2023 Reynolds Conducting Institute Fellow

Meet Michael Parker

Michael Parker is currently a second year Master’s student in Wind Conducting at Michigan State University under the instruction of Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole. At Michigan State, he assists with all aspects of the band program, regularly guest conducting the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, and Concert Band, as well as working with the Spartan Marching Band and Spartan Brass athletic bands. Prior to graduate school, Michael taught in the public schools for five years as Director of Bands at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, VA. At Ocean Lakes, he directed the Marching Dolphins, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Percussion Ensemble, as well as overseeing the Winter Guard and Indoor Drumline. His bands at Ocean Lakes consistently received superior ratings at state marching and concert band assessments. Michael received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from James Madison University where he performed in the Wind Symphony, Brass Band, and served as drum major for the Marching Royal Dukes. In 2019, he was chosen as the recipient of the JMU Outstanding Early Career Music Educator Award.