Michael Votta

Appointed Fall 2008

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 Interim Director of the School of Music at the University of Maryland, where he holds the rank of Professor and also serves as Director of Bands. Under his leadership, the UMD Wind Orchestra (UMWO) has been invited to perform at multiple national and divisional conferences of the College Band Directors National Association as well as the 2015 international conference of the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. UMWO has also performed with major artists such as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra,  Eighth Blackbird, the Imani Winds and Konshens the MC. UMWO has commissioned and premiered over 30 works by composers such as Clarice Assad, Stephen Jaffe, Alvin Singleton, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Andre Previn, Steven Mackey and numerous others. 

Votta has taught conducting seminars in the US, Israel and Canada, 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 (ÖRF), 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 President of the College Band Directors National Association and has served as President of the Big Ten Band Directors Association, Editor of the CBDNA  Journal, and as a member of the boards of the International Society for the Investigation of Wind Music (IGEB) and 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. 

A native of Michigan, Votta holds degrees in conducting, clarinet performance and microbiology  from the Eastman School of Music and The University of Michigan. As a clarinetist, he has  performed as a soloist throughout the US and Europe. His solo and chamber music recordings  have been released on the Partridge and Albany labels.