Dr. Brad Townsend, Director of Bands
In June of 2013, Dr. Brad Townsend was appointed Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh. He is responsible for directing many of the University’s prestigious music programs, including the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, Pep Band, and Symphonic Band.
Dr. Townsend is a native of Somerset, Pennsylvania, and holds degrees from Pennsylvania State University and University of Illinois Urbana/Champaign. He has a wealth of experience as a band director, and has served at both the public school and college level. Previous to his appointment at Pitt, he taught music at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon; Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey; Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky; and Iroquois High School in Erie, Pennsylvania.
His list of accomplishments doesn’t end there. During his impressive music career, Dr. Townsend also served as the director of the Pennsylvania Lions Club All State Band, was a professional sousaphone player, and performed with forty-eight other sousaphones at the 1984 Olympics All-American Marching Band at the Games of the Twenty-Third Olympiad.
In addition to his band work, Dr. Townsend has extensive experience in the world of musical theater. He has conducted music at many high schools, colleges, and community theater productions, and also played the piano in numerous pit orchestras. He performs on stage as well, and has starred in shows like The Producers, The Music Man, The Rocky Horror Show, and You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown.
Dr. Willam Sugg, Associate Band Director
Dr. William Sugg serves as the Assistant Band Director at the University of Pittsburgh, assisting with instruction and logistical coordination of the Varsity Marching Band, Volleyball Pep Band, Men’s and Women’s Basketball Pep Bands, and Symphonic Band.
Will came to Pitt in 2021 from teaching in the western suburbs of Chicago following the completion of his Masters and Doctorate in Wind Band Conducting at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. During his time at Illinois, he was heavily involved in the band program, including conducting the five concert bands, teaching courses in undergraduate conducting, and conducting the University of Illinois Marching Illini, Fighting Illini Volleyball Band, Basketball Bands, and the Illinois Philharmonia Orchestra. He also served as the primary manager of the large instrument and equipment inventories for both the concert bands and athletic bands departments, as well as event logistics coordinator for the band program. While pursuing his degrees from the University of Illinois, he maintained an active schedule as a conductor and educator, serving as Conductor and Audio Producer for Transit Brass (a local professional brass ensemble), Conductor of the Trinity Lutheran Church Choir, and instructional staff for the Illinois Summer Youth Music program
A native of Nashville, he completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville with an Honors Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. During that time, he also served as instructional staff for the UT Pride of the Southland Marching Band as an undergraduate assistant. Following graduation, Will worked as a high school band director in the Nashville area, most recently serving three years as the Director of Bands and Chair of the Performing Arts Department at Martin Luther King, Jr. Academic Magnet School in Nashville, TN, instructing and administrating the activities of almost 400 students in five concert bands and four orchestras.
Dr. Mel Orange, Associate Director and Arranger
Dr. Mel Orange began his career at the University of Pittsburgh in the fall of 1985. In 2019, he will be entering his 34th year as Associate Band Director at Pitt. His duties include music arrangement, drill design, brass instruction, and general administration responsibilities. He served as Choir Director and Music Department Chairperson at the Greensburg Salem School District until his retirement in 2013, and has also taught in the Kiski and Upper St. Clair School Districts.
Other musical accomplishments include: professionally teaching and playing the trumpet, actively arranging music for marching and jazz bands, and serving as an adjudicator and clinician. He continues to hold the position of Music Director for Broadway productions at Greensburg Salem, where he has over thirty credits to his name.
A graduate of Trafford High School and Duquesne University, Dr. Orange received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music education. He is also a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, with an EdD in Administration and Policy Studies.
Geoff White, Assistant Director
Geoff White served as Drum Major in 2000 and 2001, and lead Pitt Band during their first performance on Heinz Field. He enjoys helping out with a variety of logistical and instructional matters, and when he’s not serving as the General Counsel and Chief Intellectual Property Counsel for SilcoTek Corporation in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, he can be found conducting on one of the ladders, serving as a liaison to visiting band, and handling whatever other band duties need to be covered. Recently, he even stepped in as the announcer for the football game.
