Staff Directory
Orange, Dr. Mel
Dr. Mel Orange
- Title:
- Associate Director of Bands
- Email:
- Phone:
- 412-648-8249
Dr. Mel Orange was hired in the summer of 1985 and serves as the associate band director and music arranger. His duties include brass instruction, general administration responsibilities, music rehearsals and arranging the music for halftime shows and pep band performances.
Dr. Orange began his teaching career in 1976 at Upper St. Clair High School and taught orchestra, music theory, 9th grade concert band and assisted with the marching band. In 1979 he was hired as band director at Greensburg Salem High School. Notable performances include a first place prize in the Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Convention Parade, a performance on the Capital steps in Washington, D.C., and the band was the first group from Pennsylvania to perform at the newly open Epcot Center in Walt Disney World.
While on furlough in 1987, Dr. Orange spent a semester teaching intermediate band in the Kiski Area School District and returned to Greensburg Salem to begin a long tenure as choir director until his retirement in 2013. In his time as choir director the program grew from a membership of 40 students to more than 360 members. The Select Ensemble performed for numerous community and civic organizations.
Notable appearances include the KDKA Television Children’s Hospital Telethon, KDKA Radio, WWSW Radio, and halftime shows with University of Pittsburgh Marching Band including Penn State, Notre Dame and Miami games. Although retired from Greensburg Salem, Dr. Orange continues to serve as Music Director for the school’s Broadway musicals, having directed over 30 shows.
In addition, Dr. Orange has taught and played trumpet for many years, has served as an adjudicator and clinician, and has arranged for marching and jazz bands throughout the country. Awards include Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher (1998) and the Silver Baton Award – Kappa Kappa Psi (2011).
Dr. Orange is a graduate of Trafford High School and holds a B.S. (1976) and M.Mus.Ed. (1980) degree from Duquesne University, and an Ed.D. in Administration and Policy Studies (1993) from the University of Pittsburgh.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite Quote(s)?
“The life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation’s purpose and is a test of the quality of a nation’s civilization.” John F. Kennedy
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Edison
“I play for championships, not money.” Arnold Palmer
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
Recently, beating Penn State and Clemson in the same year (2016)!
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Going to the Cultural District, the restaurants, sporting events and the many performance venues.
Dr. Orange began his teaching career in 1976 at Upper St. Clair High School and taught orchestra, music theory, 9th grade concert band and assisted with the marching band. In 1979 he was hired as band director at Greensburg Salem High School. Notable performances include a first place prize in the Pennsylvania State Firemen’s Convention Parade, a performance on the Capital steps in Washington, D.C., and the band was the first group from Pennsylvania to perform at the newly open Epcot Center in Walt Disney World.
While on furlough in 1987, Dr. Orange spent a semester teaching intermediate band in the Kiski Area School District and returned to Greensburg Salem to begin a long tenure as choir director until his retirement in 2013. In his time as choir director the program grew from a membership of 40 students to more than 360 members. The Select Ensemble performed for numerous community and civic organizations.
Notable appearances include the KDKA Television Children’s Hospital Telethon, KDKA Radio, WWSW Radio, and halftime shows with University of Pittsburgh Marching Band including Penn State, Notre Dame and Miami games. Although retired from Greensburg Salem, Dr. Orange continues to serve as Music Director for the school’s Broadway musicals, having directed over 30 shows.
In addition, Dr. Orange has taught and played trumpet for many years, has served as an adjudicator and clinician, and has arranged for marching and jazz bands throughout the country. Awards include Who’s Who Among America’s Teacher (1998) and the Silver Baton Award – Kappa Kappa Psi (2011).
Dr. Orange is a graduate of Trafford High School and holds a B.S. (1976) and M.Mus.Ed. (1980) degree from Duquesne University, and an Ed.D. in Administration and Policy Studies (1993) from the University of Pittsburgh.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite Quote(s)?
“The life of the arts is very close to the center of a nation’s purpose and is a test of the quality of a nation’s civilization.” John F. Kennedy
Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” Thomas Edison
“I play for championships, not money.” Arnold Palmer
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
Recently, beating Penn State and Clemson in the same year (2016)!
What is your favorite thing to do in the city of Pittsburgh?
Going to the Cultural District, the restaurants, sporting events and the many performance venues.
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