YOUR JAZZ
EDUCATION
CONNECTION
R i c h a r d D u n s c o m b & M i c h e l e F e r n á n d e z
About the Project
Dick Dunscomb and Michele Fernández are now available to you.
The following descriptions notate some of the topics covered.
Special workshops can be designed for you and your ensemble.
“Connect with us and we will provide in-person and virtual
jazz information and resources for music educators and students.”
We Will
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Provide jazz education clinics for school jazz bands
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Prepare jazz bands for excellence in performance
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Provide ongoing jazz resources and consultation for directors
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Provide ongoing jazz resources and consultation for school districts
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Provide ongoing jazz resources and consultations for district, region, and area events
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Provide detailed assistance in understanding and performing the various Latin Styles with authenticity
Clinics &
Workshops
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Teaching the language of jazz – listening and articulation
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Jazz Improvisation for all – breaking psychological barriers and more
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Selecting appropriate literature for jazz band – music that fits your band
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Creating a successful jazz education program – a step by step plan
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Jazz rehearsal techniques – strategic information for rehearsals
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Jazz rhythm section basics – in-depth with each instrument
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Teaching the jazz concepts – teaching Latin and swing styles
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Rhythm section - achieving that elusive authentic sound
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Preparing for important performances – in-depth steps to excellence
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Another approach - using lead sheets for full ensemble instruction
Residences
in person or virtual
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Private lessons with director
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Full or partial day with director and jazz band
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Two day in depth with director and jazz band
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Program planning
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Appropriate selection of charts
Richard
Dunscomb
J. Richard Dunscomb is one of the leading authorities in the field of Jazz music and music education. He has been recognized nationally and internationally as a guest conductor, author, adjudicator, clinician, and consultant. He has presented more than 300 workshops including conducting and jazz clinics throughout the United States, as well as Australia, Europe, Canada, Sweden, Japan and South America.
Throughout his career, Professor Dunscomb has been recognized with numerous honors and awards. The International Association of Jazz Educators elected Dunscomb to its Hall of Fame. The Midwest Clinic, an international band and orchestra clinic awarded Dunscomb the prestigious Medal of Honor. He also received numerous awards for his outstanding conducting, teaching and service from several universities. He was the North American Coordinator for the Montreux (Switzerland) International Jazz Festival for 18 years.
His most recent publications include, with Dr. Willie Hill, Jr. “Jazz Pedagogy: The Jazz Educator’s Handbook and Resource Guide,” a publication designed to provide a foundation and structure to plan and implement a successful Jazz program, available from Alfred/Belwin Music and all music dealers. His newest publication is, “Jazz Zone” a beginning jazz method for bands, available from Print Music Source, J.W. Pepper and all music dealers. His latest project in “Jazz Zone Together” is an innovative online virtual jazz community that teaches, entertains and creates an interaction of jazz aficionados. Currently over 42 interviews of jazz artists, educators, and presenters are available.
Dunscomb is Professor Emeritus of Music at Columbia College Chicago. He is Vice President of the board of directors for the Midwest Clinic, an annual event in Chicago, Illinois with more than 18,000 participants. Dunscomb is also an educational consultant for the Conn-Selmer Company.
Dick Dunscomb
Michele
Fernández
Michele Fernández is an active educator, guest clinician/conductor, adjudicator, published instrumental music composer and performer. Her compositions have been premiered at Midwest, IAJE and Regional Honor/All-State venues. Most recently she is publishing original works for jazz ensemble through Hal Leonard, Excelcia Publishing, JW Pepper, Print Music Source and also serves as a staff composer for the “Jazz Zone” book/music library series (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, as well as being a frequent Florida Music Education Association Conference lecturer, clinician for Clark College Annual Festival (WA), and holds a yearly clinician/conductor position for FSU summer camps. Michele 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 University of Northern Colorado, University of Miami, University of Florida and others. She is also a recent co-founder of “Your Jazz Education Connection” consulting, along with J. Richard Dunscomb, providing both in-person and virtual guidance for educators and their students on various topics.
Michele recently retired from public school teaching after serving Florida’s education system full-time since 1989, where her Miami Senior High ensembles consistently 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 have been featured in several national publications.
Michele has been the subject of a documentary spot on “CBS Sunday Morning”, was featured as the cover story in Band Director’s Guide and featured as an outstanding educator in Downbeat Magazine. In the past, Michele has also taught Special Ed, English and tutored Chemistry to ESL students. She is an active oboist and percussionist in the Miami area and spent several years as a pianist and rhythm section member of a busy local Latin ensemble.
Michele Fernández
useful links:
Michele's latest Salsa Publication for Big Band:
"Illuminada" (for Sara Elise)
Excelcia Publishing 2022
