Contact: MicheleFDZmusic@gmail.com
Contact: MicheleFDZmusic@gmail.com
"One of the things that makes life exhilarating is to embrace the fact that we never stop learning from each other."
Michele shares two very special and rather interesting memories from past Midwest Clinic Experiences (4 min).
Michele Fernandez recently gave a talk for our students at the University of Miami Frost School of Music. In this talk she wove stories of her teaching and her students, as a living example of her teaching philosophy and guiding principles for a music teaching life well lived. She is the consummate music educator who masterfully balances the highest of musical and educational standards with care for students. She continues to impact and inspire so many through her work as a clinician, conductor, composer, and presenter.
Carlos Abril, Ph.D. UM Frost School of Music
Professor of Music Education and Music Therapy, Associate Dean for Research
Chair, NAfME Society for Research in Music Education
For the past 30 years I have admired the work that Michele has accomplished in so many areas of music education. I have also observed many clinics she has presented not only in Florida, but nationally. I have served on several adjudication panels with her and in every instance she is “spot on” with her comments; was very professional and offered super constructive remedies that connected with the students. She is knowledgeable in every jazz style, but particularly with the intricacies of Latin music, her heritage. She is personable, outgoing, energetic, connects with her audiences and brings out the best in the students. I have observed her wonderful ensembles, symphonic and jazz, both in rehearsal and on stage, including two performances at the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. If you could bring any clinician, I heartily recommend Michele.
R. Gary Langford, Professor Emeritus, University of Florida.
Swing, Funk, Ballads, General Latin tips: An interactive clinic (fine-tuned since first seen at FMEA 2021) which provides practical tips/ key concepts within the "big band" (or combo) rhythm section. Attendees will learn to interpret, develop, and perform styles with maximum musicality. Michele may, on occasion, invite co-presenters to the panel as contributors.
An interactive clinic (fine-tuned since its first presentation at Midwest Clinic in 2016) which provides practical tips on how to understand, teach and perform common several Latin styles from Bossa to Salsa in an authentic manner. Today's interactive version was recently seen at '22 JEN conf. (Dallas).
Re-think our approach to teaching improv- from simply asking for volunteers (ie, the same 4-5 initially bold kids get the benefits) to getting EVERYONE in your group to feel more confidence to want to try in a safe, encouraging environment. Great for teachers, districts, and college forums.
Presented in either reduced format by Michele, or in tandem (with a virtually-added) inclusion of award-winning Miami-area Director Bobby Keating for the original, co-present format seen at JEN 2022: These simple techniques and resources will help any director successfully start a young jazz ensemble from scratch in minimal time. Great for teachers, districts, and especially college forums.
Michele discuss how directors can safeguard their own mental, emotional and physical health while giving their "all" to their programs and students. She shares decades of experiences, humorous and sobering anecdotes to directors learn ways to help keep the job "fresh" and rewarding while avoiding burnout and building personal relationships.
Michele shares insights, humorous, poignant anecdotes and techniques developed over 30 years of successful teaching in Miami that helped her create a uniquely tight-knit, loving culture within her programs.
Due to intellectual property concerns, actual "One-Stop Latin Shop" clinic slides cannot be distributed and must be delivered to the intended audience via presentation in-person or virtually by Michele. Materials related to this clinic session appear below and are accessible here at any time. Page turner button is located at the bottom. Since a book is being planned: Please do not reproduce PDF; access here as often as needed.
*Featured works on the HOME pg; more works on pg 2
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