Michael Downing

Percussion

Michael Downing is section percussionist with both the Sacramento Philharmonic and the Stockton Symphony.  He holds a B.A. in Music Performance from California State University, Fresno.  His primary teachers are Jim Babor of the L.A. Philharmonic, and Dr. Matthew Darling of California State University, Fresno. 

Michael also plays for the Fresno Philharmonic, Bakersfield Symphony, Tulare County Symphony, Merced Symphony, and many other regional orchestras.  For the last 5 years, he has been invited to play for the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra in Grass Valley, CA.  In addition to being an active performer, he is also a clinician for many local schools, emphasizing the importance of the well rounded percussionist in today's competitive environment.  He has been a faculty member at the Lake Sequoia Symphonic Music Camp for the last five years.

Michael is also a member of the Allan Spencer Mallet Choir, a marimba trio that performs educational concerts.  They have been featured with the Merced Symphony and the Elko Symphony in Nevada, as well as performing for many local schools.  The group focuses on providing education about percussion and classical music in a fun an entertaining manner.  Their latest CD, "Saturday Morning Coffee", available on Amazon.com, features popular classical music arranged for marimba.  They received favorable reviews by the Percussive Arts Society national magazine.  Michael proudly endorses Pro-Mark mallets and drumsticks.