MUSICAL DIRECTOR

Michael Kobito is an educator, musician, and speaker from Cartersville, Georgia. He currently serves as the Conductor and Musical Director of the Georgia Brass Band, Conductor of the Emory Wind Ensemble at Emory University, and Associate Conductor of Tara Winds. A passionate advocate for music education, Kobito has received five National Band Association Citations of Excellence and was recognized as an AP Teacher with Distinction for leading his AP Music Theory class to 100% participation and pass rates. He was named the 2022 Teacher of the Year for both Woodland High School and the Bartow County School System, and honored as the 2023 Georgia Teacher of the Year.

During his tenure at Woodland, his ensembles performed at national and international events including the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the London New Year’s Day Parade, the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, and the Cherry Blossom Festival Parade in Washington, D.C.

Kobito is an active clinician and adjudicator, providing leadership clinics, judging festivals, and inspiring educators across Georgia. Ensembles under his direction have commissioned and premiered new works, performed across the U.S. and Europe, and shared the stage with world-renowned artists such as Phil Smith, Julian Bliss, Dr. Brandon Craswell, and Dr. Adam Frey.

He and his wife, Emily, an elementary school teacher, live in Cartersville with their two cats and enjoy traveling the world together.