Castle Park High School Marching Band 
Michael T. Luzak,  Director

Michael T. Luzak PhD 
Castle Park High School, Music Director 


I was in your band from 1970-72 along lots of other great musicians in those years.  Here I am 65 years old now reminiscing about the  drive and love for music you instilled in my life.   I joined a community band in the small town of Sequim in Washington State on the Olympic Peninsula.  The director is young, probably in his early 40's and brilliant, like you were!  Last night we were rehearsing Festive Overture by by Shostakovich, and we sounded great.  Not without weak links in the band, but overall great!  I thought about you, Michael Luzak, and how you always challenged us musically to do something a little bit harder each time.   I remember Uncle Bobo, beer on the bus and other things young students do on a long bus ride to Long Beach which I dare not mention.   I remember the music trophy we captured in Long Beach, 1972.  You were so proud of us!  The "Music" Trophy.  It wasn't "Sweepstakes", but it meant more to you than that, and 
 it meant alot to all of us!   Then there was the piece 'Symphony in B-Flat" by Paul Hindemith.  I hated that piece and my mother, who came to the concert, was falling asleep during the performance, but however dissonant it was, we; a bunch of high school students, got through it and even made it sound palatable!  Then there were the half-time shows, endless marching in the parking lot while playing "King Karl King" or Barnum and Bailey's Circus for the 100th time.  Now here I am, retired now after a successful career, 65 years old, playing the trombone again after 43 years of not touching it as of 2015; playing classical music again along with Rock N Roll, Jazz and Blues!   I  took up the flute, sax, harmonicas in addition to the trombone, which I didn't necessarily like in high school.  I always wanted to play sax, but I have a newly found fondness for the Trombone now!   You were the most inspirational teacher in my life!  You will never be forgotten, and your spirit lives on forever!   

Hi Mike. This is John Ligon, .Your buddy Phil Ligon s son. I miss you guys so much. You were a great band director, and song writer. Those were great song's from "Bread"

Missing you, Michael. Happy Birthday to you. God bless!

I am sorry for your loss.

I found this web page when I was trying to locate the Mike Luzak I met on Kwajalein in 1958. His dad was in the military there during the Hardtack series of American nuclear tests. It sounds like this Michael Luzak went to High School in the States. If anyone reading this knows of the Mike Luzak I am seeking (he was born around 1944) would you  please contact me at hiddeninjesus@gmail.com? Thank you so much. I was Jessica Reynolds then (Jessica Renshaw now) of the yacht Phoenix of Hiroshima, in the zone with my parents and 20-year old brother and a crewman from Hiroshima to protest the dangers of the nuclear radiation from the tests. 562-595-4162

When I recall our High School days I can still hear your voice and picture you in your MMHS Red and Black Letterman's jacket and also your red MVHS Pep Band jacket.  You nicknamed me Zubble and we shared many wonderful times.  We would get together often and sing folks songs, Bluegrass too.  How you loved to harmonize.  That funny black and white '56 Fiat Multipla you drove and eventually the turquoise 4dr ‘57 Chevy 210, V8 3 on-the-tree.  You let me drive both although I never would try to park on the steep drive of your Austin Dr. home.  Your amazing mother, Mary Queen raised a wonderful son and instilled so many values.  Of course there were exceptions.  Like the time we chased Larry Curtis home in my '46 Ford.  You put your MVHS Pep Band jacket over my spotlight, hung your head out the window and wailed like a siren.  We could have never done that with Larry Christensen.  Or could we?  LOL.  To this day, when I sneeze I remember how you would always say “Horse sheee” while sneezing and wonder if that followed you through your life as I recently read “Crapola” did.  I had few friends and you had many.  Yet you always made me, and I am sure others feel like we were special.
You went to Tempe and I to Viet Nam.  We only saw each other a few times after that.  One of those times we got a case of beer and drove to Las Vegas in my Karman Ghia so you could visit a dear friend.   She passed away last summer.   Bill Padelford was my Music Director at Castle Park JHS.  I can't help but think of the similarities of you two.  I've often wondered if you got together and I would have loved to been a fly on the wall and hear what two wonderful band directors would share with each other.  
I left San Diego many years ago but the times we shared are as vivid as if it were yesterday.  I know God has welcomed a great Baritone player and a wonderful friend and man.  I cannot fathom the depth and sorrow your love ones feel.  But I do know how deeply saddened I am to hear of your passing.  God's Richest Blessings to you and your family.

