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AJACK, THOMAS (b. 1935)
Thomas Ajack (b. April 8, 1965 at West Allis, Wisconsin) is a thoroughly Wisconsin born and bred musician, music educator and composer. It is worthy to note that his musical soul was stirred in his home when as a young child, he loved to listen to records of his parents, his favorite being the music of Wagner. In grade school, he asked and received help from his music teacher to be able to write songs. The guitar became his major instrument of choice and it is logical that it led him to experience and understand the language of jazz. Tom graduated from Carroll College in 1987 having studied under Dr. Mark Aamot and received a BA in Music Education.
Tom began his music teaching career in the Waukesha (Wisconsin) Public Schools system, first teaching elementary vocal music and then progressing to the high school level in 1992 where he worked with master choral director, Greg Carpenter at Waukesha South High School. In 1999, he was appointed to lead the choral program at Waukesha West.
Mr. Ajack has been an active church musician and commissioned composer/arranger as well. In 2000, he received the WCDA Outstanding Church Musician Award, and in 1996, the WCDA Composition Award. Mr. Ajack arranges for vocal jazz ensemble, and his work is available through UNC Jazz Press; in 2006, he directed the Wisconsin All-state Vocal Jazz Ensemble. A leader in educational theory and practice, he was a 2006 Kohl Fellowship Recipient.
Under his direction, the choir program at Waukesha West has grown significantly, and students find it a comfortable and enjoyable place to learn, rehearse and make music together. The Waukesha West Choirs have performed frequently at state music conventions of the WCDA and WMEA, and at ACDA Divisional Conventions. A frequent guest conductor and clinician, he has been actively involved with WSMA each season as a master adjudicator and he is currently serving as the WMEA State Choral Chair. Mr. Ajack resides in Waukesha.