Make Music with Michael
Music | Visual | Leadership
Get to know Michael
Michael Ball received his undergraduate degree in Instrumental Music Education from Georgia State University with Summa Cum Laude distinction. During his time at GSU, he played trumpet in several ensembles, including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Panther Band, and Basketball Pep Band. He also served two seasons as Drum Major for the marching Panther Band, worked as a College of the Arts Counselor in the Office of Education Outreach, taught Theory/Aural Skills lessons, and studied under several faculty members as a School of Music University Assistant. In addition to his high school and collegiate band experience, Michael has also competed in three seasons of drum corps with Atlanta CV and The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps.
From 2020-2026, Michael served as Director of Bands at Duluth High School located in Duluth, GA. During this time, the band program nearly doubled in size as it recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. Michael taught 4 concert bands, music technology, the Wildcat Marching Band, The JazzCats, Full Orchestra, and Percussion Ensemble. In addition to being the club sponsor for the Wildcat JV and Varsity Winterguards and Tri-M Music Honor Society, he also initiated a Spring Leadership program where students met weekly to play games, teach their peers, and develop their communication skills.
Michael currently resides in Charleston, SC with his fiancé, Shekinah, and their cat named Squirrel.
How Can I Help?
Sectional Coaching
As a former director, I know it can be difficult to find a sectional coach that can teach in a way that is engaging for a wide range of ability. Well…. look no farther!
Trumpet is my primary, but I’m also happy to help your horn players stop missing partials, your saxophones play with a focused and clear sound, and your clarinets pick the best pinky for the job!
Visual Design
and Instruction
Some students need things to be broken down… A LOT. But, how do you also balance the needs of the entire ensemble without everyone just standing around? I can help!
With clear and concise language, we isolate the role of any joint or muscle involved in marching or choreography. This is how we maximize reps and student engagement!
Drum Major Lessons
You know as well as I do, an unprepared Drum Major is worse than no drum major at all! I’m here to help!
Unlike most instructors, I don’t just focus on conducting. We’ll also discuss all of those things that you don’t have time to cover.
TE Tuner / Dr. Beat Presets
Developing a sense of pulse
Clicking sticks & Gock Block 101
Peer Leadership
How to recover from a tear in the show
and so much more!
Leadership Clinics
AHHH!!! Kids these days!!!
How do I convince them to be nice to each other, clean up the band room, and not waste their sectional time?
And when will I ever have the time??
I can help! Leadership can be nebulous, so I’ve worked over the years to develop a objective skills-based approach that is engaging for your students! We’ll cover…
Role definition
Peer Leadership
How to teach in a sectional
Building community in the band
Ownership of their space
and so so much more!
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