I love music and the arts! When I started the violin at the age of 10, I knew that I would always find a way to incorporate it into my life. 

I played in middle school and high school ensembles and played for the St. Francis Spanish Choir while my sister led songs. I also participated in West Valley Symphony, Utah Youth Symphony, The Utah Philharmonia, The University of Utah Symphony Orchestra, The American West Symphony, The New Music Ensemble, and chamber music. I played viola da gamba and the alto recorder for the Early Music Ensemble. I taught orchestra at Jordan Hills Elementary and I decided to become a school teacher to integrate music into the classroom. 

My B.A. in Art History and Spanish from the University of Utah led me to an M.A. in Education from the University of Phoenix. I taught in Juticalpa, Honduras at the Day-Star school where I taught art and music. I curated a student art exhibit and recital for the school and the community. Since then, I have been a Spanish Dual Immersion teacher in Jordan School District and most recently Granite School District. 

In the community, I've been an active classical musician. I played classics with a pianist in  a duo called The Harmonic Muses. I organized musicians to play music by local composers and other works. In non-classical works, I played with the Alex Ortega Band, Juana Ghani, and Rakatanga. Most recently, I have performed with The Reel Folk, The Old Time Fiddlers, and NYChillharmonic. 

Integration is important to me. I've played music for dance troupes like Porridge for Goldilocks, RDT, and Municipal Ballet Company (Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative). I also improvised with a trapeze artist for Aerial Arts of Utah. I always find ways to create opportunities for students and amateurs. In 2015, Craft Lake City featured my string quartet since this venue was an unlikely place to have contemporary classical music. In 2022, I was asked to compose a piece of music for the Salt Lake Ballet Cooperative. In 2023-2024, I was able to commission a piece by a local composer that I could perform myself. 

My sister, mother, and father have always supported me in the arts. My husband and toddler support me by attending performances and going up and down escalators as many times as it takes to get through a performance. Sometimes, they jam with rattles and toddler percussion instruments whilst dancing and eating at the concession stands as I play music.

I am an educator with 12+ years of experience. I have experience teaching Spanish content to 3-6th grade (math, science, language arts) and English content (grades 4-9).

I have attended various professional development meetings for Spanish Dual Immersion, Spanish world language, technology, English reading, and math.

I have a professional educator certificate with endorsements in Spanish World Language, Dual Immersion, English as a Second Language (ESL), and Professional Elementary Music endorsement. I have also been able to be an interpreter beyond the classroom, including medical and social appointments.

Contact Michele at 801-674-4476 or email michelemedina104@gmail.com