Michael Parker has been appointed Director of Athletic Bands at Northwestern University beginning in July. In this role, he will lead the University’s athletic band programs, including the Northwestern University “Wildcat” Marching Band and pep bands. He will also conduct the Concert Band and teach courses in the Bienen School of Music.

Michael Parker is a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator currently completing his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting at Michigan State University under the tutelage of Kevin Sedatole. At Michigan State, he assists with all aspects of the band program, including conducting the university concert bands, arranging music and writing drill for the Spartan Marching Band, directing the Spartan Brass women’s basketball and hockey pep bands, and serving as a teaching assistant for conducting and music education courses.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael Parker as the next Director of the Wildcat Marching Band. His outstanding musicianship, Big Ten experience, respect for tradition, and forward-looking vision make him an exceptional addition to the Northwestern University Bands faculty,” said Robert Taylor, director of bands and John W. Beattie Chair of Music.

A passionate advocate for new music, Parker has commissioned and premiered multiple new works for wind ensemble and chamber winds. He was selected as a conducting fellow for the 2023 Reynolds Conducting Institute at the Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference.

"His outstanding musicianship, Big Ten experience, respect for tradition, and forward-looking vision make him an exceptional addition to the Northwestern University Bands faculty."

- Robert Taylor

Parker previously served as director of bands at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, Va. Under his direction, the marching and concert ensembles consistently received superior ratings at state marching and concert assessments, earning multiple Virginia Honor Band distinctions and contributing to the school’s Blue Ribbon Awards, recognizing superior performances from band, chorus, and orchestra.

He earned a master’s degree in wind conducting from Michigan State University and a bachelor’s degree in music education from James Madison University, where he served as drum major of the Marching Royal Dukes. In 2019, he was selected as the recipient of the JMU Outstanding Early Career Music Educator Award.