| Team or Department |
Music/Unified Arts |
| Your Name (If Individual) |
Keith Ziolkowski |
| Job Title |
Orchestra Director |
| How long have you worked at Creekside? |
2 |
| In the space below, please provide some background information on yourself such as education, family and/or pets and what you like to do in your free time. |
Keith Ziolkowski is the orchestra director at Creekside Middle School in Carmel, Indiana. Previous positions include Avon Community School Corporation (Avon, IN) as middle school orchestra director and Grade 6-8 Music Coordinator and Richmond Community Schools (Richmond, IN) as orchestra program director and Fine Arts Department Chair. During his fifteen years of teaching, Mr. Ziolkowski has served as secretary, webmaster, president-elect, president, and past-president for the Indiana Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. In 2017, he was named Middle School Orchestra Teacher of the Year by Indiana ASTA. During that same time Keith has served in the Indiana Music Education Association Board since 2008 and will start his two year presidential term in June 2025. Keith and the Avon Middle Schools Chamber Orchestra performed at the 2015 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
Keith graduated Cum Laude from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where he majored in Music Education, History, and studied with bass Professor Dr. Hans Sturm. He is an active member of the American String Teachers Association and National Association for Music Education. While at Ball State, Keith was named a Theodore Presser Scholar, earned the NAfME Certificate of Achievement for Commitment and Dedication to Music Education, the Ball State University Outstanding Future Music Educator Award and induction into Pi Kappa Lambda. Keith’s other double bass teachers included Darrel Tidabeck (Indiana University - South Bend) and Ed Randles (South Bend Symphony Orchestra).
Keith performs with Anderson Symphony Orchestra and has worked or performed with notable bassist, artist, conductors and arrangers John Clayton, Frank Proto, Renaud Garcia-Fons, Catalin Rotaru, Time for Three, Sandi Patty, Jon McLoughlin, Michael Cavanaugh, Richard Sowers, Joel Smirnoff and many other local artists.
Keith is a native of South Bend, Indiana where he attended Washington High School. He currently lives in Carmel, Indiana with his family - wife Brittany, their children Hunter and Harper, and their Goldendoodle Murphy. In his spare time Keith enjoys spending time with his family, woodworking, model railroading, and visiting museums. |
| What's one thing that you wish more parents knew about your position? |
We're creating a joyful and inspiring orchestra community, where students discover their musical potential and build lasting connections. Your support at home amplifies our commitment to excellence and encourages their growth. Every day, our students tackle the rewarding challenge of making music together, and their dedication is truly inspiring. Let's elevate music to a central role in their lives, celebrating the joy and accomplishment it brings. |
| What's your favorite memory from Creekside? |
My favorite memory of Creekside, thus far, is the welcoming atmosphere from students, staff, and families when I started here in the fall of 2023. |
![Spotlight on Wildcats: Keith Ziolkowski]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744751171/ccsk12inus/ezrpd4led4tnrzjmohm9/kziolkow.jpg","width":200}])