Music
Mike Grinnell
Title: Adjunct Lecturer, Violin/Viola
Department: Music
Degrees
- Bachelor of Music Education, Texas Tech University
- Master of Music, String Pedagogy emphasis, Texas Tech University
Biography
MICHAEL GRINNELL of Tyler, Texas is an Adjunct Professor of Music at The University
of Texas at Tyler. Before coming to UTT, he was the director of the Robert E. Lee
High School Orchestra program. Before moving his family to Tyler he worked for 11
years as orchestra director in Deer Park, Texas. He also served at San Jacinto College,
teaching violin and viola. Mr. Grinnell began his orchestra teaching in 1983 in the
public schools of Victoria, Texas. While there he co-founded the Victoria Youth Symphony
and was music director and conductor. His orchestras have consistently won sweepstakes,
first divisions, “Best in Class” and numerous other accolades.
Michael earned the degrees of Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music with
emphasis in String Pedagogy from Texas Tech University. His principal teacher was
Susan Schoenfeld (Viola).
Mr. Grinnell has performed as violist/violinist for many symphony orchestras, including;
Abilene, Amarillo, Corpus Christi, Houston, Lubbock, Pasadena, Richardson, San Angelo
and Victoria. He has also been soloist with the Victoria Bach Festival Orchestra
and the Taos Summer Festival Orchestra. He also performs with various groups on the
"fiddle and mandolin" in the styles of bluegrass, country, rock, jazz or Western Swing. Mr.
Grinnell has served as clinician/conductor for region orchestras and as adjudicator
for many activities. He holds membership in American String Teachers Association,
Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association and Texas
Music Adjudicators Association and is currently a Past President for the Texas Orchestra
Directors Association and a member of Mu Omicron Music Honorary Fraternity. Named
Who’s Who numerous times, Mr. Grinnell has served as TMEA Region Chairman for regions
4, 13, 19 and 21 as well as serving on many TMEA and UIL State committees and judging
panels.
Mr. Grinnell still performs as a free lance musician on violin and viola.