D. Michael Lynch
Spanning over two decades of dedication and service to music education, Mr. D. Michael Lynch has acted as director and conductor of a many instrumental music ensembles and taught general music courses at the primary and second levels. As a professional freelance musician, he has shared the stage with many notable artists.
D. Michael Lynch is the Director of Bands at Cherokee High School in Marlton, New Jersey where his primary responsibilities include conducting the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Foundations Band. Under his leadership, the Cherokee High School Marching Band has earned numerous NJ State Championships and the distinguished title of 2014 National Champions. Under his baton, the Cherokee High School Wind Ensemble has performed among the leading wind bands of New Jersey, and shared the NJ State Gala Concert stage numerous times over. In addition to directing the performance ensembles, he teaches Music Theory, Music Technology, and Music Appreciation. Mr. Lynch received a B.M. in Music Education from Rowan University, and his M.M. in Conducting from Messiah College, where he studied conducting with Dr. William Stowman, Dr. Bradley Genevro, and Eugene M. Corporon. While attending Rowan University, Mr. Lynch was a trumpet student of John Thyshen. In 2004, the Conn-Selmer publication, KeyNote Magazine, recognized Mr. Lynch as a "Teacher of Note" for his tireless efforts and service to students of the high school band program in Pitman, NJ. In 2012, South Jersey Magazine named Mr. Lynch as a "Top Teacher" for the quality of education he provides to the students of Cherokee High School in Marlton, NJ. The Assistant Director of a summer program entitled Leadership through Education, Adventure, and Discipline (L.E.A.D.), Mr. Lynch co-developed a robust curriculum that affords young adults an opportunity to gain heightened communication skills, challenging conflict resolutions, and problematic situational solutions. Mr. Lynch and his wife Katy have two children, Graham Michael and Cecily Marie, and happily reside in the small town of Pitman, NJ. |
Earl Phillips
Earl Phillips is active as composer/arranger, educator, and bass trombonist in the greater Philadelphia area. As a composer/arranger, Earl directs and writes for the Earl Phillips Big Band, his own 17-piece big band since 2007. His compositions and arrangements have been performed by numerous middle schools, high schools, and colleges in the tri-state area, along with artists like the Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia, under the direction of Terell Stafford. As an educator, Earl directs the Cherokee High School Jazz Ensemble and teaches music theory, music technology and piano lab. Earl also is an adjunct faculty member of Rowan University teaching undergraduate brass courses, private lessons on trombone/bass trombone, and teaches graduate composing and arranging. Earl has also directed the Philadelphia Grammy Band (2005-2007), the All South Jersey Jazz Ensemble (2008 &2012), the All Central Jersey Jazz Ensemble (2014) and he has been a clinician/manager with the New Jersey All State Jazz Ensemble (2009-2014). Earl also created, directed, and produced the first ever NJAJE Virtual All State High School Ensemble over the COVID pandemic. Earl is a graduate, with honors, of the University of the Arts, holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Bass Trombone Performance (’04), a Masters Degree in Music Education (’05) and a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance / Jazz Composition from Rowan University (’11). Among performances and recording sessions as the leader of the Earl Phillips Big Band, Earl, as a bass trombonist, has shared the stage with Wayne Newton, Patti Austin, Kurt Elling and has also recorded with, most notably, Kid Cudi, Will Smith, Boyz II Men, and John Legend, among others. The John Legend recording (So Amazing: A Tribute to Luther Vandross) won 2 Grammy Awards in 2005. In his spare time, Earl is also working in the Thad Jones Living Archive at William Patterson University archiving the original manuscripts of his hero, Thad Jones. Earl’s research and individual study of Thad has also enabled him to be a contributor to the Thad Jones Living Archive. Earl is also a published author having articles printed in the ‘Jazz Education Journal’, and ‘Downbeat Magazine’, as well as a published composer/arranger through Northeastern Music Publications. Earl Phillips resides in West Deptford, New Jersey with his beautiful wife, Jennifer, and their three children, Madeline, Zachary, and Luke. |
Mitchell Stowman
Mitchell Stowman is the Marching Band Director and Director of Orchestras at Cherokee High School. Mitchell served as the Marching Band assistant director and program coordinator for 6 years before taking over as Director in 2021. As program coordinator and visual designer, Mitchell’s work helped the band achieve championships in 2016, 2017, and 2019.
In addition to Marching Band, Mr. Stowman directs the Cherokee Symphony Orchestra and Lenape Regional Orchestra. Since taking over the program in 2015, the Orchestra program has grown in size and established itself as a leader in South Jersey. Under Stowman’s baton, the orchestra has performed at Rowan University, the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, and Carnegie Hall in NYC. A Graduate of Temple University, Mitchell earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education while studying classical bass under Robert Kesselman of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mitchell frequently performed with the Temple University Symphony Orchestra, Bass Ensemble, and Temple Theaters, in addition to freelance work in the greater Philadelphia area. Mitchell also studied double bass with Regina Barret of the Harrisburg Symphony, and conducting with Emily Threinen and Koji Otsuki. Prior to joining the team at Cherokee, Mr. Stowman worked in a teaching capacity with Play On Philly, The Philadelphia String Project, and the Mechanicsburg Music Department. He has been fortunate to guest conduct region ensembles, and work as a freelance drill and visual designer for programs in New Jersey and Pennsylvania during the Summer months. Mitchell resides in Mount Laurel with his wife, Sarah. |
