Mr. Kaufman is currently on the faculty at the Interlochen Arts Camp, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Interlochen, Michigan. As music director of the Wind Studies program and All State program, Mr. Kaufman oversees and conducts the World Youth Wind Symphony, Interlochen Symphony Band, Intermediate Wind Symphony, Junior Band, and All State Band, Orchestra and Choir.
Previously, Michael Kaufman served as Director of Bands at Grand Ledge High School. Under Mr. Kaufman’s direction, the Grand Ledge Wind Symphony performed at the Midwest Clinic twice, the College Band Directors National Association Midwestern Regional Convention twice, the National Band Association Biannual Convention, the Mid-Western Conference on Instrumental and Vocal Music four times, and the Western Michigan University Conference on Wind and Percussion Music three times.
Mr. Kaufman received the Bachelor of Music Degree with honors from Michigan State University and the Master of Music Degree from the same institution. Active in professional music organizations, Mr. Kaufman has served in various offices of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and the National Band Association. Memberships include: the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, the National Band Association, the American School Band Director's Association, the College Band Directors National Association and the American Bandmasters Association. Mr. Kaufman adjudicates various Music Festivals and is active as a guest clinician, conductor and adjudicator throughout the United States.
Mr. Kaufman was elected MSBOA "Teacher of the Year", awarded the NBA Citation of Excellence twice; the ASBDA Stanbury Award, the Sudler Flag of Honor, the Michigan State University College of Education Golden Apple award, and the MSU College of Music Marching Band Distinguished Alumni Award. He was elected to membership in the American Bandmaster's Association in 1997.
Several guest artists of international stature have appeared with the Grand Ledge Bands upon invitation from Mr. Kaufman. These include such distinguished composers, conductors, and performers as Karel Husa, Warren Benson, H. Owen Reed, David Maslanka, Leslie Bassett, Ross Lee Finney, Samuel Adler, Frank Ticheli, David Gillingham, Daniel McCarthy, H. Robert Reynolds, Frederick Fennell, Leonard Falcone, Dr. Harry Begian, Eugene Corporon, Claude T. Smith, Kenneth Bloomquist, John Whitwell, Ray Cramer, Frank Ell, Charles Vernon, Dr. Douglas Campbell, James Forger, Dr. Daniel Stolper, Philip Sinder, Richard Illman, Joseph Lulloff, and Curtis Olson.
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David Rosin, Vice President, Music Alumni Association