Jack began marching in the Pittsburgh Band as an undergraduate student in September, 1965. Since the early '70s he has held staff positions with the Pittsburgh Band as percussion instructor, assistant director and as interim director in 1995.

Anderson has very close ties with the Pittsburgh Band Alumni having served terms as president, vice president and director of Alumni Bands. Currently, he serves as the leader of the Alumni Dance Band.

Anderson has additionally taught 24 years in Pennsylvania as Director of Bands at Greenville and Keystone Oaks School districts and currently directs the South Hills Community Concert Band. In addition, he has been a guest conductor and adjudicator throughout Western Pennsylvania.

"The goals I set seven years ago when I was named director of bands are now being recognized," said Anderson. "Our bands have significantly increased in both size and quality. In addition to performances at Pittsburgh Panthers athletic events, we are becoming a showcase for the University at city and statewide special events. We will continue to show our "Commitment, Teamwork and Pride" in providing for you the best entertainment and highest amount of spirit that we can provide."

Anderson was named the 2001 recipient of the Paula Crider Outstanding Band Director Award. The award is presented annually to a college or university band director who has distinguished himself in the field of university bands and also supports and promotes the purposes and qualities of Tau Beta Sigma, a national honorary band society. He was also honored this year with the Mon Valley Chapter of Team Pittsburgh's "Special Recognition Award" presented at their annual spring banquet.

Anderson and his wife, Peggy, reside in Scott Township and have two daughters, Carrie (27) and Katie (25), who are both graduates of the University of Pittsburgh.

Mel Orange begins his 18th year as associate band director at Pittsburgh. His duties have included music arranging, drill design, brass instruction and general administration responsibilities. He is also the current choir director and music department chairperson in the Greensburg Salem School District, where he has worked since 1979.

Orange has taught and played trumpet professionally for the past 26 years, has been an active music arranger for marching and jazz bands and has served as an adjudicator and clinician. As the music director for numerous high school musical productions, his credits include: "My Fair Lady," "Fiddler On The Roof," "Hello Dolly," "South Pacific," "Music Man," "Anything Goes" and "Grease."

A graduate of Trafford High School and Duquesne University, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in music education, he is also a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh.

Visit the official Pitt Band Site at www.pittband.com.

Pittsburgh Band Staff