Michael, you were there for me when I needed all that advice and help. I could never thank you enough. I was one of the lucky ones to be in band your 1st yr at CPHS. We have lost a true friend and you will never be forgotten. As the old saying goes, "Till HE brings us together again....."

Mr. Luzak, so many memories! Because of you I learned to play music simply for the love of it.  You are in my memories and will not be forgotten.  Thank you for your smile, your encouragement, and your passion.  God bless always!

Merry Christmas, Dr. Luzak...I miss singing "The Halleuah Chorus" under your direction :-)

Oh, Mr. Luzak, such a wonderful person with vibrant energy and love for his students both in the band and our humanities class. Yes, I remember the many lectures that you gave us, whether it was us goofing off, or not practicing, something about being on time or screwing up at band practice. 

I remember you talking about loving your neighbor and that of the Polish Pope (Luzak being Polish), and of the many wonderful things about life.

I remember your favorite word: Crapola! 

I remember you asking me to take your hifi stereo to La Mesa to get it repaired only to forget your credit card at the petrol station while filling up the tank  at Broadway and Palomar. You weren't upset but you said "just get it canceled". 

I remember about you talking to me about love and about how it isn't important to be "IN" with those students who were popular during our annual rockathon. 

I remember how you wanted me to play that piece but I was too shy to play it in front of the other band members.

Yes, I remember many other wonderful things about you! 

I remember MayTime band review and the clinics and getting a terrible review for playing Apotheosis of this Earth (Paul Hindemith), however, we kicked their butts in the percussion part of this piece, just wonderful! 

I remember Long Beach and the lecture about: boys and girls be careful about walking around there. 

I remember our SF tour starting out from the CPHS parking lot and sitting with...I remember playing at the Disneyland Day Parade and Solvang, Farmers Market and Saucelito and eating crab on the Wharf. 

I remember about playing Crown Imperial, School for Scandal, Japanese Prints and many other orchestra pieces. I remember our Annual Pops concert, where the theme was Star Wars. I remember many things about you. 

I feel terrible about not having the opportunity of visiting you while in the area. 

May your memory fill us with goodness so that we may instill in ourselves and friends what you have taught us....LOVE!!!

PS: I can still see you in that MayTime Band Review video - you have never left us!

My favorite teacher.I will always remember our trip to Vancouver.So many FUN times we had together.See you in the next life.Love Ya, Joe Gassaway

Your light will always shine in the hearts of the students you taught!

We always knew The Castle Park High School Band was coming because the sound of their thunderous, perfectly unison percussion section preceded them - you could hear them before you saw them.  It was always impressive, a fantastic cadence. Mr Luzak never settled for less than best from his students and it was amazing & thrilling to hear the results.  He has left his mark and will be missed.  Our sympathy to his family.

I was saddened beyond words to hear about Mike Luzak's sudden passing, but yet, in remembering the wonderful experience of being taught and mentored by him, am honored beyond my wildest dreams to have shared even just a small part in his wonderful spirit and career.  My association with Mr. Luzak was a blip on the screen compared to the many others who knew him, but even then, he had such an impact on my life.  I will be forever grateful.  God speed Mr. Luzak - your wonderful legacy lives on in your children, family and friends who will never forget you.

I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Luzak's passing. I was in the band at CPHS in 1968-1969. Those were some of the best times of high school for me. Mr. Luzak made band fun and we played some amazing music. It is wonderful to have had a teacher that cared so much about his subject and his students.

