A native of Colorado, Zak Ruffert has been a professional music educator in the Denver area for the past 21 years serving as the director of bands at Smoky Hill High School in Aurora since 2006. Zak holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from the University of Colorado and a Masters of Music in Conducting from Southern Oregon University. 

As a performer, Zak has held prior positions with the Littleton Symphony Orchestra and the Colorado Wind Ensemble. He joined the cornet section of the Colorado Brass in 2019 where he has also performed with the Colorado Brass’ 10 piece ensemble the “Versatile Brass”.

Zak currently lives in Aurora with his wife, two sons, and black lab Duncan. In addition to brass banding Zak enjoys mountaineering, backpacking and traveling.