About Michele...
Michele Fernández is a published composer, active guest clinician/conductor, adjudicator and performer. Her Jazz and Symphonic compositions have been premiered at Midwest, CBDNA, IAJE, MEA's and All-State /Regional venues as well as professional venues. Her works are currently (and/or scheduled to be) published through Hal Leonard, Excelcia, Kendor, JW Pepper, Murphy Music Press, Print Music Source/Jazz Zone, Jazz Lines/Walrus (as well here: "Michele Fernández Music"). She is a member of Phi Beta Mu (Omega Chapter) and an active member of FBA and JEN. She frequently serves as a guest clinician/conductor for All-State groups and Regional Honors Jazz/Symphonic groups. She has appeared as a Midwest Clinic lecturer (’07 / ’16), JEN '22, various State MEA's, She is a sponsored and partner clinician, as well as a freelance guest clinician/conductor for universities and districts across the country.
Michele recently retired from teaching in Miami after 30 years, where (among other teaching positions) her Miami Senior HS ensembles earned top honors and 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 various national publications. She and her students were 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. Before focusing on writing/clinics, she served as an active oboist in the Miami area, as well as a rhythm section player in a busy Afro-Latin /Jazz group.
Michele treats the students she meets with equality, openness, and takes a humorous and personable approach to her clinics as she integrates the technical aspects while making it a point to discuss the spiritual nature of sharing the gift of music between composer, player and audience. Many students/ parents/ directors have reached out to her in writing after her clinics to share that the experience affected them in a holistic and inspiring way. She also makes it a point to talk to, and connect- the audience to the dedicated humans on stage, and strives to truly unify the entire room during every performance.
Available to Clinic: students, teachers, districts:
Composer-In-Residence and Guest Conductor Engagements (Symphonic and Jazz Groups)
Inspiring and energetic sessions for Regional, All-State and Collegiate. Book an engagement at your school/district to rehearse , guest conduct. Pictured: UNT Two O'Clock Lab Band premier of "La Luz En Ti", (2021 Midwest Clinic, Sponsored by Hal Leonard Publ.)
