Stephen Platko

From Wind Repertory Project
Stephen Platko

Biography

Stephen J. Platko (2 September 1938, Joliet, Ill. – 1 March 2016, Joliet, Ill.) was an American composer, conductor and educator.

Mr. Platko graduated from Northwestern University where he received Bachelor and Master of Music Education degrees. During his 35-year teaching career, he was band director at Lockport Taft Grade School, choir director at Lockport West High School, band director at Tinley Park High School, and supervisor of fine arts for the Bremen Community High Schools. He also directed the Tinley Park Arts Alive Community Band for ten years following his retirement from full-time teaching.

During his retirement, Stephen devoted his energies to music composition. His works for symphonic band, orchestra, and voice have been performed at the International Midwest Band Clinic, WFMT Radio Chicago Composer Series, and at the Budingen, Germany Millennium Celebration. His compositions have been featured by the Joliet American Legion Band, University of Kansas Concert Band, Lewis University Choir and by colleges and universities throughout the country. Stephen was also a prolific composer of liturgical works for Eastern Orthodox worship. He received the Illinois Humanities Council “Studs Terkel Award” for the year 2000 for his musical accomplishments and community service for the Village of Tinley Park. He was a lifelong member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, serving as choir director for 50 years.


Works for Winds


Resources