Joseph Shirk
Joseph Shirk was a professor of music, oboist, and administrator.
He received a B.S.M.E. from the University of Illinois, an M.M. in oboe performance from the New England Conservatory, and a D.M.A. from the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music.
Shortly before he was diagnosed with cancer in 2000, Shirk was appointed interim director at the Institute of the Arts at George Mason University.
Shirk was an ACTIVE performer with several professional organizations and served as regional vice chair of the National Association of Schools of Music and a member of the Fairfax Spotlight on the Arts Advisory.
Early career
After receiving his M.M. in oboe performance, Shirk moved to Kansas and became director of bands and orchestras at Emporia State University. He was later appointed chair of the music department sometime around 1990 after receiving his D.M.A.
Fundraising efforts
Shirk founded the annual Music Benefit Scholarship Concert at George Mason University in 1997, bringing in over $700,000 over four years until his death in 2000. The Music Benefit Scholarship Concert was later renamed in his memory.