Mr.Luzak was my guitar teacher at Chula Vista High School and just last week, I was remembering him and sharing my memories of him with my fiancee. Mr.Luzak had a gift of teaching and he changed many lives with his gift combined with his love to music. Even in life he was an angle. He definatly gets his wings. RIP Mr.Luzak and my deepest condolences to his Family and Friends.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Luzak. Like many of his former students, I feel fortunate to have had Mike as my band director, teacher and mentor. His influence in my life transcended into my professional career as an educator and coach. He will be missed greatly!
When Mike came to Castle Park High School in the fall semester of 1967 he quickly set a tone of excellence and accountability for all who came in contact with him. Mike always gave his best and he expected us to strive to be the best we could be, too.  Many students, like me, benefitted from Mike's counsel whether it was related to music, academics or personal family issues. He taught me that the decisions you make today affects your life tomorrow and to not let your fear of failure prevent you from reaching your dreams and aspirations. 
I will always be appreciative for the times Mike spent listening to my concerns and doubts I had for my future after leaving CPHS. May Mike's family be comforted in knowing that their loved one not only inspired me and countless others but his legacy lives on in the minds and hearts of the students he touched during his long career. Thank you, Mike Luzak…may God bless and keep you.

John A. Cruz, M.Ed.
Drum Major, Class of 1969

god bless you brother mike.all your bands were awesome! so fun being in the band, castle park 77-80.we will all join you in the big band in the sky one day soon. with love, mem.

I am blessed to have been a small part of Mr. Luzak's life. He taught me how to stand up for issues that I cared about. Under his direction we students not only learned great music but valuable life lessons. May each one of us continue on our journey and remember our dear friend, teacher, and mentor. May the Luzak family seek peace and comfort in this trying time and know you have a special angel watching over you all. God speed Michael. RIP
Sandra Grim, CPHS, class of '80

Thank you for contributing to my life long love of music Mr. Luzak.   I also want to thank you for the many life lessons that I didn't realize you were also passing on to me at the time.   A great man, gone too soon.   My thoughts and prayers to the Luzak family and to everyone who like me are remembering what he a positive impact he made in so many lives.

I was acquainted with Mike Luzak back in the 1980's at Chula Vista High School! He was the band director, and I was the Band Booster president coordinating all the parent volunteers.  It was an interesting year!!!  My sympathy and condolences go to his family!!  May Mike Luzak rest in peace!!

I was telling my parents about the memorial at CVHS yesterday and they remembered Mr. Luzak too.  

I was surprised because for the first time my dad told me that he had taken lessons from Mr. Luzak as a child at St. Charles.  He had wanted to play the flute but Mr. Luzak told him there were "no more flutes" and that he "needed" him to play the clarinet.  That's when I told him about all the stories everyone had shared at the memorial of how Mr. Luzak "needed" them to play a particular instrument.  :-)

I was CVHS class of 2001, though I left suddenly 3/4 into my junior year.  I remember Mr. Luzak always being at Mr. Mabrey's side.  He was also always hanging out in my Music Theory class that I had with Mr. Atienza.  He was the one that convinced me to join the district orchestra.  Or should I say he "needed" me to join the district orchestra.  ;-)  I was shy and felt so invisible so it means a lot that he noticed me at all.

I have some good memories from district orchestra of playing "Hallelujah" from the Messiah as well as "Festive Overture" by Shostakovich.  I remember how frustrated he would get with us when we had to play Shostakovich.  It was a difficult piece, but he knew we  could do it!  Sometimes he'd want to do a complete run through probably knowing that it was going to be a mess.  He'd shake his head and mumble "Shostakovich..." signaling us to get ready to run through the entire thing.  We played it for a Christmas concert and I'm sure it wasn't perfect but I think we pulled it off for the most part.  :-)

I regrettably have not played my clarinet since high school and wish I'd had the maturity back then to not get side tracked and stay focused and continue it.  However, now I feel inspired to start again.  :-)

In all of our lives, there are precious few people who alter our course, who focus our vision, who allow us to see why we really live and for what purpose we are here to complete. Mike, you belong to that exclusive little group. Whatever forces led me to your charge so early in life can only be of the good, as what you taught me, and what you showed me, established a positive impact on my life and work for all the years since. I am so happy to have known you for this long, and proud to have been a student, colleague, and friend for decades. Your influence will grow in your absence, and we will miss your smile. May the Light shine eternally on your heart and soul.

