Joseph Loposky P'05 '16

Joseph Loposky is a native New Yorker, born and raised in Endicott, New York, who has enjoyed a wide-ranging and distinguished musical career as a performer, conductor, and educator both nationally and internationally. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Trumpet Performance from Wilkes College in 1985 and his Master’s Degree in Trumpet Performance from Brooklyn College in 1988. Shortly after graduating, he joined the rock band The Fleshtones, and in 1993 won the audition for principal trumpet with the Orquesta Sinfónica de Guanajuato (Mexico State Symphony).

Upon returning to New York in 1994, Mr. Loposky accepted the position of Director of Music at Xaverian High School in Brooklyn, where he was tasked with building a comprehensive music program from the ground up. What began with just 24 students and one ensemble has grown into Music at Xaverian (MAX): a thriving, all-inclusive, performance-based program now serving over 800 students across 24 performing ensembles.

MAX is built on the philosophy of “Opportunity for everyone,” ensuring that any student, regardless of prior experience, can participate and develop their musicianship to the highest level. The program offers a wide range of ensembles, including Select Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band I & II, Jazz Octet, Concert and Select Orchestra, String programs, multiple choral groups, guitar ensembles, harp ensemble, drum line, pipe and drum group, and the Genesis beginner and advanced divisions. Academic offerings include Introductory Theory and Advanced Placement Theory, with students earning academic credit for participation.

A defining feature of MAX is its commitment to American musical traditions. Students perform jazz from the 1930s–50s, preserve the legacy of Doo Wop from the 1950s–60s, and keep styles like barbershop quartet singing alive. The program also emphasizes community service, with ensembles regularly performing at parades, hospitals, nursing homes, memorial events, and civic celebrations throughout New York City. MAX serves as the official band of the Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the Brooklyn Ragamuffin Parade, and participates annually in events such as the Tunnel to Towers Run, 9/11 memorials, Fleet Week, and Salvation Army initiatives.

Under Mr. Loposky’s leadership, Xaverian’s music program has achieved national and international recognition. Ensembles have performed twice at the White House, at the National Gallery of Art, Madison Square Garden, the Barclays Center, and the Hammerstein Ballroom. Students have also performed for the arrivals of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis in New York City. Internationally, MAX ensembles have toured Japan multiple times, beginning with a performance at the 2005 World’s Fair, which led to the creation of the “B” Bridges Exchange Program in collaboration with Anthony Bianchi ’76—fostering cultural and musical exchange between the United States and Japan. The program has also established an Ireland exchange with the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland.

In addition to his work at Xaverian, Mr. Loposky remains an active freelance musician, having performed with organizations including the New York Choral Society Orchestra, Metropolitan Opera Trumpet Ensemble, Staten Island Symphony, Staten Island Philharmonic (where he has served as principal trumpet for 29 years), and numerous jazz, Latin, and big bands. He has appeared on MTV, public television, and Mexico National Television, and has recorded on labels including MCA, Ace, Itchibon, and Trafalgar.

He previously served as Executive Director of the Sunset Park School of Music and as trumpet instructor at Brooklyn College’s Preparatory Center for the Performing Arts. He currently serves as an adjunct professor at Brooklyn College.

Through his vision and leadership, Mr. Loposky has built one of the most comprehensive and inclusive high school music programs in the country, impacting generations of students through performance, education, and service.