Michael Schlotter is a dynamic percussionist, educator, and marching arts designer whose career spans more than 20 years of performance, teaching, and creative innovation. Renowned as a clinician, consultant, composer, and arranger, Michael has crafted over 100 productions for marching ensembles, many earning championships and sweepstakes titles, cementing his reputation as a sought-after creative voice in the activity.
As an educator, Michael has shaped programs at Gold Drum Corps, Palisades Charter High School, and El Toro High School, among others. His students consistently earn medals and accolades, with many
continuing on to world-class ensembles, college music programs, and professional careers. He has also shared his expertise through masterclasses and guest lectures at institutions such as Chapman
University, The Colburn School, College of DuPage, and CSU Long Beach.
On stage, Michael’s versatility shines. He has appeared on live television, in concert halls across the country, and with ensembles including the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, LA Phil, Rhode Island Philharmonic, Juneau Symphony, LA Master Chorale, and LA Chamber Orchestra. He has performed under the batons of distinguished conductors such as Anthony Parnther, Robert Istad, John Nelson, Troy Quinn, and Steven Allen Fox. His global performance career has taken him to Thailand, Ethiopia, France, Chile, Greece, and Canada, collaborating with local instrumental and choral ensembles. In the recording studio, Michael is equally at home, with over 1,000 hours logged on commercial projects and film scores as an in-demand session artist in Los Angeles.
Michael holds a B.M. in Percussion Performance from the Conservatory of Music at Wheaton College, where he studied with Dr. Kathleen Kastner and Michael Folker. He proudly represents Innovative
Percussion as an Educational Artist.
