Master Chief Petty Officer James E. Rodak, USN
Saxophonist, Naval Academy Band
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Master Chief James Rodak is a native of Orlando, Florida, where he attended Oak Ridge High School.  He earned an associate of arts degree from Valencia Community College in 1977 and a bachelor of arts degree in music education from the University of Central Florida in 1980. He was a participant in the First International Solo Saxophone Competition in Gap, France in 1978. After college, he taught music at Liberty Junior High School, Orlando, Florida, in 1980 and joined the faculty of the University of Central Florida as jazz instructor in 1981.

Master Chief Rodak enlisted in the Navy Music Program in 1983 and graduated first in his class from the Armed Forces School of Music in November 1983. His first tour of duty was with Navy Band Great Lakes where he was a saxophone and clarinet instrumentalist. While stationed at Great Lakes, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for composing Great Lakes Naval Training Center's official march, "The Spirit of Great Lakes."

In 1985, Master Chief Rodak reported for duty with the Naval Academy Band and has served as solo alto saxophone instrumentalist and Chief in Charge of the Concert Band, Ceremonial Unit Leader, Head Librarian, and is currently the Senior Enlisted Leader. As Head Librarian, he spearheaded the transfer of the band's antiquated card catalog system to a modern computer database. For this and his leadership in the Naval Academy's sesquicentennial he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. His other awards include: Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation (2 awards), Navy Good Conduct (7 awards), National Defense Service Medal, and Navy Expert Pistol Marksman's Medal.

In addition to his Navy activities, Master Chief Rodak performs with the Annapolis Christian Big Band - a local evangelical jazz ensemble - and the Virginia Grande Military Band. He also enjoys writing and arranging music for small ensembles.

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