Dr. Jeffrey L. Miller is Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Tennessee Technological University. In this capacity, Dr. Miller serves as conductor of the Chamber Winds, Symphony Band and Concert Band, is director of the Golden Eagle Marching Band, teaches courses in Instrumental Conducting & Literature, and other courses in the music education curriculum. 

Prior to his appointment at Tennessee Technological University, he served as the Associate Director of Bands/Director of Athletic Bands at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Miller holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida Southern College, a Master of Music Education and Ph.D. in Music Education, with emphasis in instrumental conducting, from Florida State University. Prior to his university appointments, Miller served as a band director in the state of Florida where he directed middle and high school bands.

Dr. Miller’s scholarly interests include evaluating quality in wind band literature for school ensembles. His article, An Analysis of James M. Stephenson’s Symphony No. 2—Voices: With Commentary by the Composer, was published in the prestigious Journal of Band Research (issue 58/1 Fall 2022). Under his direction, the Tennessee Tech University Symphony Band has recorded a CD on the Mark Custom label (Cuico: The Music of Greg Danner, vol. 4, 2023). He has presented research and teaching clinics at national, regional, and state-level conferences, including the CBDNA National and Southern Division Conferences, the CBDNA Athletic Band Symposium, and the Colorado, Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia Music Educators Conferences. He has conducted honor bands throughout the Southeastern United States and enjoys an active schedule as an adjudicator/clinician for concert and marching assessments.  

Dr. Miller holds professional memberships in the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, the National Band Association, Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Band Fraternity.

Michele Fernández is a published composer/arranger, active clinician/guest conductor, educator and performer. Her works for jazz and wind ensemble are represented by various publishers including Hal Leonard, EMP and MMP, as well as her own company MF/GiraSoul Music, and have been performed by groups of all ages as well as at The Midwest Clinic, CBDNA, JEN, IAJE, various MEA’s and All-State/Regional bands. 

Most recently, Michele's ground-breaking wind ensemble composition, "Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts" was the recipient of the CBDNA 2023 Young Band Composition Award. 

Michele serves ensembles of all ages across the country through virtual or in-person clinics and Artist-in-Residence events. She recently retired from teaching after 30 years, where her Miami Senior High ensembles earned top honors and gained international acclaim despite being a Title One school with minimal resources. Her groups have been selected for appearances at the Midwest Clinic (Chicago ’93 & ’98), IAJE (Boston ’94, NY ’97), Montreux Jazz Fest (Switzerland ’96), FMEA and national publications. Michele has featured on “CBS Sunday Morning”, Band Director’s Guide and Downbeat Magazine. 

She has also taught SPED, ESOL, HS English and Chemistry. Before focusing on writing, she served as an oboist in the Miami area, and spent several years as a rhythm section member of a busy local Afro-Latin/Jazz ensemble. As a composer/clinician: Michele views writing and clinics as an opportunity to discuss important aspects of life, while also focusing on the art form of performance, and in so doing, to help others gain more self-confidence and an increased awareness of compassion for others that will lead to success in all areas of life.