Wolodymyr Czyzyk (December 21, 1917 - March 9, 1999) (10/15/00)

Wolodymyr Czyzyk (December 21, 1917 - March 9, 1999)

A gifted and influential teacher of young children and beginners, Wolodymyr Czyzyk devoted some 60 years of his life to teaching music - 25 of these in the Chicago public school system.

Born in Yaroslav, western Ukraine, Prof. Czyzyk studied at the Lviv Conservatory and continued his studies in Vienna. After the war, he taught at a music school in a displaced persons camp in Mittenwald, Germany. Upon emigrating to the United States in 1948, he received a degree in music education from DePaul University.

In 1972, as a long-time music teacher in the Chicago public school system and the All City High School Orchestra, Prof. Czyzyk was officially recognized for his work and commitment to teaching by the Board of Education.

As a teacher of academically and musically gifted children, Prof. Czyzyk oversaw, over a five-year period, the continuity and progress of performance of the youngsters he taught. Under his direction, students were invited to appear in special concerts at such venues as Chicago's City Hall and the city's museums.

Apart from his lifelong commitment to teaching, Prof. Czyzyk led a five-member band composed of colleagues from various ethnic backgrounds. A member of the Music Union of Chicago, the group played at balls, as well as at Ukrainian and other ethnic community functions.

Prof. Czyzyk also gave private lessons. Among his students were several who went on to receive doctoral degrees in music, went into teaching, or became affiliated with various orchestras in the United States.

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