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Andrew M. Yaracs
After fifteen years of successful travel throughout the United States and Canada with the Butler Golden Tornado Band Mr. Yaracs shares his knowledge and advice for planning safe student travel oppo...view moreAfter fifteen years of successful travel throughout the United States and Canada with the Butler Golden Tornado Band Mr. Yaracs shares his knowledge and advice for planning safe student travel opportunities. The band has appeared in some of the most prestigious events in our country and has been seen by millions on both national and global television. His love for travel was fostered as a teenager touring the country with the General Butler Vagabond Drum & Bugle Corps.
Born and raised in Lyndora, Pennsylvania he attended Butler High School and was a member of the Golden Tornado Band. After graduation in 1969 he entered Indiana University of Pennsylvania as a Music Education Major studying percussion with Dr. Gary Olmstead. While at Indiana he performed with numerous concert ensembles and the IUP Marching Band.
He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1973 and began his career as an elementary instrumental music teacher in the Butler Area School District. In addition to his teaching duties Mr. Yaracs served as the Music Department Chairman for sixteen years and during his tenure was instrumental in expanding the music staff and curriculum. In 1994 he spearheaded the combining of the Intermediate and high school marching bands creating one of the largest bands in the country.
Outside of school he has worked as a percussion arranger and instructor for numerous bands and drum and bugle corps. He has been an adjudicator at band and drum and bugle corps competitions for more than thirty-five years. Mr. Yaracs has been nominated by his students multiple times and is listed in Who’s Who among Americas Teachers. His professional affiliations include the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, Phi Mu Alpha Professional Men’s Music Fraternity, Phi Beta Mu Band Directors Fraternity, NEA and PSEA.view less