Victor W. Zajec recently retired as
Professor of Music at VanderCook College of Music,
after serving on that faculty since 1963. he was
dean of the Graduate School, taught all woodwind and
brass instruments, music theory, music critic and
analysis, instrument repair, and director of the
Symphonic Band.
Prior to joining the VanderCook
faculty, he directed high school band in Charleston
and Philadelphia, Mississippi for sixteen years. In
1948, Zajec accepted a position in the Charleston
School System teaching instrumental music to all
levels. He also directed the Methodist Church choir
and taught violin to several students. After six
years in Charleston, he accepted a position in the
Philadelphia City School. He also took a position as
the Hamasa temple Shrine Band Director in Meridian.
Zajec was a director of the Mississippi Lions All-
state band fro 1954-1959 in concert, marching and
show. Under Zajec’s guidance, the Philadelphia High
School Band performed at the prestigious Mis- West
National Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
Invitations to serve as guest conductor,
adjudicator, and clinician have taken Zajec to more
than thirty states.
he earned the BMEd and MMEd degrees
from VanderCook College of Music. Other training
includes graduate work at the University of Houston,
Cincinnati Conservatory, University of Southern
Mississippi, American University in Foutainbleau
(France) and Roosevelt University in Chicago. He
received and Honorary Doctor of Music Degree to
VanderCook, and at the 1990 Mid-West International
Band Clinic, the Board awarded him their “Medal of
Honor”.
Zajec is a current member of Kappa
Kappa Psi, CBDNA, and the Mid-West Band and
Orchestra Clinic Board. He was Formerly active in
the ASBDA and has been honored with the lifetime
membership in the MMEA, of which he is Past
President.
His tenure at VanderCook lasted
twenty-five years, ending with his retirement in
1988. he was awarded the ”Citation for Distinguished
Service” by the VanderCook College Alumni
Association. He has also received the “Outstanding
Bandmaster Award”
from Phi Beta
Mu. Zajec is a member of the prestigious American
Bandmaster’ Association (ABA). Kappa Kappa Psi
Nation Band Fraternity has been
awarded him the “A. Frank Martin” award for
outstanding bandmasters. He currently Chairs the ABA
“Edwin Frank Martian” award for outstanding band
masters. He currently Chairs the ABA “Edwin Franco
Goldman Citation” Committee. He is also Chairman of
the John Phillip Sousa Foundations “Historic Roll of
Honor” for High School Bands.
