Dr. Michelle Bluford received her Bachelor of Music Education from Morningside College, her Masters in Music and Doctorate in Ethic Studies from Covington Theological Seminary.

Michelle spent six years for Ponca Public School, six years at Omaha Benson and is currently in her eighth year at Elkhorn Public School. Her title at all three schools was Director of Instrumental Music. While at Benson, the band and orchestra doubled in size. The Concert Band, Jazz Band and Orchestra performed on the regional, state and national levels. They also consistently earned Superior and Excellent ratings. While at Ponca, Benson and Elkhorn the bands doubled in size.

In 19 years of teaching, Michelle has had numerous All – State Band/Orchestra/Jazz Band members. Her bands, orchestras, and jazz bands have consistently numerous Superior and Excellent ratings at District Music Contest, state and regional competitions. Several students have gone on to major in Music Education and other have chosen play in a college ensemble. She is an active clinician and adjudicator throughout the Midwest. Michelle is a member of NSBA, NMEA, and is currently serving as the NMEA Band Affairs Chair. She is in her 24th season with the Sioux City Symphony.

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Elizabeth Guinn is the assistant director of bands at Elkhorn High School. At Elkhorn she is the conductor of the Symphonic Band, Jazz Band II and is the instructor for “The Pride of the Antlers” Color Guard. She received her Bachelor of Music degree from Iowa State University in 2001. Prior to her appointment at Elkhorn, Guinn taught in the Southeast Polk Community School District, IA and at Ogden High School, IA for two years. Guinn has been teaching and writing for color guards throughout Iowa and Nebraska for ten years. She is a member of Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, Music Educator’s National Conference. Guinn is also a member of the Blair Area Community Band and the Nebraska Wind Symphony. She resides in Omaha with her husband, Robert.

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