Michael Baker, Musical Director and Conductor

As an avid performer and educator, Michael has pursued his passion for music across numerous styles and diverse disciplines. Michael received his undergraduate degrees in Music Education and Trumpet Performance from Oakland University, where his accomplishments were recognized with the Outstanding Student in Music Education and Outstanding Student in Jazz awards. Further pursuing his passions, Michael served as a graduate assistant at the University of Georgia's Hugh Hodgson School of Music, where he earned his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance under the tutelage of Philip Smith. Pursuant to his graduate studies, Michael was named a winner in the 2023 UGA Concerto Competition and was selected as one of two outstanding graduate students in all areas of advanced research in music.

A lifelong brass band enthusiast, Michael directs, clinics, and performs regularly with brass bands across the eastern United States. An award-winning soprano cornet soloist, Michael studies with Christopher Ward and has been a featured soloist with brass bands such as the Five Lakes Silver Band, Oakland University Brass Band, and the UGA British Brass Band. Michael co-founded and has served as Assistant Director of the Motor City Academy Brass Band. Michael currently performs solo cornet with the Five Lakes Silver Band and serves proudly as Music Director of the Five Lakes Metro Brass Band.