Former Member: Mike Pakaluk, Trumpets

Mike Pakaluk holds a B.M. in Music Education from the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford), and an M.M. degree in Trumpet Performance from the University of New Mexico. His primary teachers are Jay Lichtmann, Roger Murtha, Vince DiMartino, Jeff Piper, and Jon Dante. He has performed with the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra, the San Luis Obispo Symphony, PCPA Theaterfest, the Santa Maria Philharmonic, the Central City Swing Band, and the Damon Castillo Band. In addition to the Menlo Brass Quintet, he currently plays with the Mission Peak Brass Band, South Bay Dub All-Stars (Reggae), and a number of local orchestras and jazz groups.

Mike has been teaching high school instrumental music since 2006 and is currently the Instrumental Music Director at Lynbrook High School in San Jose, where he directs the Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band, Chamber Orchestra, String Orchestra, and the Viking Marching Band and Colorguard. He teaches private brass lessons through the Santa Clara Vanguard and is a trumpet instructor at Santa Clara University.

Mike is a member of CMEA (California Music Educators Association), CBDA (California Band Directors Association), and has served as Vice-President for SCCBDA (Santa Clara County Band Directors Association). He recently was appointed to the CODA (California Orchestra Directors Association) board.

A native of Massachusetts. He enjoys golf, skiing, wine tasting, and he is an avid Red Sox fan.

Mike played with the Menlo Brass Quintet from 2012 to July 2022.