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Michael A. Koch is currently in his nineteenth year in the classroom and his ninth year as Director of Bands at Bluffs Middle School in Scottsbluff, NE.  He directs the 5th Grade Beginning Band program, the 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Concert Bands, the Middle School Jazz Band, the Middle School Percussion Ensemble, the Middle School Marching Band and assists with the High School Marching and Concert Bands. Prior to coming to Scottsbluff, Mr. Koch taught in Bridgeport, Shickley, and Milford, all in Nebraska.

Mr. Koch received a Bachelor of Music degree from Hastings College (1988) and a Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nebraska Lincoln (1998). He received the Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award (1994), was recognized by the Scottsbluff Jaycees as Outstanding Teacher (2003), and received a Citation of Excellence from the National Band Association (2003).

Bluffs Middle School 8th Grade Bands, under the direction of Mr. Koch, have been selected to perform as guest band for the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association Convention (2000), as guest band for the Nebraska Music Educators Association Convention (2002), received a Superior Rating and the First Place Trophy in their class at the 'Music In The Parks' Concert Band Festival in Denver, CO (2005),  were asked to perform as a "demonstration band" for the Nebraska Music Educators Association Convention (2005),  received a Superior Rating and the First Place Trophy in their class at the 'Music In The Parks' Concert Band Festival in Denver, CO and received the trophy for best Overall Junior High/Middle School Concert Band (2007).

Mr. Koch is a Board Member of the Nebraska Music Educators Association (Middle Level Affairs), he is a staff member for Nebraska Ambassadors of Music, and a member of  Phi Beta Mu International School Bandmaster Fraternity.  He is also a member of  Nebraska Music Educators Association, Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, Nebraska State Education Association, and Scottsbluff Education Association.

Michael’s wife, Debbie, is also a music educator.  Currently she accompanies the Bluffs Middle School Choirs and volunteers her time to the Band.

E-mail Mr. Koch