Originally from Shreveport, Louisiana, Carol Rustowicz moved to San Antonio in the early 80’s and became involved in public school music education in the Judson and North East ISDs as a saxophone instructor. In 1996, she enrolled at UTSA to complete her undergraduate degree in music education. After graduation in 1999, she taught in Northside ISD and Judson ISD. In 2004, she assumed the Head Director position at Earl Rudder Middle School in Northside ISD, remaining there until the Fall, 2012, when she became the Administrative Associate for Athletic Bands and Director of Summer Instrumental Music Camps at The University of Texas at San Antonio. In 2017, she became an Assistant Band Director at John M. Harlan High School in Northside ISD while finishing her Masters in Music Education from UTSA, graduating in spring 2018. In the spring of 2019, she retired after 20 years of teaching. She is currently a clinician and an adjudicator around the South Texas area and is enjoying time with her family.

Mrs. Rustowicz was named ‘First Year Educator of the Year’ at Pease Middle School (2000) and ‘Educator of the Year’ at Rudder Middle School (2011). She also served as the director of the UTSA Middle School Band Camp from 2006 – 2016. In 2013, she presented a clinic at TMEA on ‘Developing Band Sound through Breathing Techniques’ and in 2015, presented a clinic at TMEA on ‘Recruitment and Retention: The Missing Link”.

Mrs. Rustowicz continues to enjoy playing the saxophone, having performed the National Anthem for the San Antonio Spurs and the San Antonio Missions. Mrs. Rustowicz is active as an adjudicator and clinician. She is currently Principal Alto Saxophonist with the San Antonio Wind Symphony and the past President of their Board of Directors.