2027 All-State Senior Band

Dr. Russel C. Mikkelson is Professor of Wind Conducting and Director of University Bands at The Ohio State University, where he conducts the Wind Symphony, leads the graduate wind conducting program, and oversees the university’s concert band program. Since his appointment at Ohio State in 1998, the Wind Symphony has appeared at major professional conferences in the United States and abroad and has produced numerous critically acclaimed recordings. Dr. Mikkelson is also a passionate advocate for creating and performing new music for winds and has worked with many of the leading composers of our time.

Dr. Mikkelson has conducted All-State Bands, honor bands, festivals, and professional ensembles throughout the United States and internationally. His guest conducting appearances have included the United States Army Field Band, the United States Naval Academy Brass Ensemble, and “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band. He is a longtime member of the American Bandmasters Association and has served in leadership roles with both the College Band Directors National Association and the Big Ten Band Directors Association.

For Wisconsin educators and students, Dr. Mikkelson’s appearance at UW–Eau Claire represents something of a homecoming. He earned his Bachelor of Music Education degree from UW–Eau Claire and both his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from UW–Madison. Before beginning his collegiate teaching career, he spent seven years teaching in Wisconsin public schools, including one year at Kickapoo High School in rural southwest Wisconsin and later at Stevens Point Area Senior High School. UW–Eau Claire has also recognized Dr. Mikkelson with its President’s Alumni Award for outstanding professional and personal achievement.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Mikkelson back to Wisconsin and look forward to another outstanding WCBA All-State Band experience!