A native of Nashville, TN, Michael Kemp started playing saxophone at the age of 10. During his high school career Michael held the positions of principal alto saxophone in the Wind Ensemble, lead alto and tenor saxophones in the jazz band, and alto saxophone in the saxophone quartet. He was also a member of several city and state honor concert and jazz bands in which he consistently placed 1st or 2nd chair. After graduating with honors from McGavock High School, Michael continued his music studies at Belmont University, where he studied Commercial Music and Music Education.

While attending Belmont Michael was invited to join the band, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra (DMHO), in which he held the position of tenor saxophonist from 1999-2003, and again from 2006-2010. As a member of DMHO, Michael performed hundreds of concerts at churches, outdoor music festivals and concert halls all across the United States. He can be heard on the following DMHO recordings: Act the Scat, Stand, Swing, A Timeless Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Denver & the Mile High Orchestra: EP as well as the live DVD, Winter Wonderland. Some of the group’s highlight performances include: 3rd place finalist on Fox’s 2007 reality television show, The Next Great American Band (from the producers of American Idol), house band for the 36th Annual GMAs, 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens Greece, 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, UT and Bill Gaither’s Praise Gathering in Indianapolis.

Since completing his formal studies, Michael has enjoyed a diverse professional career as a performer, educator and church musician in a variety of settings. As an active freelance musician Michael has had the opportunity to perform, record and/or tour with several top artists including: Avalon, Bart Millard (Grammy nominated album, Hymned Again), Casting Crowns, Dino Kartsonakis, The Four Freshmen, Josh Wilson (Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup), Josh Turner, Lori Morgan (The Color of Roses), Mandisa Hundley, Michael English, Natalie Grant, and Selah. Some of his most recent guest appearances include: alto saxophone soloist with the Mississippi Academy of Ancient Music along with several members of the MS Symphony Orchestra on Max Garriott’s, Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Chamber Orchestra (2018) and tenor saxophone soloist with Millsaps’ Chamber Singers on Ola Gjeilo’s, Evening Prayer (2017).

In 2008 Michael was offered the position of Orchestra Director at Hermitage Hills Baptist Church (Hermitage, TN). In 2010 Michael and his family moved to Jackson, MS where he accepted the position of Associate Director of Music & Worship at Christ United Methodist Church. Since 2011 he has served as the Director of Music & Worship at Christ UMC, where he directs the Sanctuary Choir, Sanctuary Orchestra, men’s quartet, Testament and CUMC Jazz Ensemble. In addition to his responsibilities at Christ UMC, Michael serves as adjunct instructor at Germantown Middle and High School, where he teaches private saxophone lessons and directs the Symphonic and Concert Saxophone Quartets.

Michael has had the privilege of studying with many wonderful instructors, including: Chester Thompson (Weather Report, Phil Collins), Dan Lochrie (Nashville Symphony Orchestra), Jimmy Bowland, Glenn Burke, Jeff Kirk (Maynard Ferguson), Jeff Coffin (Bela Fleck & the Fleck Tones, Dave Matthew’s Band), and Lawrence Gwozdz.

Michael is married to Heidi Kemp and together they have three children: Benjamin, Violet and Norah.