Alumnus Michael Palomaki reflects on how Concordia helped lead him to where he is today

Concordia University, Nebraska alumnus Michael Palomaki ’12 received a call to Concordia Lutheran High School in Tomball, Texas, directly following his graduation. He has served the institution ever since then. He quoted his time at Concordia as instrumental in preparing him for his current service.

“I was taught all the necessary skills and knowledge to be a successful teacher, as well as going through many experiences that would ultimately help guide my decision making once I entered my own rehearsals and classrooms. Being instructed and led by incredibly talented and intelligent professors showed me the methods and tools needed to get the most out of my classes.”

 Palomaki originally found his way to Concordia through a summer music camp held on Concordia’s campus. Here, he met Dr. Kurt von Kampen for the first time, as well as his future freshman and sophomore year roommate. 

Palomaki said that it was professors like Dr. von Kampen who showed him the meaning behind the music. "They 100 percent changed my life because being able to perform music for the glory of God is such a unique and powerful gift, and my professors guided our ensembles to do that at an extremely high level.”

Concordia also served as a source to strengthen Palomaki’s faith during his five years. Again, he mentioned the use of choral music in tandem with the word of God as a blessing and one that changed his view of performing. 

“I remember being profoundly impacted during my first semester at one of the first performances I was in as a part of the A Cappella Choir. The connection between the words of the music, combined with singing with 70+ other people and then ultimately sharing our message to the audience is a feeling I’ve never experienced doing anything else.”

The A Cappella Choir was Palomaki’s favorite part of his Concordia experience. He said that all the ensembles he was able to participate in allowed him to have experiences he otherwise never would have experienced. The ensembles also provided ways to forge many lifelong friendships.

Palomaki graduated from Concordia in 2012 with a Bachelor of Music Education in K-12 Vocal/Instrumental Music and a Lutheran Teacher’s Diploma. In 2020, he earned his Master of Music degree in Choral Conducting from Sam Houston State University.

At Concordia Tomball, Palomaki is the choir director, AP music theory teacher and a theology teacher. He is also an assistant coach for the esports program and the faculty assistant for the chapel praise band. As the choir director, Palomaki oversees the 78-voice Concert Choir, the Treble Choir and the Chamber Choir. 

“I’ve always loved music, but Concordia showed me how meaningful, impactful and powerful it can truly be. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the experiences and lessons I learned throughout my time there. I am forever grateful for the love, care, guidance and instruction that was given to me by my professors, friends and fellow students.”

 When asked what he finds fulfilling about his work, Palomaki stated, “I get to instill my passion and love for choral music to students that wouldn’t normally be exposed to it. Being able to give them experiences that can really deepen and strengthen their faith through music is so incredibly gratifying and fulfilling. Hearing students say how much certain pieces have meant to them, how certain lyrics got them through tough times, how certain performances will stick with them for the rest of their lives is all I can hope for. I hear time and time again how my students go back and listen to recordings from their time in choir and that it brings them so much happiness. Their lives have been enriched and blessed by choral music and the Holy Spirit has worked through that to either strengthen their faith or start their faith altogether.”

Palomaki’s parents, David and Peggy, live in David City, Nebraska. David is an LCMS pastor for LCMS parishes Redeemer Lutheran and Immanuel Lutheran. Peggy teaches piano and plays organ for church. Palomaki’s older brother, Andrew, lives in Papillion with his wife Jennifer and their three kids, Kenly, Kambri and Karter. His younger brother, Philip, lives in west Omaha and works as a bank manager.

Outside of work, Palomaki enjoys golfing. He also loves skiing, and tries to do that as often as possible. He also likes board games and video games. His favorite sport is soccer, and his favorite team are the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

“Concordia Nebraska changed my life. I went in as a physics major with the plan of doing something in astronomy after graduating. That quickly changed when I instantly felt the passion and power being music from the very first semester. I’ve always loved music, but Concordia showed me how meaningful, impactful and powerful it can truly be. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the experiences and lessons I learned throughout my time there. I am forever grateful for the love, care, guidance and instruction that was given to me by my professors, friends and fellow students.”

The music education program at Concordia is intended for those who wish to teach vocal and instrumental music, or vocal music only, in public or private schools. It includes skill development in the common core of musicianship as well as studies in music education that will allow you to apply educational principles to your everyday work in the classroom. Two tracks are available: comprehensive (instrumental and vocal) music education and vocal music education. Learn more about Concordia’s music education program here.