Mr. Luzak, thank you for being such a wonderful mentor and friend. I'll try to keep Jason out of trouble for you... Say hi to Freddie Mercury for me. (Just think about all the musicians you'll be jamming with in heaven! Now that's a show to see.)

Much love and respect.

Mr. Luzak you were more than our band director you were a father figure, mentor, teacher and friend...you made me a better person and taught me that through hard work and comittment you will reap the rewards. Thank you for being a part of my life and sharing your love for music with all of us...you will never be forgotten.  Earline (Delos Santos) Ventura CPHS alum '81

An integral part of the GREATNESS of Castle Park High School, Giant among giants, teaching what so many others could not - THANK YOU!

Only once or possibly twice in a lifetime do we have the privilege and honor of meeting someone who had the kind of profound impact on our lives as Michael Luzak did. Take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on in the lives of every soul that he touched- and continues to touch; now and into the future.
The last measure has been played, and the curtains have been drawn shut.
Time for you to take a bow, maestro Luzak. 
BRAVO!

Mike.  You took over a good band at Castle Park High and made it a great band, and later at Chula Vista High School you provided superior music theory to students in the School of Creative and Performing Arts.  It was my privilege to know and work with you.  My best to your family in this difficult time.  Vic Daluiso, 1st. band director at Castle Park High School, and later, administrator at Chula Vista High School.

My condolences to the Luzak family, may you rest in peace.

Dearest Mr Luzak...Youve touched so many lives and the hearts of everyone you came to meet. It was you who gave me a love for classical music and will think of you everytime I hear Mozart. Thank You for the memories i will forever carry with me...

My condolences to the Luzak family.  Even though I graduated from Castle Park High School over 40 years ago, I remember him as one of the most influential teachers in my life! I originally took music classes/band because I wanted what I thought would be easy credits, but he instilled in me a great love of music of all genres and even though I haven't seen him in all this time I remember him and will always remember him as a great mentor and friend.  "HE" looked me up and befriended me on Facebook.  I whined about being 58 and he told me to "suck it up" because he was "68" at the time.  I'll miss you Mike or should I say Mr. Luzak! A lot of people will! God has a great man at his side now directing his symphonies and choirs!

A man amongst men. Words cannot describe this "Gentle Giant". He gave so much to so many.

Mr. Luzak,
 That lovely spirited loud voice followed by that beautiful humming you used to use in class. Awwwww it will be missed. So blessed to have had you as a teacher. You have enriched and impacted so many young lives. Many thanks and much love.

You were the living example of what true excellence is. Everything you did and everything you taught was done  so in love, humility, dignity, passion and grace. What's more is that  you always brought out greatness in all who you came in contact with. In fact, many of your students still continue to pass on that legacy of greatness to their students and the legacy will continue on. Thank you for gracing our lives with the joy of knowing you. I hope that you know just how much you meant to us. You are very much loved and are very much missed. I also pray that are you conducting Gods angels in heaven in the "Hallelujah Chorus" as that is one of my fondest memories of you.

Mr Luzak you were an Awesome musician and teacher.  Thank for believing  in us! You were always very kind and I loved your smile and laugh.  I love going to the theatre and I always enjoy hearing the orchestra playing  because you gave me the love for music in my life.  Thank you!! My love and prayers are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time. Your legacy still lives within us all.

Mr Luzak was an awesome teacher. He was not only our teacher but our friend. He respected us and always had a kind way of getting us through life in high school. I loved your smile and your laugh! God bless you And your loved ones during this difficult time! You will be missed but your legacy lives within us all!

Even though I was never a student of his, Mr. Luzak welcomed me into his band room so I could share the experience of music with my friends who were his students. One of my fondest memories is performing under his direction at the re-dedication of Granger Music Hall in National City (probably around 1977.) We were performing so powerfully that plaster started falling from the ceiling...Needless to say, that only compelled us to give even more.

