MIke Ellis

Mike Ellis is a full-time visual designer based in San Antonio, TX. He is highly active as a consultant, clinician, and adjudicator throughout Texas. Over the years, his visual design clients have achieved significant success, including being named New Mexico state champions and earning the opportunity to perform at the Texas State Marching Contest 16 times.

Before moving to a full-time career as a designer, Mike spent 25 years as a middle and high school band director in the Canyon and Amarillo school districts. Under his leadership, his bands consistently earned sweepstakes awards and achieved notable honors, including winning the ATSSB Outstanding Performance Series in 2007 and 2008. They were also recognized as National Wind Band Honors National Winners in 2015, 2016, and 2021, as well as TMEA Honor Band Finalists in 2005 and 2017.

Mike remains an active member of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra horn section, where he has been performing for 38 years. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Horn Performance and a Master of Arts in Conducting from West Texas A&M University. Mike is affiliated with several professional organizations, including TBA, TMEA, TMAA, and Phi Beta Mu.

Mike lives in San Antonio with his wife, Mary Ann, a speech-language pathologist for North East ISD, and their two cats, Muffin and Lucy. Their daughter, Casey, a recent graduate of The University of Texas, now resides in Austin and works for the State Bar of Texas.

Mike was a member of the Sky Ryders in 1984, 1986, 1987, and 1988. From 1989 to 1993, he served on the staff and is thrilled to return as a Program Consultant for the newly revived Sky Ryders Drum and Bugle Corps.