Dr. Russel C. Mikkelson has been Principal Conductor of the All-American Alumni Band since 2022. An internationally respected conductor of bands and orchestras, Dr. Mikkelson serves as Professor and Director of Bands at The Ohio State University, Conductor and Music Director of the Newark-Granville Symphony Orchestra, and Conductor and Music Director of the Heisey Wind Ensemble, an outstanding community band. He greatly enjoys conducting the All-American Alumni Band, as it is a testament to the value and power of lifelong music education.