Band Director
Michele Fernández is an active guest clinician/conductor, adjudicator, instrumental music composer and performer. Her compositions have been premiered at Midwest, CBDNA, IAJE, MEA’s and Regional Honor/All-State venues. Her original works for jazz ens and wind band are published through Hal Leonard, Excelcia/Kendor, JW Pepper, Print Music Source / “Jazz Zone” (as well as some self-published on this site).
Michele is a member of Phi Beta Mu (Omega Chapter) and the JEN Education committee. She frequently serves as a guest clinician/conductor for Regional and All-state groups and honors Jazz/Symphonic groups. She has appeared as a Midwest Clinic lecturer on rehearsal techniques (’07 / ’16), JEN ’22, various MEA’s, school districts and universities across the country. She is a sponsored clinician for Hal Leonard, HAPCO Foundation, and a freelance guest clinician/conductor/guest lecturer for various universities including UNCo, UNT, UM Frost, UF, SHMU and others as well as co-founding “Your Jazz Education Connection” consulting.
Michele recently retired from teaching after 30 years, where her Miami Senior HS ensembles earned top honors /gained international acclaim. Her groups have been selected for Midwest Clinic (Chicago ’93 & ’98), IAJE (Boston ’94 & NYC ’97), Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland ’96), FMEA (Tampa ’94 & ’97) and national publications. Michele was the subject of a documentary on “CBS Sunday Morning”, cover story in Band Director’s Guide and featured as an outstanding educator in Downbeat Magazine. Michele has also taught SpEd, HS English and tutored Chemistry . Before focusing on writing/clinics, she served as an active oboist and percussionist in Miami and spent several years as a rhythm section member in a busy local Afro-Latin /Jazz ensemble.