About
Michael W. Pettis is a passionate musician, composer, arranger, and educator whose life’s work is to inspire creativity, growth, and understanding through music. Michael earned his Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Theory and Composition from West Chester University of Pennsylvania. At West Chester University Michael studied composition with Larry Nelson, Andrew Yozviak, Mark Rimple, Van Stiefel, Adam Silverman, and Robert Maggio. At WCU, Michael wrote and conducted, "As the Wind Blows" working with the Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. M Gregory Martin. Michael has also arranged for the WCU Incomprable Marching Band and the WCU Pep Band. Michael also attend Rutgers earning a Master's in Tuba Performance. At Rutgers we worked with Scarlet Night Marching Band and indoor concert bands. Currently, Michael is at Temple University as a graduate student studying Music Education. He has worked with the Temple Marching Band and has also arranged for them.
Outside of Higher education, Michael enjoys teaching, designing, and creating for the marching arts. At Central Bucks South High School, Michael was the on staff arranger/writer for the marching band program, primarily writing the wind book and arranging stands tunes as well.
Michael find inspiration from world events, friendships, dramas, spirituality, and imagination.
"I want anybody who is playing or listening to my music to be transported to that place, feeling, or memory happening in the music. Then to be able to come back from their with that experience will expand upon their experiences after the piece has finished."
There is much more music to come this Summer 2022.
Stay Tuned!
"I enjoy the different sounds you
are able to create within the ensemble"
- Member of the Merion Concert Band
The Full Story
Originally from Delran, New Jersey, music is what Michael knew best. From Intermediate School, all throughout High School, he used what he knew best to help him succeed in school. Starting in the percussion section, then to the trumpet section, and finally to the tuba section as well as occasionally conducting, Michael's passion for music is not limited to one asset of the music world. He first started composing in 8th grade with a concert band piece called "Wow". This piece won him awards through the Delran PTA and the NJ PTA. Throughout high school, he continued to write for the brass ensemble and the concert band.
Michael is a graduate of West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Music in Music Theory and Composition. He has studied with, Dr. Larry Nelson, Dr. Van Stiefel, Dr. Lex Rozin, Dr. Adam Silverman, Dr. Robert Maggio and Dr. Mark Rimple. He has written for brass quintet, woodwind trio, solo tuba, tuba and euphonium ensemble, brass ensemble, and wind bands. In 2012, Michael and two other co-founders created The WIC Wind Ensemble to provide composer opportunities to have their pieces recorded by a live wind ensemble. Michael organized, composed, and conducted the ensemble. He was also the composer for a West Chester based brass quintet called, "Attack Brass". They premiered, "One Equals Five" and "You mean something." He is also the founder, composer, and conductor of Breathing Light Wind Ensemble, a performing ensemble. The Chester County Concert Band awarded Michael as their first winner of their composition competition with "As the Wind Blows" in 2013. They also premiered "Fanfare and Dance" in 2015 with Michael guest conducting.
Switching to tuba from trumpet in 2011, Michael has increasingly met success on his musical journey studying with Dr. Jonothan Fowler. Within the next two years, he was able to secure a seat in the West Chester University Wind Ensemble. In the wind ensemble, he was able to perform in various conferences and concert, and record 3 CDs with the wind ensemble. In 2014, he was earned the principal spot in the wind ensemble.
In 2017, Michael grautated Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey with a Master's degree in Music Performance on Tuba . He studied with Alan Baer of the New York Philharmonic. He also took an independent conducting study with Daryl Bott for one year and taught the Scarlet Knight Marching Band! At Rutgers, Michael participated in Brass Ensemble, Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Graduate Quintet, and many more ensembles.
Michael attended Temple University pursing a Master of Music in Music Education Plus Certification. Michael has performed with Wind Symphony and Orchestra on Tuba. He served as one of two graduate assistants for the the instrumental program. He duties include working with the Diamond Marching Band, Pep Band, Symphonic Band, and Collegiate Band. His class load includes a first placement for student teaching at Spruance Elementary with the General Music and Choir program, and a second placement at Garnet Valley High School with the Band program.
Michael has taught in Montgomery Township, NJ as a Middle School Band Director and in Enola PA (near Harrisburg, PA) as the High School Band Director/Music Teacher. He currently teaches in the Neshaminy School District as the Director of Bands at Carl Sandburg Middle School teaching grades 5 - 8 and also works with the Neshaminy High School Marching Band. Aside from music, he also coaches Volleyball at the middle school he teaches.
Outside of academia, Michael serves as the Assistant Conductor/General Manager and chair of the Chamber Ensembles Committee. He is also a member of the Doylestown Symphonic Winds and at times serves as a guest conductor.