Michele Fernández
Michele Fernández is an active guest clinician/conductor, composer, festival adjudicator, and performer. Her compositions have been premiered at Midwest, IAJE, and Regional Honor/All-State venues. Her original works for jazz ensemble are published through Hal Leonard, Excelcia Music, JW Pepper, Print Music Source and “Jazz Zone” series (text authored by J. Richard Dunscomb).
She is a sponsored Hal Leonard clinician, HAPCO Foundation staff clinician and in the past has also served as guest clinician/conductor/guest lecturer for various universities, including UNCo, UNT, UM Frost, UF and others. She frequently serves as a guest clinician/conductor for Regional and State-level Honor Jazz Ens /Symphonic Bands. She has appeared as clinic lecturer at JEN (2022), Midwest (’07 & ’16), FMEA, Clark College Annual Festival (WA), and a frequent in-residence conductor for FSU summer camps. She serves bands around the country through clinics virtually or in-person via Composer-in-Residence events.
Michele recently retired from teaching after 30 years, where her Miami Senior High ensembles earned top honors and gained international acclaim. Her groups have been selected for appearances at the Midwest Clinic (Chicago ’93 & ’98), IAJE (Boston ’94 & NYC ’97), Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland ’96), FMEA Conference (‘94 & ’97) and national publications. Michele has been the subject of a documentary on “CBS Sunday Morning”, cover story in Band Director’s Guide and a featured educator in Downbeat Magazine. Michele has also taught Excep. Student Ed, English and Chemistry. She is also an active oboist and percussionist in Miami and spent several years as a rhythm section member of a busy local Latin ensemble. Michele’s available clinic presentations, handouts and Latin Jazz compositions for big band can also be viewed at www.Michele-Fernandez.com.
