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Performing Arts Library Special Collections in Performing Arts ABA Research Center 
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Ostwald Award Archives
Winner 1962: Fritz Velke, Concertino for Band [Listen]
Biography:
Fritz Velke (b. 1930), presently conductor of the National Concert Band of America, is a former member of the U.S. Air Force Band, Washington, DC, 1953-1957. He is a retired band and orchestra teacher with the Fairfax County Schools in Virginia and holds a M.M. degree from The Catholic University of America. Mr. Velke has been a conductor of various community bands and orchestras, and has served as guest conductor for various school-sponsored regional, all-county, and festival bands and orchestras in Virginia and Maryland. He also serves periodically as adjudicator for school band and orchestra festivals. Mr. Velke has composed for orchestra, symphonic band, chorus, and various small ensembles. He has received twenty-three commissions for compositions, and his awards include a special annual monetary award for the last four years from ASCAP for his work as a composer of "serious" music. Mr. Velke joined The National Concert Band of America in 1975 as a trombonist and assistant conductor. He was appointed principal conductor in 1991.Mr. Velke, since 1971, has been the owner of the Velke Publishing Co., which specializes in music for strings, band, and small ensembles. His works for band have been published by Shawnee Press, Inc., and the Ludwig Music Publishing Co. He is married to Katherine Lee Rogus and has four children and eight grandchildren. He was born in Washington, DC, raised in Alexandria, Virginia, and now resides in Bethesda, Maryland. He continues to compose, play trombone in various groups, and play piano in a Dixieland band. "Fritz" is a nickname. It was given to him by his grandfather the day he was born.
Source: Correspondence with the composer.
