Mike Pekarek grew up in Denver, Colorado.  He attended the University of Northern Colorado where he completed a Bachelor of Music degree in 1997.  In 2001 he earned his Master of Music degree from the University of Southern Mississippi.  His teachers include Jack Herrick, Roger Kaza, and Dennis Behm.  

Mr. Pekarek has performed with many chamber ensembles, from duets to quintets, and appeared as a Guest Artist at Troy State University’s 2006 Brass Symposium.  In 2003 he premiered Sonata for Horn, by Shane Stanke, at the Southeast Horn Workshop.  His main large ensemble experiences include the Band of the USAF Reserve, Macon Symphony, Houston Symphony, Colorado Symphony, Joel Kaye’s Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, and the American Wind Symphony.

Since 2001 Mike has been a member of the Band of the USAF Reserve in Warner Robins, GA, performing with the Brass Quintet and Concert Band.  This job has literally taken him all over the world to perform for a wide variety of audiences and collaborations with famous recording artists, including many radio and television appearances.  Recent broadcasts  include Armed Forces Network, Georgia Public Radio and “Performance Today” on NPR.  His most recent recording experiences are a concert band CD “Sound of Freedom”, and a brass quintet CD “Firepower”.