About Michele...

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” (auth. JR Dunscomb), as well as some self-published.

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, having 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.

Clinic Testimonials (included to assure maximum effort/care)

“Michele Fernández is an incredible and versatile clinician. I have been fortunate to have her clinic for several years at our Jazz Camp in the FSU Summer Music Camps. Her ability to connect with kids of all ages and abilities is outstanding. She is equally effective in either jazz or concert band settings, with wind instruments, or rhythm sections. Michele’s caring, fun personality is special and students simply want to perform with her. Few clinicians match her musicianship, personality, and professionalism. I cannot recommend her strongly enough!”

Dr. Steve Kelly, Florida State University

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Tennessee-Mid State High School Jazz Ens: My (director) friends also watched a great deal of Michele’s rehearsals and have been talking about the experience for about an hour now. She is an amazing teacher, an incredible emotional and musical leader. For the final performance, the kids played just as well (if not better in moments) than the more advanced group. They wished all of the students were there to hear the messages she spoke about life. Watching reminded so many of us why we teach (for ALL our kids)!!

Brianna Englebert Vogt, Band Director

(Tennessee Mid-State Clinic)

Available to serve your students, teachers, districts:

Musician/Educator

Contact: MicheleFDZmusic@gmail.com

30 Years of Experience as an Instrumental Conductor

Pictured: Miami Senior High School Jazz Band I,

1996 Montreux Jazz Festival, Switzerland

In-Residence Composer/Conductor Engagements

Michele will travel to your school to rehearse , guest conduct any of her compositions. Pictured: UNT Two O'Clock Lab Band premier of "La Luz En Ti", (2021 Midwest Clinic, Sponsored by Hal Leonard Publ.)

Guest Conductor Services: Symphonic and Jazz Groups

Inspiring and energetic Regional and All-State honor group experiences

In-Service Clinic Sessions on Various Topics (districts, conferences, teachers, students, colleges)

PLUS: Access handout to Michele's "ONE-STOP LATIN SHOP" CLINIC

Clinic Info Page

Most charts below are avail via Hal Leonard, Excelcia, Kendor, Murphy Music Press or Print Music Source. **All rhythm parts notated in detail for ZERO guesswork; playable by 1-2 perc. Suggested solos in MP3 demos written out for newer soloists. I'll be adding more Swing & Symph. pieces this summer *More works on next page...

*Zoom clinics provided for any school playing these charts.

"Unidad en Rítmo" Jazz Suite

Big Band Version adapted from my Wind Symphony below: I adapted 4-style Jazz Suite as a memorial gift to Zac and Kris Carrier, who were in their dad's High School rhythm section together. Premiered on April 29, 2023 by the UNT One O'Clock Lab Band, Alan Baylock. *Contact me to receive.

"Unidad en Rítmo" (for Wind Symphony)

This Afro-Latin symphonic homage to Cultural Unity (highlighting its true African/Latin roots) will be premiered at CBDNA (FAMU) and SCMEA (Clemson). Gr 4+ playable by as few as 5 perc. Avail on Excelcia Publishing by May 2023.

"Um Abraço Mundial" (A Worldwide Embrace) Big Band

This culturally diverse Gr 4. big band chart features authentic Brazilian, Afro-Cuban, Middle-Eastern and Funk grooves in smooth transition. All rhythm section parts are clearly written out. Suggested solos are provided. *Contact me directly to receive.

"Misteriosa" (Jazz Ens)

Ooooh, this one is SUAVE!! Smooth, sultry EASY Gr.3 Mambo playable by 3 of each horn, 1 Pno, Bass, 1 Perc (w/opt parts for all others). One scale covers the improv and all rhythm parts are written out. Avail via Hal Leonard Publ. Summer 2023.

"Bons Sohnos, Maestro" (Dreamy Samba Ballad

Authentic Samba Ballad written in memory of prolific Florida director/mentor, Rodester Brandon. Trombone feature, written solo. Playable by 2 perc (all written out). Piano solos written out as well. Gr.4 *JW Pepper" Editor's Choice" Chart; Avail now Excelcia.

