Michael Flanagin, M.A.

Michael Flanagin has served as IWU’s Director of Bands since 2001. He directs the IWU Wind Ensemble and assists with the Marching Wildcats. He also offers private instruction on horn and teaches courses in computer applications and conducting and serves as IWU’s Music Education Coordinator. Flanagin’s ensembles have been featured at the Indiana Music Educators Conventions in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, have performed in 28 states during his tenure, and have recorded six compact discs. He also served as the Chair of the IWU Division of Music from 2016-2023. 

Before coming to IWU, Flanagin taught instrumental and vocal music in secondary public schools in Illinois and Indiana. He received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Indiana University and his Master of Arts in Music degree from Ball State University. During his time as division chair, he helped to launch the IWU Marching Wildcats and successfully shepherded his division through reaccreditation as well as COVID-19 protocols for musicians on campus.  

Professor Flanagin and his wife, Sarah, have two grown children that attended IWU and married IWU grads. Michael and Sarah are now experiencing the joy of being grandparents. 

Duties

• Directs the IWU Wind Ensemble and assists with the IWU Marching Wildcats 
• French Horn 
• Courses: Music Education, Music Technology, Conducting, Theory, Aural Skills 
• Music Education Coordinator

Experience

• 7 years of public school teaching experience:
• High school choir and band, Mt. Carmel High School, Mt. Carmel, IL
• Middle School instrumental music and 7th grade general music, Riverview Middle School, Huntington, IN
• Active clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator throughout the region.
• Recorded 6 compact discs with the IWU Wind Ensemble and the IWU Jazz Ensemble.
• Served as the curriculum supervisor for Elijah Mission International Zambia (EMIZ) Academies of Music in Livingstone, Zambia.
• Has led music student trips to Honduras and Zambia.
• 25 years of Church Music Experience in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana.
• Active French horn artist, including Symphony of the Lakes, Winona Lake, IN.