Mike Huestis
American Fork HS, UT / Independent - United States

Overview

Michael Huestis is currently in his 9th year of teaching at American Fork Junior & Senior High Schools. Michael’s duties include directing four percussion ensembles, two steel drum bands, the World percussion ensemble, assistant
director of the marching band, composing and arranging for marching percussion, as well as the curriculum design for all percussion students in the American Fork Band Programs.

The American Fork Percussion Ensemble and Drumline has performed at the Bands of America National Percussion Festival, Bands of American Grand National Championships, President Bush’s inaugural parade in Washington D.C. in 2005. and The 2007 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In the December 2008 issue of School Band and Orchestra Magazine Mr. Huestis was featured as one of the “50 Directors Who Make a Difference”.

Michael’s drum corps career includes the Velvet Knights, Freelancers and Blue Devils. His Bachelor of Music Degree was earned from the University of North Texas where he performed with the U.N.T. drum line, Steel Band, the Brazilian Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble. Michael earned a Masters in Percussion Performance from B.Y.U. serving as a graduate assistant for the Cougar Drumline and Latin-Jazz Ensemble. Michael has studied with David Glyde, Shawn Glyde, Paul Rennick, Ron Fink, Dr. Jon Kellis, Dr. Ronald Brough and Dr. Robert Scheitroma.

In addition to his numerous arranging and recording credits, Michael works for Blue Devil Entertainment as the coordinator and musical director for the “Jazz Beat”, performing at home games for the Utah Jazz basketball team. Mr. Huestis is a composer and arranger with compositions published by JKS Music , Key Poulan Publications and Scott Johnson Drums. Michael is also the author of the classroom text “Developing the Percussionist-Musician”.

Mr. Huestis’ professional affiliations include, Utah Music Educators Association, Music Educators National Conference, and the Percussive Arts Society. Michael is an artist for  Pearl Drums & Adams Musical Instruments, Vic Firth Sticks and Evans Drumsheads and served as the Utah Chapter President of Percussive Arts Society from 2004-2007.