Mitchell Lutch is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Central College in Pella, Iowa. In addition to directing the wind ensemble, concert band and pep band, he teaches courses in instrumental conducting, music education and music appreciation, and serves as Director of Intersections, the first-year orientation and seminar course. He also directs the Grinnell College Symphonic Band and the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble, an adult group based in Des Moines. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in instrumental conducting at the University of Washington where he served as teaching assistant for Professor Timothy Salzman. He earned his Master of Music degree from New England Conservatory where he studied with Frank Battisti serving as the graduate assistant for the NEC Wind Ensemble and assistant conductor of the Massachusetts Wind Ensemble. His Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education is from the University of Lowell. Artists he has collaborated with in his teaching career include Donald Hunsburger, Eric Ewazen, Dana Wilson, Ellis Marsalis, Frank Foster, Slide Hampton and Marian McPartland. Dr. Lutch is Past President of the New York State Band Directors Association and has been a guest speaker at several educational institutions including New England Conservatory, Shenandoah Conservatory, and the College of William and Mary. Conducting appearances and research presentations include concerts and conferences throughout the United States, Quebec, London, Japan, The People’s Republic of China, the former Soviet Union, Luxembourg, and Mexico.