For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Luke Kranyak

3,065

Bold Points

5x

Nominee

1x

Finalist

Bio

Hi, I'm Luke Kranyak, a student at The Pennsylvania State University School of Music working towards a bachelor's Degree in Music (B.M.) with a concentration in saxophone performance. I am also working towards a minor is Entrepreneurship and Innovation. I am currently studying saxophone under Dr. David Stambler. Near the end of my bachelor's, I will begin auditioning for assistantship positions and scholarships at graduate schools, where I can hopefully continue to expand my knowledge and obtain a degree in saxophone performance or a similar area. Then, I am hoping to audition for U.S. military premier bands in either the Marines, Navy, Army, or Air Force. In these organizations, I could not only serve my country but spread my love of music around the world at the most prestigious level. In a couple of years, I wish to run a full private lesson studio, where I can share the art of music-making with younger ones, as my mentors did with me. Since my freshman year of high school, I have developed a hobby and fascination with fixing electronics, specifically Apple iPhones. I have completed data recovery, software services, accessory installations, and hardware repair for over 50 clients across the state of Pennsylvania. I provide services such as display replacement, battery replacement, back glass repair, speaker replacement, camera repair, screen protector installation, and even water damage repair. Feel free to check out my LinkedIn and my personal website below. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lukekranyak Homepage: https://drum.io/lukekranyak

Education

Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2021 - 2025
  • Majors:
    • Music
  • Minors:
    • Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations
  • GPA:
    3.5

Hazleton Area High School

High School
2017 - 2021
  • GPA:
    4

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Music
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Music

    • Dream career goals:

      United States Military Premier Ensembles

    • Delivery & Setup, Custodian

      Unforgettable Events
      2020 – 20211 year
    • Landscaper

      Self-Employed
      2016 – Present8 years
    • Device Repair Technician

      Self-Employed
      2018 – Present6 years
    • Hershey Park Sweet Notes Strolling Band (Saxophonist)

      RWS Entertainment Group
      2023 – Present1 year
    • Delivery Driver, Kitchen Porter, Line Cook, Fast Food Cook

      The Other Side Bar & Grill Inc.
      2020 – 20211 year

    Arts

    • Penn State Saxophone Alliance

      Music
      Fall 2022 Studio Recital, Fall 2023 Studio Recital, Spring 2022 Studio Recital, Spring 2023 Studio Recital
      2022 – Present
    • Penn State Jazz Combo Q

      Music
      Spring 2023 Concert Cycle
      2023 – 2023
    • Marywood University Northeastern Youth Wind Ensemble (NYWE)

      Music
      2020 – 2021
    • National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All-Eastern Honors Ensemble

      Music
      2021 – 2021
    • Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association (PMEA) All-State Band Festival

      Music
      2019 – 2021
    • Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association (PMEA) Region IV Band Festival

      Music
      2019 – 2021
    • Pennsylvania Music Educator's Association (PMEA) District 9 Band Festival

      Music
      2019 – 2021
    • Penn State Inner Dimensions Jazz Ensemble

      Music
      Spring 2022 Concert Cycle
      2022 – 2022
    • Penn State Symphonic Wind Ensemble

      Music
      Spring 2022 Concert Cycle, Spring 2023 Concert Cycle (inc. 2023 PSU President's Concert in Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA)
      2022 – Present
    • Penn State Symphonic Band

      Music
      Fall 2021 Concert Cycle, Fall 2022 Concert Cycle
      2021 – 2022
    • Penn State Marching Blue Band

      Music
      2021 Big Ten Football Season (2022 Outback Bowl), 2022 Big Ten Football Season (2023 Rose Bowl Game)
      2021 – Present

    Public services

    • Public Service (Politics)

      Cellar Dwellarzz Jazz Ensemble — Principle Saxophonist, Tenor Saxophonist, Social Media Manager
      2019 – 2021
    • Volunteering

      Ferrwood Music Camp (Can-Do) — Landscaper, Custodian, General Maintenance, Kitchen Volunteer
      2014 – Present

    Future Interests

    Volunteering

    Entrepreneurship

    Audrey Sherrill & Michael D'Ambrisi Music Scholarship
    From the youngest years of my life, I never truly had a specific interest that fit me and reflected the person I was. I tried so hard to pursue an athletic, such as football, basketball, or baseball like my friends, but nothing ever “clicked”. I admired the bonds and relationships made between my friends, but I could not find something that truly captivated me. During my early years of elementary education, I vividly remember sitting in our school’s auditorium, admiring the fascinating concert band performing at our annual winter concert. I was astonished but confused with myself. From that singular December day, I knew music was for me. In the following weeks, our class received a pamphlet, explaining all the instruments in the ensemble and how to join such a great organization. That night, I went home and chose the alto saxophone, not knowing the opportunities it would eventually bring me. Music has provided me with a way to express my emotions and communicate with others. It grants me the ability to escape the reality we live in today. As mentioned, through all of the musical events I participated in, I have had the opportunity to meet so many prodigious and talented musicians and mentors. Through the long & painful hours of practicing, rehearsing, and performing, my musicianship has led me to not only advance as a saxophonist but strive to be a better person. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue my academic and musical career at The Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus, where I am studying for a bachelor’s degree in Music (B.M. Performance) with a concentration in saxophone. This past academic year and a half, I was a member of the saxophone section in the legendary Penn State Marching Blue Band, where I witnessed love and appreciation for the marching arts like no other. I have gotten to experience so much these past two seasons, including traveling to the last Outback Bowl, Auburn University, the University of Maryland, and recently, the 2023 Rose Bowl. I have performed four full concerts with the Penn State Symphonic Band in both of my fall semesters and both spring semesters, I successfully auditioned for our premier wind band, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble on tenor saxophone. Within this past semester, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble performed two thrilling concerts, featuring works by Florence Price, Katahj Copley, Oscar Navarro, Darius Milhaud, and even Omar Thomas’ “Come Sunday”. We also were invited to perform at the 2023 Penn State Presidents Concert in Heinz Hall, which featured a masterclass and workshop at a neighboring Pittsburgh school district the day prior. I am and continue to be a member and the elected treasurer of the Penn State Saxophone Alliance at University Park, where I get to manage an organization and geek out about all things saxophone! At the conclusion of the 2022 Spring Semester and this past Fall semester, I was awarded Jury Honors for my performance on my two Jury pieces. Following graduation, I will begin auditioning for assistantship positions and scholarships at graduate schools, where I can hopefully continue to expand my knowledge and obtain a degree in saxophone performance or a similar area. Then, I will prepare & audition for the U.S. military premier bands in either the Marines, Navy, Army, or Air Force. In addition, I will be searching for other gigs and other performances I can be a part of. In a couple of years, I wish to run a full private lesson studio, where I can share the art of music-making with younger ones, as my mentors did with me.