Michael Johnson holds a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from MIT and a master of science degree in education from the University of Pennsylvania. He has taught high school science in the School District of Philadelphia since 2009, currently at Central High School, where he teaches physics and robotics and coaches the RoboLancers–Central High School’s robotics team.

Michael grew up in Massachusetts, attending schools with excellent instrumental music, choral music, and musical theater programs. He journeyed to Japan, playing clarinet with his high school band; he sojourned in Switzerland, singing Brahms with the MIT Concert Choir; and he summered in Maine at New England Music Camp. He also explored every corner of the theater from backstage to centerstage to the pit (two highlights were playing Smudge in Forever Plaid, and directing the orchestra for Kiss Me, Kate!).

A co-founder of the Chestnut Street Singers, Michael served on the ensemble’s board from its inception until 2014, when he resigned that position to make more time for robots. Michael lives in Mount Airy with his husband Anthony and the red oak coffee table/piano bench/filing cabinet combination furniture masterpiece he designed and built last summer.

Michael Johnson

Bass, Conductor, Board Member