"Dr. Butler’s conducting and direction gives his musicians the freedom to express their individual musicianship, while at the same time providing the structure and support to create truly unique, meaningful, and artful performances. His craftsmanship as a conductor is elevated by his ability to recognize and utilize the creativity and giftedness of the musicians in his ensembles."

• Benjamin Barker, Composer

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"Whether Michael is working with young musicians or seasoned professionals, he inspires, energizes, and challenges us to find even more effective shapes and phrasing that we might not have ever considered before. He is a pioneer and a great promoter of new compositional voices — always seeking the musical road not taken."

• Michael Markowski, Composer

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"Michael is the complete package with great technique, clarity, and musicality coupled with leadership skills on and off the podium. He is one of those individuals who can oscillate comfortably between business-minded/strategic thinking and high-level artistic thinking."

• Andrew Mitchell, Trombone Professor at Youngstown State University

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"Dr. Butler’s vast expertise, deep passion for music making, strong commitment to excellence, and tireless work ethic have raised the bar not only for his students but also for his colleagues in the profession and beyond. Dr. Butler is not only a strong advocate for new music—and he is that—but, more importantly, he is an arbiter of new music, someone who with a great deal of discernment sifts through the vast array of contemporary repertoire and brings the best of it to the attention of his students, colleagues, and the public at large."

• Wayne Oquin, Composer & Chair of Musicianship and Ear Training at The Juilliard School 

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"Dr. Butler is a true Renaissance Man; he is a world-class Conductor, a devoted and charismatic Educator, and a gifted Intellectual. In my opinion, his ensembles have matched or eclipsed known and respected flagship University or Conservatory wind bands. I attribute these achievements to the musicianship and scholarship that Dr. Butler commands and imparts to his students. In our profession, there are exceedingly few conductors imbued with the rare ability to transform an ensemble far beyond their given skill set and deliver paramount performances." 

• Anthony Parnther, Music Director of the San Bernadino Symphony Orchestra

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"He respects his players, and simply loves what he does. His obvious strong skill-set is married his enthusiasm, and he is a first-rate teacher and conductor."

• Jim Umble, Saxophone Professor at Youngstown State University

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