Dr. Russel C. Mikkelson is currently in his twelfth year as Director of University Bands and Professor of Music (Conducting) at The Ohio State University, where he conducts the Wind Symphony and Chamber Winds, guides the graduate wind conducting program, and oversees all aspects of the university's band program. Under his direction, the OSU Wind Symphony has performed at the 2003 College Band Directors National Association Convention, the 2001, 2004, 2006 and 2008 Ohio Music Educators Association Conventions, and has recorded four CD’s: Southern Harmony (Naxos 2009), Winds of Nagual (Naxos, 2007), Jubilare! (Mark Records, 2003) and Sounds, Shapes and Symbols (Mark Records, 2000). A strong advocate for the creation of new works, Mikkelson serves on the American Bandmasters Association Commissioning Committee, and has instituted a program of regular commissioning projects at OSU.

Mikkelson has received praise from composers Leslie Bassett, Krzysztof Penderecki, John Corigliano, Michael Colgrass, Gunther Schuller, Lukas Foss, Frank Ticheli, Jennifer Higdon, John Stevens, John Mackey, David Gillingham, Jonathan Newman, Steven Bryant and others, for his musical realization of their compositions. Corigliano wrote, “Russel Mikkelson is a conductor who really understands my music, and that’s rare.” Prior to his appointment at OSU, Professor Mikkelson was Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at the State University of New York-College at Fredonia, where he conducted the Wind Symphony, Concert Band, Orchestra, Opera, and musical theatre productions.

A native of Wisconsin, Professor Mikkelson began his career as a high school band director, serving from 1984-1990 as Director of Bands at Stevens Point Area Senior High School. His bands developed a reputation for superior musicianship coupled with a deep understanding of the music being performed. Under his leadership, The Stevens Point Wind Ensemble performed at numerous state, regional and national conventions.

Dr. Mikkelson is Past President of the Big Ten Band Directors Association, a member of the College Band Directors National Association, MENC, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Phi Beta Mu, and is an elected member of the American Bandmasters Association. He was the recipient of the 2005 Ohio State University School of Music Distinguished Scholar Award and has published articles in The Instrumentalist and The Journal of the Conductor’s Guild. As a composer/arranger, he is published through C. Alan and Daehn Publications. An enthusiastic advocate for public school music education, Mikkelson has conducted High School All-State and Regional Honor Bands throughout the country and internationally.