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

Chief Musician Nick Pastelak is a native of Bel Air, Maryland. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in timpani performance from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University Conservatory of Music in Baltimore where he studied with Fred Begun of the National Symphony Orchestra. Chief Pastelak was formerly principal timpanist with Orchestra Sinfonica della RAI in Turin, Italy. He was a member of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra from 1982 to 1993 performing as principal percussionist, acting timpanist, and assistant stage manager. He performs freelance work as a concert percussionist, set drummer, and vocalist in a wide variety of styles throughout the Baltimore, Annapolis, and Washington, D.C. areas.

Chief Pastelak was accepted for the Navy Music Program after auditioning with the U.S. Naval Academy Band. In 1989, upon completion of basic training at RTC San Diego, he reported to the band for duty with the contemporary music ensemble, Electric Brigade as auxiliary percussionist. Currently he is principal timpanist with the Concert Band; performs in the Marching Band, Ceremonial Band, Percussion Ensemble, Next Wave and 2nd Line Band; and is drummer, vocalist, and Chief in Charge of the Commandant's Combo. In addition to his performance duties, Chief Pastelak has served as the band's instrument repairman and is currently Assistant Chief in Charge of the Operations department. During his off duty hours, he is an active leader in his church's music and small group ministries.

Chief Pastelak has earned the Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), the Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards), the Navy Good Conduct Medal (four awards), the National Defense Service Medal (two awards), and the Navy Expert Pistol Marksman Ribbon.

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