Pete Chambers, Assistant Director
Pete Chambers joined Pitt Band as a volunteer assistant director in 2016, and primarily works with the trombones and baritones. As a baritone and trombone player himself, he studied under the famous jazz musician, Randy Purcell, in the formative years of his career. Chambers is the third of four proud Pitt Band alumni in his family, and was the last Drum Major to perform in Pitt Stadium-- as well as the first of the modern era to successfully complete a back-bend during Pregame!
At his day job, Chambers works for the Dietrich School at Pitt, overseeing many of the large collaborative scientific facilities, including Pitt’s helium recycling program. He has Bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry, Materials Science, and Engineering, and Master’s degrees in Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as Business Administration-- all from Pitt. In addition to his VMB work, Pete has played in various rock and ska bands, and has performed in shows like Grease, Cabaret, Into the Woods, and Bat Boy.
Ginnie Schaap, Assistant Director
Schaap is the Assistant Director and Woodwind Instructor for the UPVMB. She has been a music educator for over thirty-three years, 20 of which were spent teaching in the Brentwood Borough School District. Throughout her years of music education, Schaap held various positions at Brentwood, including Assistant Marching Band Director/Woodwind Instructor, Director of Theatre Arts, and district music substitute, where she taught k-12 general music, including band and chorus.
The “#1” woodwind instructor has held many other noteworthy music-related jobs: she is the Vice-President of Selah Publishing Co., a church music publisher in Pittsburgh, and is also the Cantor and Soprano Soloist at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Previously, she was in the professional core at Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, and Cantor/Soprano soloist at St. Paul’s Episcopal, Mt. Lebanon; St. James’ Episcopal, Hyde Park, NY; and St. John’s Episcopal, Kingston, NY. She also is the Co-Founder of St. Paul’s Music Guild Concert Series, based out of Mt. Lebanon.
Schaap has a B.A. in Music and a second B.A in Journalism from the University of Pittsburgh, where she played in the Varsity Pitt Marching Band. During her time in the band, she played piccolo and was the section leader in her junior and senior years. She has studied the flute extensively with prominent musicians such as Paul Graham, Joe Picchi, and Clem Rolin, and has been participating in marching and concert band since fourth grade. Schaap also studied voice with Grammy Award-winning baritone Daniel Teadt, as well as Claudia Pinza, and has sung professionally for over forty years. She has directed many musical groups, including choirs, children’s choirs, and handbell choirs.
Ginnie is a Life Member and Alumnus (Gamma Omega) of Tau Beta Sigma, and Kappa Kappa Psi, Mu Kappa Upsilon, and Tri-M are all proud to claim her as a member of their organizations.
Schaap is married to her husband, David. They have three wonderful adult children Christina, Elizabeth, and Paul (a Pitt Band Alumnus and proud member of the Crew) as well as an adorable grandson and granddaughter.
Jessica Potetz, Golden Girls Instructor
Jessica (Megliss) Kennedy is a former University of Pittsburgh Golden Girl (2002 – 2006), coveted world and national champion baton twirler as an individual, and a member and captain of the twirling corps, the “Modernettes”. During her competitive twirling career, Jessica was a Top Six Finalist in the National Baton Twirling Association Grand National Twirling Championships (National Majorette Contest) on multiple occasions, in addition to a runner-up to Miss Majorette of America. She competed in the World Championships as a member of Team USA capturing a Silver Medal (London, England 2000) and a Gold Medal (Marseilles, France 2003) in the Twirling Corps Division.
Jessica Kennedy is currently a Vice President at PNC Bank and works as a Line of Business Risk Manager for the RCES (Risk, Change, Experience and Strategy) of Corporate and Institutional Banking, via the 1
st Line of Defense Operational Risk. In 2009, Jessica migrated to PNC and has held various roles within the finance organization and within Corporate and Institutional Banking.
Jessica resides in Fox Chapel with her husband Dan and their morkie “Valentina” and 2 cats “Frankie” and “Snow White”. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family, boating on Pittsburgh’s Three Rivers, skiing out west, vacationing at the beach, gardening, cooking, and of course, cheering for the Panthers! HAIL TO PITT!
Mark Yohe, Color Guard Instructor
Yohe graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in 1996, obtaining a Master’s degree in speech and language pathology. Since then, he has worked at an approved private school for children with behavior problems for twenty-five years.
