Pipestone Band Staff
Dr. Zachary Ploeger
Director of Bands
As a Pipestone native, Dr. Ploeger participated in the band program here at PAS, starting with playing the trumpet in 5th grade. Before this, he took piano lessons starting at age 6. After graduating high school, Dr. Ploeger earned a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, a Master of Music from Arizona State University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. In addition to teaching at PAS, Dr. Ploeger is also the Adjunct Professor of Trumpet at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall. He also teaches online music courses through the University of Minnesota School of Music. Dr. Ploeger has received 7 American Prize awards for excellence in music composition, more than any other individual. His compositions are played around the United States. He also has released three solo albums of standard trumpet repertoire.These
can be listened to on any streaming service. Dr. Ploeger is also a published author. His method book, “Complete Sight Reading ,” is used to teach music reading to trumpet players of all levels.
507-562-6007
Pam Kruse
Private Instrumental Lessons
Pam Kruse teaches individual private band lessons at Pipestone Area Schools. Her position allows all students in the Pipestone Bands to receive a private lesson on their instrument on a regular basis. Prior to teaching lessons, she was an elementary music teacher in the district for over four decades.
