Richard Polonchak

Richard Polonchak is an adjunct professor at Shepherd University's School of Music, where he performs with the Faculty Wind Trio (Shepherd Three) and The Two Rivers Trio. Formerly, he held roles as principal bassoonist of the United States Marine Band ("The President’s Own") and White House Orchestra, and performed with the Marine Woodwind Quintet and Trio d’Anches. He has taught at institutions including Duquesne University, Catholic University, and the University of Virginia. Polonchak earned a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Music from Duquesne University under Arthur Kubey and Benjamin Spiegel, with additional studies in bassoon repair under Lewis Hugh Cooper.

His expertise spans bassoon pedagogy, instrument design, and music performance. Collaborating with Custom Music Company, he co-designed the Kroner 450 bassoon/contrabassoon in Germany and advised factories on American bassoon modifications. He has presented clinics in 35 states and authored Primary Handbook for Bassoon (1982, 5th printing), contributing to The Woodwind Players Cookbook and Western International Band Clinic audio materials. His articles appear in The Instrumentalist, Bandworld Magazine, and others.

Polonchak’s work bridges performance, education, and instrument innovation, with ongoing contributions to bassoon technique and design.