Senior Chief Petty Officer Nicholas J. Pastelak, USN
Percussionist, Naval Academy Band

Senior Chief Musician Nicholas J. Pastelak is a native of Bel Air, MD, and a 1981 graduate of Bel Air High School. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in timpani performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University Conservatory of Music in Baltimore, MD.

Prior to joining the Navy, MUCS Pastelak was principal timpanist with Orchestra Sinfonica della RAI in Turin, Italy, and served as principal percussionist, acting principal timpanist, and assistant stage manager for the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 1993.

In 1988, MUCS Pastelak auditioned and was selected for assignment to the U.S. Naval Academy Band. Upon completion of recruit training at RTC San Diego in 1989, he reported to the band for duty as auxiliary percussionist with the popular music group, Electric Brigade. Currently, he serves as principal timpanist and concert announcer with the concert band, percussionist in the marching and ceremonial units, and percussionist, vocalist, and announcer for the “Next Wave” jazz ensemble. He has also served as unit leader for the Commandant's Combo. In addition to his performance duties, MUCS Pastelak is currently the Chief in Charge of the band’s public affairs office and USNA faculty and staff orientation program coordinator. Following the 9/11 attacks, he volunteered as the first Naval Academy Band member to serve TAD with the Washington Marine Barracks’ Annapolis Company as part of USNA’s Auxiliary Security Force.

MUCS Pastelak has earned the Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards), Navy Good Conduct Medal (6 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Navy Expert Pistol Shot Medal.

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