"Slither"

This chart really sounds like something slithering into your mind; and puts a face on slow-creeping negative self-talk that leaves us vulnerable to forces that can bring dissonance to our lives. Gr 2+/3, playable by 3 of each sect. A special healing msg appears on each part. *Contact me to receive.

"String of Pals'" (Up-tempo Swing)

An upbeat Swing chart based on the iconic 2-bar rhythmic figure for "String of Pearls" but with a fresh, new feel and some James Bond-ish riffs stuff thrown in. Scored for Big Band. Gr 3+/4 (Depending on tempo). Avail Excelcia Spring 2024. *Contact me for earlier purchase

Furioso!

Fast, very "hair-on-fire" merengue (Dominican) scored for Big Band but also playable with 3 horns in each section and one drummer. *Sax runs have opt small notes for simplifying. *Alternate tpt notes included to alleviate high range). Avail Hal Leonard Summer 2023..

"Tu Valor" (Your Value)

Grade 2 Cha-cha-chá scored for full ens but playable by as few as 3 horns of each horn section, pno, bass, one perc. Very moving melody, driving groove and inspiring bridge section; Written with a message to young people re guarding one's own value. Avail Summer 2023 Hal Leonard.

"Ojítos" (Little Eyes)

Authentic, Cuban Son Montuno (Salsa) Gr. 4 written for my son, Sean, premiered at 1998 Midwest Clinic by my own students (Miami Senior HS). Nostalgic intro solo (flugel or bass). Rhythm parts notated, playable 1-2 Perc. Avail via Hal Leonard. My proceeds will fund cleft surgery; please support!

"Ardiente"

Emotive piano intro, to med tempo Son Montuno, to "on fire" Salsa. Gr 4. Don't worry; lead tpt high 8ve on MP3 at end is opt. Playable by one int. level drummer (all patterns written out) but 2 perc preferable. Written for 2023 FL Allstate HS Jazz Ens. JW Pepper "Editor's Choice"Avail now Excelcia.

"La Luz En Ti" (The Light Within You)

Cuban-style ballad (Bolero) scored for Flugel Solo/Strings/Rhythm. Inspired by past talks with my daughter about that mysterious, alluring inner light we all carry within and which gives us inspiration and resilience, enabling us to strengthen others. Big Band version avail now via Hal Leonard.

"Misty (Emocionado)" (yes, Salsa :)

Iconic jazz tune in a unique setting; even this composer is surprised at how well this transferred to Son-Montuno (authentic "Salsa" style). Scored for Big Band, Gr. 3. Rhythm parts totally written out. Solos on A section with ens shout chorus (2nd A) D.S's back to B section. Avail 2023, Hal Leonard

"Autumn Leaves" (Hojas Caídas) Salsa Version

Upbeat, Son Montuno (Salsa) version of a timeless classic. I've loved this tune since my 20's, always envisioned it in this infectious style, and on a whim asked Hal Leonard to give me a shot at it. Now avail through Hal Leonard.

"Iluminada"

Upbeat Salsa w Nostalgic Flute (or Alto) Intro. Gr 4 (newly scored). Orig version 2019 written for my daughter in gratitude for "lecturing" me, at age 6, to return to music after losing our son because, "music made you happy". "Iluminada" refers to her. *Contact me to receive.

"The Things That Need to Heal"

Written in the spirit of healing: This introspective Bossa Nova ballad is shared in honor of my wonderful father, Jorge (Aug 15, 1926- Feb 18, 2003). Gr. 3 "big band" jazz ens. chart with a poignant, written piano solo, rhythm parts suggested solos written out. Avail now via Hal Leonard Publishing.

"Voando Em Uma Vespa" (Flyin' on a Vespa)

Upbeat, authentic Samba for Full Jazz Ensemble. I actually wrote this in my head while tearing around Miami backstreets on my Vespa-style scooter recently. Gr 4. Solos and rhythm parts are written out. JW Pepper Editors ChoiceCuica part can be played by agogo bells. Avail now via Excelcia Music.

*Featured works on the HOME pg; more works on pg 2