Michael Pote was named Director of Bands at Carmel High School (Carmel, IN) in 2013 after spending 20 years serving as Associate Director of Bands. The band program at Carmel High School serves nearly 600 students with 7 concert bands, 6 jazz ensembles, marching band, chamber ensembles, private lesson program, percussion ensembles and 3 winter color guards.

Carmel High School’s Wind Symphony 1 performed at the 2005 Midwest Band and Orchestra clinic, the 2020 North Central Division CBDNA Conference, numerous state conference performances and clinics and has been a 4-time participant in the Music For All National Concert Band Festival. Wind Symphony 1 was also named the 1999, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 Indiana State School Music Association Concert Band Champions.

The marching band at Carmel High School has been a Bands of America National Finalist 24 consecutive years dating back to 1996 and were the ISSMA State Champions in 1990, 2001, 2002, 2012 and 2018. CHS is a 23-time Bands of America Regional Champion and were named the Bands of America Grand National Champions in 2005, 2012, 2016, 2017 and 2018. The Carmel band program recently received the National Band Association Program of Excellence Blue Ribbon Award as well as being a two-time recipient of the prestigious Sudler Shield.

A clinician for the Yamaha Master Educator program, Michael has presented clinics across the country including the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, The Texas Music Educators Association Convention, the Boston Brass Summer Winds Seminar and the Arizona Music Educators Association. Michael is a member of the American Bandmasters Association and in 2019 was awarded Phi Beta Mu Indiana Chapter Band Master of the Year Award. His two rehearsal exercise books, “Process” and “Ensemble” are available through Fannin Music Productions.