In 1984, Yohe fell in love with the concept of colorguard. He would learn routines from his sister, who marched in the Top Hats Drum and Baton Corps. Ten years later, Yohe began choreographing for the Top Hats Performance Ensemble winterguard program. His dedication was integral in helping the Top Hats become a nationally competitive open class winterguard program. Under Yohe’s instruction, the Top Hats won many local and national awards.
Yohe’s teachers have included world famous dance and colorguard choreographers, and he has since put his talents to use by instructing several Bands Of America Regional Champions. In 2007, Yohe started working with the University of Pittsburgh Colorguard. He’s passionate about supporting a program so rich in history and pageantry. You can always hear him saying: “Hail to Pitt!”
Madi Miloszewski, Assistant Color Guard Instructor
Madi's color guard journey began at Beaver Falls High School. At Central Michigan University, Madi was a 3 year member of the Central Michigan University Color Guard where she served as squad leader and rank captain as well as a 4 year member of the Metamorphosis Winter Guard, winning a Bronze Medal in 2017 and a Silver Medal in 2019. Madi also served as choreographer and staff for Metamorphosis for 2 years. Upon graduating, Madi became the Color Guard Director at Beaver Falls High School and marched with Top Hats Performance Ensemble in 2022, becoming an Open Class Finalist.
Madi Miloszewski is a graduate of Central Michigan University where she earned her B.F.A. in Theatre: Acting & Directing with a minor in Dance. Madi performed in many productions such as; 'Self-Help', 'The Great Kooshog Lake Hollis McCauley Fishing Derby', 'Shrek the Musical', 'Fox on the Fairway', and 'Ragtime'. She also directed and choreographed 'My Barking Dog', the Dance Minor Showcase, and the University Theatre Dance Concert. She also served as secretary for the theatre honor society, Alpha Psi Omega.
Connor Stewart, Percussion Instructor and Arranger
Connor Stewart is a former member of the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band Drumline (2015 season – 2018 season). He served as both squad and section leader, and was chosen as the recipient of The David “Rox” Diecks Spirit Award in 2018. He is also a proud honorary member of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Mu Kappa Upsilon.
Stewart is a graduate of North Allegheny High School, where he marched for four years as a member of the North Allegheny “Tiger” Marching Band and North Allegheny Indoor Percussion Ensemble. During his time in marching band and the indoor percussion ensemble, he competed in the local TRWEA circuit and WGI, served as section leader, and was awarded The Frank J. Farina Jr. Outstanding Leadership in Marching Band Award for outstanding leadership and dedication to the North Allegheny High School Marching Band. Stewart is also proud to be a four-year member of the Honors Wind Ensemble, and a PMEA District Band Participant.
Stewart attended Duquesne University where he received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a focus in Marketing.
Lou Rusiski, General Operations
Lou Rusiski is a 1971 graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. As a student, he played the bass drum for Pitt Band. He returned to the band in 1985 as a volunteer, specializing in operations, and continues that role today under the title of General Operations Director.
As a retired professional engineer, Lou has thirty years of experience working with Bell Labs, Bell Atlantic, Bell of Pennsylvania, and Verizon Project Manager. He has been married to Judy (née McHenry) for fifty years, and has two sons, Mark and Patrick, who both hold two degrees each from Pitt. He’s looking forward to his three grandchildren attending Pitt as well.
Harry Bloomberg, Photographer
Harry Bloomberg has served as the Pitt Band photographer since 1987. When he’s not snapping pics of the marching band, he can found photographing the Pitt football and basketball teams, as well as shooting portraits. Bloomberg played trombone for Pitt Band from 1975-1979, and says the highlight of his band career was performing at the 1977 Sugar Bowl, when Pitt won a National Championship.
Bloomberg graduated from Pitt with a BSEE degree in 1979, and also holds a Master’s degree in Mathematical Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. He is retired from a long career in software engineering and information technology, and is a dedicated amateur radio operator who holds the callsign W3YJ. He’s married to his wife, Debbie, and lives in Aspinwall, Pennsylvania.
