User:Kingmikhail/sandbox

Mike Lehman is in his sixth year as the Director of Bands at Edison Middle School in Champaign, Illinois. Mr. Lehman earned his bachelor's and master's degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois under the mentorship of Joe Manfredo and studied saxophone performance with Debra Richtmeyer and Ron Bridgewater.

Edison Middle School is home to what many consider one of the preeminent middle school band programs in the Midwest. Mr. Lehman's program consists of three concert bands (6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Concert Bands) and three extracurricular jazz bands.

The Edison Band Program has received top awards and accolades at both concert and jazz band competitions and festivals across the country. Edison has been a finalist at the University of Illinois Superstate Concert Band Festival every year during Mr. Lehman's tenure.

In 2008, Edison's Jazz Band 1 was invited to perform at the 62nd Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and most recently, Edison's Jazz Band 1 was also invited to perform at the 2011 Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Conference. Mike Lehman also presented a lecture on "Rehearsal Techniques and Breaking the Boundaries of Middle School Jazz Band" at the 2011 IMEA All-State Conference.

Mr. Lehman has also been awarded five "Citations of Excellence" awards from the National Band Association.

Mike Lehman is an active clinician and guest conductor in the central Illinois area. He is a member of IMEA, MENC, and has served as the IMEA District 3 Junior High School Jazz Band Chairman for the past five years.