Inspired by a love of people and the belief that singing is for everyone, Michelle Bendett prioritizes community and meaningful music-making in all her roles in Northfield, Minnesota. She serves as Artistic Director of the Northfield Youth Choirs, conducting Anima and Concert Choir, and also leads over 250 singers as choir director at Northfield Middle School, offering ensemble, solo, and small group instruction.
Since beginning her career in 2000, Michelle has taught choral music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Originally from Long Island, New York, she taught in Florida before moving to Minnesota. Choirs under her direction have consistently earned top ratings and been invited to perform at state conferences. Her programs are known for strong enrollment, and many of her students have been selected for state, regional, and national honor choirs.
Michelle is proud to see former students and student teachers now leading choirs of their own across the country. She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University, where she studied under inspiring mentors including Dr. Judy Bowers, Dr. André Thomas, and Professor Roy Delp, among others.
An active adjudicator, clinician, and guest conductor, Michelle recently served as National Honor Choir Coordinator for the American Choral Directors Association, helping to launch the National Student Leadership Academy during the 2021 Virtual Conference. Of all her roles, her favorite is being mom to her own chorister, her daughter, Aïda.