Meet the Team
Barry Martin
Michigan State and Region Coordinator
Barry D. Martin is Professor of Music and Director of University Bands at Grand Valley State University. His responsibilities at GVSU have included conducting the Symphonic Wind Ensemble/Chamber Winds, conducting the Concert Band and the GVSU Laker Marching Band.
He has taught graduate and undergraduate conducting/repertoire and observed student teachers in the Department of Music. In addition, he oversees all aspects of the band program, which grew from three ensembles totaling 110 students upon his arrival in 1994, to a program of over 475 students performing in seven ensembles in 2016. Since 2004 he has served as the Artistic Director/Conductor of the Grand Rapids Symphonic Band, an adult organization which includes music educators and professional musicians from throughout the State of Michigan.
Professor Martin received his B.M. degree in Music Education from the University of Akron and his Master’s degree in Music Education from the University of Illinois. In 2016, Professor Martin was selected as the Music Director for the Michigan Ambassadors of Music. This ensemble of 320 high school students took a 16-day tour of Europe in July 2019 and performed in six different countries. In 2022 he became the Music Director of Michigan Musicians Abroad.
In 2013, Martin was selected as the recipient of the University of Akron School of Music Distinguished Alumni Award for his outstanding service to music education. In 2010, he was honored by being selected for membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association (ABA). Martin is a member of the National Band Association (NBA) and CBDNA. He also holds honorary memberships in the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma Band Fraternity and Mu Phi Epsilon. Prior to joining the music faculty at GVSU, he served as Assistant Director of Bands and Director of the Marching Band at the University of Akron.
Barry is in constant demand throughout the country as an adjudicator, clinician and conductor. His presentations include: The Ohio Music Educators Conference, several clinics and concerts at the Michigan Music Education In-Service Conference, the North Central MENC Convention, the Michigan Music Conference (MMC) and most recently a presentation entitled Developing the Small College Band Program at the 3rd annual National Collegiate Marching & Athletic Band Symposium. He has also served as an adjudicator on several university campuses and has conducted numerous honor bands throughout the Midwest.

Meet an MA Representative
Will you be at one of Music for All/Bands of America Championship events? Attending Midwest Clinic or an MEA conference in Texas, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky or another state? These are just a few of the events where you can meet an MA Representative, learn about our company, and create your next trip.
The Trip Account app is offered to our groups as they travel.
Included in your trip, group leaders, staff, chaperones and travelers will use the information packed, versatile Trip Account App during their travels.
Powerful Director Tools
Interactive Checklists, Pop Up Communications, Emergency Notifications.

Tools for all travelers
Live Itineraries, Group Messaging, Photo Gallery and much more.
Everything you need for your next trip.
The Trip Account app is available for iPhone and Android.
Blog Posts
Ohio Student Musicians to Showcase Talents Across Europe in Summer 2026
In an exciting cultural exchange initiative, talented high school musicians from the state of Ohio are being recruited for a transformative performance journey across Europe in 2026.... learn more
Darrin Davis to Lead Ozark Region International Tour
Musicians Abroad is excited to announce the Ozark Region as our newest ensemble for 2026. Led by Coordinator Darrin Davis... learn more
“Priceless”: A Family’s Experience Traveling with Musicians Abroad
For the French family, Musicians Abroad provided an unparalleled opportunity to learn, grow and explore — together. Willa, French horn player, Stuart, trumpet player.... learn more
Let’s Get Physical – Preparing for Your Tour
Being on tour for a couple of weeks is full of amazing adventures, wonderful performances and lots of fun! The trip will be both exhilarating and exhausting... learn more
Kentucky Musicians Abroad Delights Crowds in Europe
More than 360 musicians, 40 faculty members and staff, parents and a crew of tour directors made up... learn more
The Trip of a Lifetime – Traveling with Indiana Musicians Abroad
This no-fee personal fundraising option transfers 100% of collected financial gifts directly into your trip account, providing you with the gift of travel... learn more
Introducing Gift Link
This no-fee personal fundraising option transfers 100% of collected financial gifts directly into your trip account, providing you with the gift of travel... learn more
Traveling with Indiana Musicians Abroad
Eight countries. Sixteen days. Musicians Abroad celebrated its inaugural international performance tour in June 2023... learn more
McCormick Joins Musicians Abroad as Senior Director
McCormick is a respected and trustworthy leader with more than 30 years of experience... learn more
Speck, Hatteberg Co-Direct Kentucky Group
Two well-traveled, respected educators and musicians head first Kentucky musicians abroad tour... learn more
Introducing Musicians Abroad
Created for students wanting to share the joy of music internationally... learn more
Taylor steps up as Indiana Coordinator
Chris Taylor has traveled across the country as well as overseas. It only seems natural that he would be the leading force in organizing the first Musicians Abroad tour... learn more