DR. MICHAEL VOTTA
Professor, Wind Conducting
Director of Bands
B.M., M.M., University of Michigan;
D.M.A. Eastman School of Music
MICHAEL VOTTA, JR. has been hailed by critics as a conductor with the drive and ability to fully relay artistic thoughts and praised for his interpretations of definition, precision and most importantly, unmitigated joy. Ensembles under his direction have received critical acclaim in the United States, Europe, and Asia for their exceptional spirit, verve and precision, their sterling examples of innovative programming and the kind of artistry that is often thought to be the exclusive purview of top symphonic ensembles.
He currently serves as Director of Bands at the University of Maryland where he holds the rank of Professor. Under his leadership, the UM Wind Orchestra has been invited to perform at the international conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles as well as national and regional conferences of the College Band Directors National Association. UMWO has also performed with major artists such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, Eighth Blackbird, and the Imani Winds. UMWO has commissioned and premiered numerous works by composers such as Andre Previn, Steven Mackey, Alvin Singleton, and James Syler.
Votta has taught conducting seminars in the US and Israel and has guest conducted and lectured throughout the world with organizations including the Beijing Wind Orchestra, the Prague Conservatory, the Eastman School of Music, the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, the National Arts Camp at Interlochen, the Midwest Clinic, and the Conductors Guild.
His performances have been heard in broadcasts throughout the US, on Austrian National Radio (RF), and Southwest German Television, and have been released internationally on the Primavera label. Numerous major composers including George Crumb, Christopher Rouse, Louis Andriessen, Karel Husa, Olly Wilson, Barbara Kolb, and Warren Benson have praised his performances of their works. His arrangements and editions for winds have been performed and recorded by university and professional wind ensembles in the US, Europe, and Japan. He is also the author and editor of books and articles on wind literature and conducting.
He is currently the President-Elect of the Eastern Division of the College Band Directors National Association, and the Big Ten Band Directors Association. He previously served as Editor of the CBDNA Journal, as a member of the Executive Board of the International Society for the Investigation of Wind Music (IGEB), and on the board of the Conductors Guild. Before his appointment at Maryland, Votta held conducting positions at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Duke University, Ithaca College, the University of South Florida, Miami University (Ohio) and Hope College.
Votta holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting degree from the Eastman School of Music where he served as Assistant Conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble and studied with Donald Hunsberger. A native of Michigan, Votta received his undergraduate training and Master of Music degrees from the University of Michigan, where he studied with H. Robert Reynolds.
As a clarinetist, Votta has performed as a soloist throughout the US and Europe. His solo and chamber music recordings are available on the Partridge and Albany labels.