.: About Me

Michael Pollock is a multi-faceted percussionist with experience and proficiency in the many aspects of the percussion world. He is also an arranger, instructor, clinician, conductor, and music educator. He has performed in numerous ensembles including the Omaha Symphony, Pan-American Steel Band, Johnson County Landmark Jazz Ensemble, Nebraska Wind Symphony, Omaha Symphonic Chorus, Omaha Community Playhouse Orchestra. Michael performed regularly as one half of the Pollock/Dusdieker Percussion duo from 2000-2004. Currently, Michael plays percussion for the Omaha Symphonic Winds and the Omaha Percussion Ensemble, drumset for the Omaha Community Playhouse and Moses Prey, and he also leads, directs, and performs as part of Mike Pollock Jazz.

Michael's education background started at the University of Iowa where he received his Bachelor of Music Degree with honors and a K-12 music education certificate. From there, he traveled to Omaha, NE and served on staff at the University of Nebraska-Omaha as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. His duties included administrative organization, lecturing classes, directing and conducting concert bands, jazz bands, the marching band, and percussion ensemble, and teaching undergraduate percussion and conducting. In 2006, he graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha with a Masters in Music as well as being named the Outstanding Graduate Student for the entire campus. As a student he has studied conducting with Don Coffman, Kenneth Thompson, Erica Niedlinger, and James Saker. He has also studied percussion with Nancy Zeltsman, Stefon Harris, Daniel Moore, Steve Raybine, Jim Drier, Mat Britain, Al Jacobsen, Tomm Roland, Ken Yoshida and Carlos Figuero.

Michael is an avid music educator as well. He has served as Percussion Instructor & Arranger for Cedar Rapids Prairie High School, the University of Iowa, Millard North High School, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha. He has been a clinician at the Iowa All State Music Camp, and the Omaha Jazz Workshop. He has also served as a member of the Iowa Arts Share program as a clinician/educator/performer where he was responsible for promoting the arts across the state of Iowa. Michael has taught lessons privately for many years as well. He has directed and conducted the Iowa City New Horizons Band, Linn-Mar High School Wind Symphony, Clear Creek Amana Middle School Band, and the University of Nebraska-Omaha Symphonic Wind Ensemble and University Band. Currently Michael is the Director of Bands for Papillion LaVista High School in Omaha, NE