Dr. Stephen Bednarzyk is currently in his 9th season as Music Director & Conductor for the Guam Symphony Society. Prior to coming to Guam, Dr. Bednarzyk worked as a conductor with the South Carolina Opera Theater and as assistant conductor for the University of South Carolina Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. He was also musical director for numerous musical theater productions in the Columbia, S.C. area.

As a professional clarinetist, Dr. Bednarzyk has performed with the Brevard Music Center Orchestra, Winston Salem Symphony, NEC Philharmonia, Boston Civic Orchestra, Dallas Wind Symphony, and South Carolina Philharmonic, and has played under the batons of Mistislav Rostropovich, Robert Shaw, Gunther Schuller, Robert Spano, Benjamin Zander, Pascal Verrot, and Fredrick Fennell.

During his tenure with the Guam Symphony Society, Dr. Bednarzyk has brought in world class soloists to perform with the Guam Symphony, such as violinist Kin Fung Leung, cellists Miko Uno & Diego Garcia, guitarist David Duenas, and pianists Jean-François Proulx & Elizabeth Dela Cruz. In 2003 he created the Guam Symphony Chamber Players, and performs with them both as a clarinetist and pianist on a regular basis. As an accompanist, Dr. Bednarzyk has appeared in recital with tenor Richard Vergara, violist Min Kyung Chung, violinist Victor Olmsted, and saxophonist Doug Chan.

Dr. Bednarzyk is also an associate professor of music at the University of Guam, where he teaches music theory, conducting, and applied piano, and serves as an accompanist for many students. His UOG Triton Jazz Band appeared at the 2009 Japanese International Youth Musicale in Shizuoka, Japan.

A Massachusetts native, Dr. Bednarzyk holds a Bachelor of Music in Clarinet Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music. He received his Masters of Music and Doctor of Music degrees in instrumental conducting from the University of South Carolina, where he also received the Outstanding Graduate Student in Music award. In 2002, Dr. Bednarzyk and the Guam Symphony Society were the recipients of the Maga’lahi Award for Performing Arts and Community Support for the Arts on Guam. An additional honor includes the Guam Women’s Club 2006 “King Rex” for outstanding community support and involvement.

He resides in Mangilao,with his lovely and talented wife, Michelle, who is an instructor of English and Acting at the University of Guam, and a local actress.