Thank you Mr. Luzak, you taught me to appreciate much more than music...

Michael, you will be missed but never forgotten. It was a great honor to know you. Love you and see you again one day. My prayers to all the family. God bless.
CPHS (1966-68 Percussion)

Mr. Luzak, you were the most amazing teacher.  We all remember that one teacher and you were it.  You instilled discipline, yet let us think.  We are so blessed to be part of your life.  May your family feel comfort in this time of sorrow.

Big Mike,  I am deeply grateful for having known you in my life as buddy & friend.  You have touched so many lives in your life, you will be missed deeply.  I wish the best for your children and family.  Your buddy, Rick Martinez & Family (California/New Hampshire)

Mr. Luzak, I never said thank you for all that you taught me. I didn't realize at the time the valuable life lessons you were teaching us like self-discipline. I especially thank you for teaching me that I can achieve any goal I set with hard work and dedication. I will never forget your gentleness and encouragement in my Rite of Spring solos (especially the last one in the 2nd to last bar). You blessed my life so much. Thank you Mr. Luzak. I am praying for peace and comfort for your family and look forward to seeing you again in heaven.

Our deepest condolences to the Luzak family.  May warm memories help sustain you in the days ahead.
Mike - your dedication to your students is a testament to your commitment as an educator. You will be missed.
Howard & Helga Rindone

My hearts and prayers are with you.   Mike was a teacher, coach, mentor, protector and friend through our high school years. I have many memories of his life lessons that he passed along to all of us. "You get out of life what you put into it". "If you don't try you'll never know if you can". He taught us to love and appreciate the joy of music in our lives. My parents enjoyed working with him over many years as band parents and send their love as well. God Bless!

(Whew!)...where do I begin?...
My Deepest Condolences to the Luzak Family. 
I'm a '73 grad at CPH. I was in Mr. Luzak's concert & marching bands in '70-'71. I played 3rd part trumpet. He always instilled the importance of the lower parts & harmonics. Of course it wasn't fun unless you were playing 1st part melodies. He had a thing for VOLUME. He loved to hear the brass section blow their lips out til they bled. (Really!) Before a football game, we warmed up to CONQUEST. Mr. Luzak rarely cracks a smile in class. During the warmup I recall looking my way or in that general direction...HE SMILED. Besides a bloody lip : ),I was on a cloud that nite. I must say, our marching band was pretty, darn - GOOD!  To this day, I play the exact same horn with a local, old-school band. Only difference is Mr Luzak, I don't play 3rd part 
anymore : ). I'm sure Mr. Luzak will not trade in his baritone for a harp!  God Bless To All.

I only attended CPHS for one year, my senior year - and it was the best.  I came in knowing no one and Michael's band - the community he forged made me welcome and feel at home.  He inspired the talent in everyone - and paid as much attention to the true musicians as he did to the players like me.  I am sure that the angels in heaven are now splitting their time between concert performances and perfecting their marching!  Thank you Mr. Luzak, you made a difference in my life and many others!  My deepest condolences to your family.   Christine Alfaro Bonney - CPHS '74

Condolences to the Luzak family. Hopefully you can take comfort in the fact that he positively impacted so many lives during his short time on this earth.

Mike - when I see you in my minds eye, you are laughing or smiling.....maybe in your classroom or at a performance, or at one of the notoriously rowdy SCPA staff meetings!  I see you and Gary and me making the 11 pm rounds at the Fine Arts Camp, knowing that somewhere in that camp, kids were awake and plotting mischief of some kind or another, and that we would be up and dealing with it at 2 or 3 am...oh those creative kids!!!! Thats the thing.  The Arts... music, art, dance..it gives people a chance and a space to be themselves, to express themselves, while learning that there are rules as well.  You were a heroic figure in that lesson, and many men and women today are the better for your love,  friendship and guidance - including me.....        see you later, buddy.

