MMEA ALL-STATE JAZZ BAND W/ MICHELE FERNÁNDEZ

Minnesota Music Educators Association is proud to present the All-State Jazz Band at the Dakota with Michele Fernández. MMEA’s All-State Ensembles are built with 625 accomplished young musicians from 269 programs within the state of Minnesota.

Michele Fernández is a published composer, active guest clinician, adjudicator and performer. Her jazz and symphonic compositions have been premiered at Midwest and All-State /Regional venues as well as professional venues. Additionally, she is a member of Phi Beta Mu (Omega Chapter) and an active member of FBA, JEN, ISJAC, MBDNA.

She frequently serves as a guest clinician/conductor for All-State groups and Regional Honors jazz/symphonic groups. Here, she has appeared as a Midwest Clinic lecturer (’07 / ’16), JEN ’22, and various State MEAs as a sponsored and partner clinician. Furthermore, she is a freelance guest clinician/conductor for universities and districts across the country.

Michele recently retired from teaching in Miami after thirty years. There (among other teaching positions) 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). Also, Montreux Jazz Festival (Switzerland ’96), FMEA (Tampa ’94 & ’97) and various national publications. She and her students were featured on CBS Sunday Morning and were a cover story in Band Director’s Guide. Additionally, Downbeat Magazine featured her as an outstanding educator. Before focusing on writing/clinics, she served as an active oboist in the Miami area. Additionally, she played as a rhythm section player in a busy Afro-Latin/jazz group.