GW University BAND - A NEXT Music Ensemble, Spring Concert 2026

A native of Dyersville, Iowa, Professor Michael J. Schmitz began his musical studies on trumpet under instruction from his father at age ten and switched to trombone two years later. He earned his Bachelor of Music (Education) degree from the University of Northern Iowa, and a Master of Music (Performance) degree from Northwestern University. He studied trombone with Jon Hansen and Frank Crisafulli and conducting with Karl Holvik and Tony Maiello.

Schmitz was a high school music educator in Iowa public schools for six years. He led award-winning bands and frequently appeared as trombone soloist and guest conductor.

In 1990, he joined the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. as a trombone instrumentalist. During his 30 year Navy career he performed on thousands of concerts and ceremonies across the country and internationally. He was a featured performer on two national tours, an international music conference, summer concerts and on a compact disc recording.

Schmitz was the Navy concert band recording producer for 18 years, responsible for 15 audio CD recordings and numerous social media released recordings. He produced acclaimed educational DVDs on music by Percy Grainger and Karel Husa.

He was an enlisted conductor for over 24 years, leading the Navy Band in concert at the US Capitol, the White House, and at the 2007 Midwest International Band Clinic. He frequently was a featured conductor on National Tours and local and summer concerts.

Professor Schmitz was appointed Director of Bands at George Washington University in the Fall of 2019. He is currently a member of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), and resides with his wife in Northern Virginia.

Held every spring as an end-of-year thesis and capstone show, NEXT Festival showcases the work of Corcoran students in celebration of contemporary art and scholarship. This year, the school is continuing the new festival format that broadens the depth and breadth of its programming, with performances, exhibitions, and symposia across campus.

Our students create music seven days a week both individually and through ensembles. They perform in venues on and off campus, in D.C. and beyond. Through our curriculum, which includes courses in performance, history & culture, computer music, and theory, students get to know each other and enjoy encouraging and productive relationships with faculty members. Our Bachelor of Arts in Music degree fosters musicianship, creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. A major in music prepares students for a wide variety of career choices, both in music-centered professions and beyond.Our majors and minors are encouraged to join ensembles to develop performance experience and expand their repertoire.

Opportunities for Non-Majors: GW students with a background in music are welcome and encouraged to audition to participate in our ensembles. Membership in these ensembles is composed of the varied and talented GW community and is not limited to those registered as a music major or minor.

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