Michael Blackman
(2000-present)

A soloist, and performer in many sections, of the Columbia Concert Band since 1986, Michael Blackman became its Assistant Conductor in 1995. In the Fall of 2000, he took over as Director and has worked with the membership to heighten performance standards and increase support from within the community.  Made up of adults from varied musical backgrounds, the Band performs many times throughout the year, including formal concerts in the Spring and Winter.

Mr. Blackman received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from the University of Maryland, College Park.  He studied clarinet with Ed Walters, performed under John Wakefield, and studied conducting with Dr. Paul Traver.  He has recently completed a Masters Degree in Music Education at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, studying conducting with Dr. Harlan Parker. Mr. Blackman is a member of the National Music Honor Society Kappa Lambda, the International Professional Music Fraternity, Mu Phi Epsilon, and the National Honorary Band Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, and has adjudicated at various solo and band festivals throughout Maryland. He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Maryland Band Directors' Association.

A product of the Howard County Public Schools, Mr. Blackman eagerly accepted a position as instrumental music teacher with the school system in 1991.  He currently teaches music students at River Hill High School and is a former director of the Howard County Elementary Band, a select group of young instrumentalists who perform middle and high school level repertoire. He was also a music arranger/instructor for the award-winning Atholton High School Marching Band, which is directed by his own former teacher, Mr. Lee Stevens.

Mr. Blackman lives in Columbia with his wife, Kathie; daughter, Julianne; sons, Collin and Justin; and their cat, Wolfgang.