Michael Blake is Director of Jazz Studies and teaches Applied Percussion at the University of North Dakota. His duties include, Applied Percussion, Jazz Combos, Steel Band, Percussion Ensemble and the teaching of Jazz Improvisation.
Though stepping down from directing the 12:00 Jazz Ensemble at the end of 2006, Michaels’ Ensemble has received many awards in the past 30 years. In 1999 they performed at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Montreux Switzerland. They were once again invited and performed there in July of 2005. The group also consistently won 1st of 2nd place at the popular University of Wisconsin Eau Claire College Jazz Festival throughout the years. The most recent being April 2, 2004, when the Jazz Ensemble placed 1st and the combo placed 2nd. Michael has also been the recipient of Who’s Who for the past four years in Higher Education.
He has studied with artists such as Mike Mainieri, Gary Burton, Christos Rafalides, Ed Saindon and Gordon Stout. Michael is a clinician for Ludwig/Musser, Paiste Cymbals and Latin Percussion. As a performer, he has played with the following artists in a supportive role; Martin Short, The Smothers Brothers, Clark Terry, Bob Hope, Della Reese, Gordon MaCrae, Jack Jones, Vicki Carr, and Howard Roberts. Michael is also in demand as a clinician/performer.
Michael lives in Grand Forks with his wife Ginny, daughter Brittney and son Drew.
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