Ken Pollitt

Kenneth D. Pollitt received his B.A. degree from Buena Vista University, a Master of Music Education degree from Mississippi State University, a Master of Music Education from Teacher’s College – Columbia University and did his Doctoral Studies at Columbia University.

His educational career of 47 years began in Iowa. He then became Assistant to the Director of Bands at Mississippi State University and subsequently was a Music Administrator for the Jericho Union Free School District for 35 years. During that time he developed programs and music curriculum that reached thousands of students.

As a performer he played trumpet for jazz legend Clark Terry, performed with the Karl L. King Fort Dodge Municipal band, played the Iowa State Fair circuit for Bob Hope, Bette Midler and Ice Capades. He was a featured guest artist in numerous high schools. As a clinician, he taught jazz in camps and workshops in New York, Pennsylvania, Minnesota and Mississippi.

With over 300 compositions and arrangements, his works for Church Choir, Brass Ensembles, and Big Band Jazz have been performed by hundreds of groups. He currently writes for the Hofstra University Brass Ensemble and the Hofstra University Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble.

He has been the Music Director for regional “Miss America” pageants, and numerous community theater productions. He is a former professional baseball umpire, and an avid golfer.