My Name is Michael Corts!

I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, starting Piano at the young age of 6 years old! I picked up a cello and joined the orchestra when I was 12, and picked up my first drumstick in the marching band when I was 14. After performing for a few years alongside some wonderful musicians in the Mighty Trojan Marching Band, as well as performing chamber music with the North Carolina Chamber Music Institute, I attended Appalachian State University!

While at Appalachian State University, I have served as the Principal Percussionist and Timpanist of the Appalachian Symphony Band, Appalachian Wind Ensemble, and Appalachian Symphony Orchestra. I have worked with the Appalachian Percussion Ensemble, The Steely Pan Steel Band, EDGE Ensemble, Tuba and Euphonium Ensemble, Brass Ensemble, and University Singers. 

I was the 2021 Miriam Hayes Concerto-Aria winner and performed the "Concerto for Marimba and Strings" by Emanuelle Sejourne with the Appalachian Symphony Orchestra on December 3rd, 2022. 

I will be attending Oklahoma City University in the fall, pursuing a Masters in Percussion Performance.