Michael Burch-Pesses is Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, Jazz Band, and Jazz Choir, and teaches courses in conducting, music education, and MIDI technology. He also works with their School of Education, supervising music education interns and chairs the Arts and Sciences faculty.

He holds M.Mus. and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in conducting from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. He enjoyed a distinguished career as a bandmaster in the U.S. Navy before arriving at Pacific University. An internationally active adjudicator, lecturer and clinician, he has conducted festival and honour bands throughout the U.S., Canada, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. Dr. Burch-Pesses also is the Conductor and Musical Director of the Oregon Symphonic Band, Oregon’s premier adult band.