Jerry E. Sirucek Memorial Scholarship
Jerry E. Sirucek was born on June 30, 1922 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anton and Anna Marie (Krejsa) Sirucek. He began his career in 1940 with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra. In 1941, at the age of 19, he became the youngest member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. After serving four years in the United States Navy Band and attending Rensselear Polytechnic Institute for officer training, he returned to the Orchestra in 1946, where he remained until 1961. He attended Chicago's Roosevelt University, earning a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1948. In addition to his tenure with the Chicago Symphony, Professor Sirucek was a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Woodwind Quintet and taught at Northwestern University and Sherwood Music School.
He came to Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 1961 at the invitation of Dean Wilfred C. Bain. Bain once described him as "a good, solid teacher; a person who knew his obligations and never cut them short." While at IU, he also participated in the Aspen Music and Chautauqua festivals and was music coach to the National Orchestra of Spain. For 28 years, Sirucek was professor of oboe and English horn at IU until his retirement in May, 1988.
After his death in August, 1996, his family and friends established the Jerry E. Sirucek Memorial Scholarship. It is awarded annually to students enrolled at IU Jacobs School of Music, with preference given to those majoring in oboe.