I still remember walking into 10th grade (1990) music theory class with the classical music blasting really loud. You have positively changed many students lives. I wish there were more teachers out there like you. I wish peace for your family during this difficult time.

Everyone has pivotal moments in their lives that have changed them forever....being a part of the CPHS Band and having you as a teacher and mentor is one of mine! You not only taught us all how to be better musicians, but better human beings!! Thank you for being YOU!

Thank you for everything...you were a gentleman of many hats...my Mentor and Friend..my prayers go out to the Luzak family..God Bless.

I will forever miss you and the wonderful influence that you have had on my life. You were a mentor, friend, leader, confidant and to many of us...a father figure.  You have left an imprint on so many lives and will be sorely missed.  Many comdolences to the family on the loss of a GREAT man..

You vouched for me because you believed in me when no one else would all of those years ago. I'm eternally grateful for your kindness, your guidance, your dedication, and your patience. I will not forget you.

To say the least, I am a musician today because of Michael Luzak. In addition to music, there were many life lessons learned as well---most important: You get out of life what you put in it. I was always told to find joy in the music. I can never forget you....

Mr. Luzak: you were a huge part of my life.  You taught me so much more than music.  You taught me great life lessons.  Lynda Webb West, Castle Park Class of '81.

I am eternally grateful for the love you gave me and my daughters.  There are no words to express the loss many of us feel.  We will always love you.

Frances, Bridgette and Brianne

My heartfelt sympathies to the Luzak family. I was in Trojanettes when Mr. Luzak was band director at Castle Park High School. He demanded nothing but the best from all of us and, because we respected him so much, we did our best to give him our best. He cared about all of us and we knew it. The world has lost a wonderful person. Peace be with the family.

Susan Tonelli Buckley
Castle Park High School Alumnus, 1970

Luzak,
You taught me that being human was okay and no one is perfect! You have been in my head coaching me along these years! Rest in peace...you are missed!

Mr. Luzak, words cannot express the thanks I have for your influence on my life during my high school years.  You provided a sense of family and security to all of us.  I am a better person for having known you.

Mr Luzak heaven just gained an absolute angel from here on earth. You touched so many lives over the years. You will be missed, but your legacy will continue to live on. God Bless you and your family.

Mr.Luzak,
 You have touched my heart that I never forgot you or the lessons learned about family,respect,pride and how to appreciate music in all it's forms. To this day there is not a time I do not recall how it was "back in the day" and how you helped us. You may have not thought so but you touched a lot of hearts and minds. You and I will always have "the golden wrappers" that will always stay between you and me forever. May your family be comforted by  the thoughts of how many you have influenced and will live on thru and truly love you. I will miss knowing you are not here physically but will be happy knowing you are still around.....
Maria "chunky" Montijo-Alfaro

My sympathies to the Luzak family. I was in Trojanettes when Mr. Luzak was the band director. His passion and drive for perfection affected all of us for the better. The world has lost someone too soon, there aren't many mentors like him. God bless and keep the family.

Mr. Luzak: thank you for inspiring me and helping me become a better person and a better musician. I will never forget the impact that you made in my life. Thank You for everything...

Love you Luzak...you will never be forgotten. Thanks for all the wonderful memories and for being there for so many.

Thank you Mike for all your guidance and all around good times. Your influence will live on in my teaching.

Hi, 

My name is Noe Anguiano. I had Mr. Luzak as a music theory teacher and concert band director. He was the best teacher and mentor I have ever had. He always gave me such great advice that i now reflect on and just makes me smile the way he use to say them to me. I will never forget how he helped me to become a better musician. I will miss you greatly Mr. Luzak. May you be conducting in heaven

Gone far too soon.... May the Luzak family find peace, love, and light in this most difficult of times - as I wish for all of us who were so deeply touched by this one life's passing.  May we remember his example (the real person) and live our lives so that we may, also, be so remembered.  

Aho...

OBITUARY

Michael T. Luzak

October 7, 1944 – January 5, 2013

Glen Abbey Memorial Park & Mortuary

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services