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Mike Holober is an Associate Professor at the City College of New York and a highly acclaimed composer, arranger, and bandleader in the jazz world. He serves as Artistic Director of the Gotham Jazz Orchestra and has held significant positions with major jazz ensembles including the Westchester Jazz Orchestra (2007-2013) and the HR Big Band in Frankfurt, Germany (2011-2015).
His research and creative interests focus on Jazz Composition, Big Band Arranging, and Nature-Inspired Music. Holober's work often draws inspiration from the natural world, as evidenced by albums like "This Rock We're On: Imaginary Letters" which draws from environmental authors and activists. He has developed a distinctive compositional voice that blends traditional jazz elements with contemporary orchestral techniques, creating works that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
Analysis of Holober's recent creative output reveals a consistent focus on large-scale compositions and nature-inspired themes. His most recent works, including "This Rock We're On: Imaginary Letters" (2024) and "DON'T LET GO" (2022), continue his exploration of environmental themes through jazz composition. Earlier works like "HIDING OUT" (2019), which was nominated for a 2020 GRAMMY Award, feature extensive suites that demonstrate his mastery of long-form composition for large ensembles.
- MacDowell Fellow
- Ucross Foundation Fellow
- Yaddo Guest
- Nominated for 2020 GRAMMY Award (Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording)
- American Academy of Arts & Letters Andrew Imbrie Award for Music
- Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant
As an educator, Holober has had significant impact through his teaching at City College of New York and his role as Associate Director of the BMI Jazz Composer's Workshop from 2007-2015. The BMI Workshop, founded by Bob Brookmeyer and Manny Albam, is considered the "finishing school" for jazz orchestra writers, and many prominent jazz composers have studied under Holober's guidance. He has also received grant support including the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant and funding from the New York State Council on the Arts.
Holober leads several ensembles including the Gotham Jazz Orchestra (GRAMMY-nominated), the Westchester Jazz Orchestra (which he directed from 2007-2013), and the Mike Holober/Marvin Stamm Quartet. He has also served as Associate Guest Conductor of the HR Big Band in Frankfurt and has worked with the WDR Big Band in Cologne, conducting projects featuring artists like Eli Degibri and Avishai Cohen.
