After graduating from James Madison University with a Bachelor of Music degree, Mike Allen moved to the Charlottesville area to teach at Lakeside Middle School. While there, he started the jazz band and helped the band earn their very first superior rating at District Assessment. After leaving Lakeside, Mr. Allen moved north to teach at Madison County High School. There he taught band and choir. Under his direction the music programs made up 20% of the school population. Most recently, Mr. Allen was the band director at Buford Middle School. His proudest professional accomplishment was helping the Buford Band not only survive, but to thrive during the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Allen is an active performer with the C'ville Band and a founding member of the Massanutten Brass Band. He teaches tuba and euphonium students in the Charlottesville area. He lives in Ruckersville with his wife Susan, daughters Emma and Natalie, and dog Cheddar.