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 is the Elementary Instrumental Representative to 
the Board of Directors 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 Band students at Triadelphia Ridge 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 is 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.