World-renowned composer David Maslanka died Sunday evening August 6, 2017 at his home in Missoula, MT.  During his career, Maslanka composed over 150 musical works, including 50 pieces for wind ensemble, eight symphonies and 17 concertos.  He was the commissioned composer for Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma’s National Commissioning Program in 1995, and the National Intercollegiate Band performed his work A Tuning Piece: Songs of Fall and Winter. Other works commissioned by chapters of Kappa Kappa Psi include In Memoriam and Traveler.

Dr. Maslanka is an honorary member of the Delta Sigma chapter at the University of Texas at Arlington and the Gamma Phi chapter at Stephen F. Austin State University. David Maslanka’s memory will live on through his significant contributions to the wind band repertoire and the countless number of students, conductors, and musicians who will continue to perform his works and share his music. Kappa Kappa Psi mourns Dr. Maslanka’s passing, and we send our thoughts and prayers to his family. We also send our gratitude for a life well-lived and his positive impact on college and university bands.

Maslanka, 74 years old,  was diagnosed with a severe form of colon cancer in June. His wife Alison died on July 3rd of this year, and his health declined rapidly following her passing.  He is survived by his three children Stephen, Matthew, and Kathryn.