Endorsements
What they say about us
Dick and Michele spent two days in Gainesville to provide a clinic for one of our local high school jazz ensembles and to give a presentation to our undergraduate Instrumental Methods class at the University of Florida. The quality of their insights, information, and advice was spot on in both contexts. They were able to quickly and precisely identify strengths and areas for improvement in articulation, time, ensemble sound, improvisations, and stylistic interpretation and to provide practical suggestions for improvement. The information they provided got right to the heart of the most important considerations in teaching jazz style and improvisation and was inspiring for our students. Dick and Michele are consummate professionals and remarkably generous in sharing their time, expertise, and resources. Having them with us provided a great experience for all involved.
Barry Hartz, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Music Education
University of Florida
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Mr. Dunscomb,
We cannot thank you and Michele enough for your time and teaching! The students and I had an absolute blast! We will be talking about that evening for years to come!
The clinic with Dick Dunscomb and Michele Fernandez was an invaluable experience. The students enjoyed every minute and experienced tremendous growth in such a short amount of time. These educators are unparalleled in their expertise, an absolute treat for growing musicians!
Noah Graben
Director of Bands
F.W. Buchholz High School (FL)
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Dick Dunscomb is a master jazz pedagogue and one of the most respected authorities we have in jazz education. I have known of Dick's expertise since he first adjudicated my high school jazz band some 35 years ago! Most recently, Dick came to Jacksonville to work with my kids before we performed at The Midwest Clinic. WOW!! Talk about diagnose and prescribe!! He immediately started pointing out matters that I wasn't hearing...at all! Most importantly, he offered clear and succinct remedies that worked like magic in making our jazz band sound so much better. And all with a gentleman's touch of a true professional...
Don Zentz
Director of Jazz Studies
Douglas Anderson School of the Arts
Jacksonville, Florida
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J. Richard (Dick) Dunscomb is a legend in jazz education! He has been recognized all over the globe for his work. Dick knows the music and he relates well to students of all ages. I have seen him work with a large big band in middle school to an All-Star collegiate jazz band in Italy and he gets great results and everyone has a wonderful time! He is a master teacher who knows how and when learning takes place…he seizes the moment and makes good things happen and now he is available to share his skillset with you and your students!
Mary Jo Papich
Jazz Education Network Co-founder and Past President
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“It is always a pleasure working with you and watching young musicians grow from your tutelage. Working with you as a guest conductor with the University of North Florida Jazz Ensemble 1 at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago and also recording the Big Band examples for your Jazz Zone publication, your effectiveness and knowledge in bringing a jazz ensemble to its next level is amazing. Thank you again and hope we do something together soon.”
J.B. Scott
Associate Professor of Music UNF School of Music
Music Flagship Program
Director of Jazz Studies
Director, UNF Jazz Ensemble 1 Director, Great American Jazz Series
Warburton Signature Artist
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"We were fortunate enough to be able to have Dick Dunscomb in as we were starting our Jazz Band from the beginning at Dekaney High School. His help proved invaluable in teaching our young musicians, developing our rhythm section and teaching various jazz styles and idioms. More importantly, he helped us to create a curriculum of teaching the art of improvisation and soloing."
Trent Cooper
Head Director, Dekaney High School 2007-2021
Houston, Texas
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“Michele Fernández is an incredible and versatile clinician. I have been fortunate to have her clinic for several years at our Jazz Camp in the FSU Summer Music Camps. Her ability to connect with kids of all ages and abilities is outstanding. She is equally effective in either jazz or concert band settings, with wind instruments, or rhythm sections.
Michele’s caring, fun personality is special and students simply want to perform with her. Few clinicians match her musicianship, personality, and professionalism. I cannot recommend her strongly enough!”
Dr. Steve Kelly
Florida State University
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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 very 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.
She has worn many hats, and has succeeded to the “nth” degree. 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 Fernández You will NOT be disappointed. She has my highest recommendation.
R. Gary Langford
Professor Emeritus, University of Florida
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Regarding her work as the clinician for the Tennessee-MidState High School Jazz Ensemble: My (director) friends also watched a great deal of Michele’s rehearsals and have been talking about the experience for about an hour now.
Michele is an amazing teacher, an incredible emotional and musical leader. For the final performance, the kids played just as well (if not better in moments) than the more advanced group. They wished all of the students were there to hear the messages she spoke about life.
Watching (Michele) reminded so many of us about why we teach (for ALL of our kids)!!
B. Englebert Vogt
Band Director
Tennessee Mid-State Clinic
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My students were all singing their parts with her detailed syllables even as they were leaving the class!!! I think it worked out great to have her talk about style rather than only hear them, fix, adjust, etc. She really inspired them!
Jason Duckett
Past President, Florida Bandmasters Assoc.
Director, Bartram Trails High School
Jacksonville, FL
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