Director of Athletic Bands (2018 to 2025)

BIOGRAPHY

Dr. JUSTIN R. STOLARIK

JUSTIN R. STOLARIK served as Director of Bands at Stony Brook University, where he directed and oversaw all aspects of the NCAA Division 1 FCS Athletic Bands Program, and conducted the Wind Ensemble. He was also the Director and Coordinator of the State University of New York (SUNY) Annual Summer Pride Band. In December 2024, he led the Stony Brook Wind Ensemble in performance at the New York State School Music Association (NYSSMA) Winter Conference in Rochester–the first-ever appearance by a Stony Brook Music Department ensemble at the state music conference. Dr. Stolarik is also an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi (Alpha Tau) and Tau Beta Sigma (Theta Theta) National Band Service and Leadership Organizations, and led the founding of Stony Brook’s Xi Delta Chapter of Kappa Kappa Psi. 

As an active freelance musician and conductor in New York City, he has served as Associate Conductor of the Manhattan Wind Ensemble, Resident Guest Conductor of the Kings County Concert Band, Assistant Director and Conductor of the Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Symphonic Band, as well as many more ensembles. Before arriving at Stony Brook in 2018, Dr. Stolarik served approximately 700 real estate agents as Market Center Administrator of Operations (Chief Operating Officer) at Keller Williams New York City.

Prior to New York, Dr. Stolarik served as Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands as the Gene Braught Chair of Music at the University of Oklahoma, and served as Assistant Director of Bands at both the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Henderson State University (Arkansas). During this time, he led bands to the Sugar Bowl (2014) in New Orleans, Rose Bowl and Tournament of Roses Parade (2010, 2011, 2012) in Pasadena, and the Champs Sports Bowl (2009) in Orlando. His wind and percussion arrangements have been performed by athletic bands at football and basketball games around the country before audiences of over 80,000.

Dr. Stolarik completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts and Master of Music degrees in Percussion Performance at the University of Texas at Austin, and his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education, with Highest Honors, at the University of Florida. During his years at UF, he was a three-year Front Line member of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps (2000-2002), and was two-time Drum Corps Midwest and Drum Corps International Timpani Solo Champion (2001 and 2002). He later served on teaching staff for the Madison Scouts as Front Line Instructor in 2003.