Michael Blackman

Concert Band Director
2000 - Present

A soloist and performer in many sections of the Columbia Concert Band since 1986, Michael Blackman became the 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. 

Mr. Blackman received a Bachelor of Science 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. He has served on the Executive Board of the Maryland Band Directors' Association, and has adjudicated and guest-conducted in various school districts in Maryland and Delaware. 

A product of Howard County Public Schools, Michael 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 has performed with his Wind Ensemble at the prestigious "Music For All" National Festival. He is a former director of the Howard County Elementary School 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 was directed by his own former teacher, Mr. Lee Stevens. 

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