Jennifer Costello, Video Coordinator
Jen played the trumpet and mellophone for Pitt Band before graduating with a degree in Electrical Engineering. In 2005, she joined the band staff as Head Videographer. Along with assisting in day to day operations during marching season, Jen leads the band's Video Team and is responsible for managing the Pitt Band YouTube channel. She is a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi and honorary member of Tau Beta Sigma and Mu Kappa Upsilon. In 2017, she received the Scott Stowell Alumni Excellence Award from Kappa Kappa Psi. When she’s not participating in Pitt Band, Jen serves as the Chief Executive Officer of JC Red Oak Consulting, a women-owned engineering firm.
Todd Hartman, Announcer
From womb to present, family and music have been Todd Hartman’s life passions. His connection to music began during an away-game at the Orange Bowl, when former bass drummer and long-time Pitt Band Operations Director, Lou Rusiski, aggressively beat his drum next to Todd’s pregnant mother. From that day forward, Todd bled blue and gold, and rhythm has been resonating with him ever since!
From 1986 to 1990, Todd was a snare drummer in the Pitt Drumline,serving as captain during his senior year. In 1990, he also earned the Pitt Bandsman of the Year award. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in music performance and went on to earn a music education certification and a Master's in performance degree from Duquesne University. Following his graduation from Pitt, Hartman stayed with the Pitt Band and served as a percussion arranger and instructor through the 2005 Fiesta Bowl. When his first child was born, he took a break from his duties at Pitt to devote extra time to his family, but in 2017, he decided to follow in the footsteps of his father, Clayton Hartman, who spent sixty-three years announcing for the Pitt Band. Now, Hartman is dedicated to continuing his father’s legacy, and is entering his third season as the voice of the Pitt Band.
Beyond the Pitt Band, Hartman is entering his twenty-fourth year in public music education, and is currently serving as Ambridge Area School District’s K-12 Fine Arts Department Chair, as well as the Director of High School Steel and Jazz Bands. Occasionally, you may see him moonlighting as a percussionist with The Skipper Johnson Band or Hot Metal Horns. Most importantly, he cherishes the time he spends with his wife Vanessa and their two daughters, Sofia and Camila.
Jack R. Anderson, Director Emeritus
Jack R. Anderson was appointed Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh in 1995 after serving as assistant director at Pitt for nine years. His responsibilities included directing the Varsity Marching Band, leading the Pep Band, and conducting the Symphonic Band. As a music educator in Pennsylvania for forty-two years, he has served as a guest conductor and adjudicator for PMEA throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Jack played in the Pitt Band in the late 60's and early 70's, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a Master of Education degree from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.
Anderson is a member of many professional organizations, including the College Band Directors National Association, Big East Band Directors Association, Music Educators National Conference, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, and the following honoraries: Omicron Delta Kappa, Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, Mu Kappa Upsilon, and Iota Beta Kappa.
In 2007, Anderson was awarded the Distinguished Service to Music Medal for Marching Band, the highest national award presented by Kappa Kappa Psi, the national college band fraternity. He also was awarded the Professor of the Year Award in 2006 and 2007 for outstanding teaching from Pitt Fraternity and Sorority Life, a part of the Division of Student Affairs. In addition to these prestigious awards, he has received the Paula Crider Outstanding Band Director Award, which is presented annually by Tau Beta Sigma, Honorary National Band Sorority, and given to a college band or university band director who distinguishes himself in the field of university bands. He has also received the Outstanding Leader on Campus Award, presented by the Student Government Board at Pitt, and a Special Recognition Award, given by the Mon Valley Chapter of the Panther Club, for his dedicated service to Pitt athletics. In 2013, Jack was inducted into the Sharon High School Hall of Fame.
Jack and Peggy, his wife of 49 years, met in Pitt Band as undergraduates and live in Bridgeville, PA. They have two daughters, Carrie Fisher (Industrial Engineering, 1996) and Katie Culp (Business and Communications, 2000), both alumni of Pitt Band. They are blessed with four grand-children: Anderson, Jake, and Molly, children of Carrie and Michael Fisher, and Jack, son of Katie and Ken Culp.
In retirement, Jack remains active in music as the leader of the Pitt Alumni Dance Band and the Director of the Pittsburgh Shrine Band.
