GEORGIA MUSIC EDUCATORS ASSOCIATION
Presents the
2023 All State Jazz Ensemble
January 28, 2023
The Classic Center | Athens, Georgia
Travis Downs
Michele Fernández
Michael Nestor Band Division Chair Conductor Organizer Conductor
Michele Fernández is an active guest clinician/conductor, adjudicator, instrumental music composer 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, JW Pepper, Print Music Source and “Jazz Zone” series (text authored by J. Richard Dunscomb).
Michele 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 (two separate clinic topics) FMEA Conference lecturer, clinician for Clark College Annual Festival (WA), and frequent clinician for FSU summer camps.
Michele serves on the Education Committee for JEN (Jazz Education Network), is a sponsored clinician for Hal Leonard Publishing, HAPCO Foundation and in the past has also served as (freelance) guest clinician/conductor/guest lecturer for various universities, including UNCo, UNT, UM Frost, UF and others. She is also a co-founder of “Your Jazz Education Connection” consulting, along with J. Richard Dunscomb, providing both inperson and virtual guidance for educators and their students on various topics.
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 (Tampa ’94 & ’97) and national publications. Michele has been the subject of a documentary spot on “CBS Sunday Morning”, cover story in Band Director’s Guide and featured as an outstanding educator in Downbeat Magazine. Michele has also taught Exceptional Student Ed, HS English and tutored 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.
Program To Be Selected From:
String of Pals ………………………………….……………..……… by Michele Fernández
Illuminada ………………………………………………….………… by Michele Fernández
Bons Sohnos, Maestro …………………………….…………… by Michele Fernández
No Hay Palabras ………………………………………….……….. by Michele Fernández
Unearth …………………………………………………………..………..…… by Alan Baylock
Bradley’s Groove Shop ………………………………………….………… by Mark Taylor
All State Jazz Ensemble Personnel
Alto Saxophone
Reed Jorgenson – North Atlanta High School
Adan Mantri – Lambert High School
Tenor Saxophone
Mason Pounds – Greenbriar High School
Anthony Hoots – Walton High School
Bari Saxophone
Matthew Seebran – Ware County High School
Trumpet
Austin Wegmann – Effingham County High School
Timothy Jinks – Westlake High School
Stevin Li – Wheeler High School
Justin Arnold – Carrollton High School
Brody Johnson – Ware County High School
Trombone
Dominic Mendoza – West Forsyth High School
Parker Hayen – Heritage High School (Ringgold)
Hayden Buckman – Heritage High School (Ringgold)
Winston Edgerton – Valdosta High School
Bass Trombone
David (Trip) Drennan – Woodland High School (Cartersville)
Guitar
Isaac Lourie – The Galloway School
Bass
Joshua Gray – Westlake High School
Drums
Zachary Johnson – West Forsyth High School
Auxiliary
Gus Weed – Jackson County High