For Michelle Gergich, music has been a lifelong language. Beginning her musical studies at age two and settling on the flute by age five, she was performing chamber music publicly by the age of nine. Her early accolades include receiving the 2008 Kenneth Geoffroy Memorial Award from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition with her high school ensemble, The Zenith Quartet. A two-time Wind Division Winner of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition, she also made her solo piccolo debut with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra in 2006.

Michelle’s passion for music deepened through her extensive participation in the South Bend Symphony, the Elkhart Youth Honors Orchestra, and the Fischoff Chamber Music Mentoring Project. She also served as Principal Flute of the South Bend Symphony Side-by-Side Orchestra for two years. As a high school senior, she was selected for both the Indiana All-State Orchestra and the ASTA National High School Honors Orchestra—experiences that ultimately inspired her to pursue a career in music and share her love of music-making with future generations.

Today, as a conductor, flutist, and educator, Michelle channels that lifelong passion into every rehearsal and lesson. Currently the Conductor of the Moorestown Community Band and a dedicated instrumental teacher in the Mount Laurel School District, she believes in the transformative power of music at every age. Whether she is guiding a beginner’s first notes or conducting a full community concert band, her goal remains the same: to foster the joy of music-making that first inspired her own journey.

Michelle’s professional teaching career is marked by its breadth and versatility. At Hatikvah International Academy Charter School, she utilized the IB curriculum to teach K-8 general music, 3rd-8th Grade Orchestra, and guitar ensemble. Her experience also includes the Rahway School District, where she taught K-6 general music and 4th-6th Grade Band. She has also served on the faculties of Rutgers Community Arts, the Bravura Youth Orchestra, and the Veritas Youth Orchestra. Beyond the classroom, Michelle maintains a vibrant private lesson studio in Westampton, NJ, and is an active freelance performer throughout the South Jersey region.

Michelle’s academic foundation includes a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Rutgers University, a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from New Jersey City University.