A 1996 graduate of Roseville Area High School (RAHS), Michelle sang in the RAHS Concert Choir and was a member of the All-Conference and All-State Choirs. She was also selected for the 1995 All-Metro Grammies Jazz Choir directed by Ron McCurdy. Michelle was named the outstanding choir senior at RAHS in 1996.
A talented instrumentalist as well, Michelle played piano in the Jazz I ensemble and the RAHS Silver Strings as well as accompanying choirs at her church. She began playing French horn in fourth grade as was a member of the Minnesota Youth Symphonies orchestras and the RAHS Symphony Orchestra and Symphonic Band, serving as band president in her senior year.
Michelle sang in RAHS musicals —"South Pacific" in the Fall of 1993 and "Godspell" in 1994. In the winter of 1995-1996, she not only performed on stage in "Fiddler on the Roof" as Fruma Sarah's ghost, she also played in the pit orchestra.
She also served as co-host, along with Glen Newton, of the CTV broadcast of the May 28, 1998, RAHS concert.
Michelle soloed with the Roseville Big Band on "When I Fall in Love" on the June 11, 1996, concert in Central Park and at the dance sponsored by Woodland Hills Church of St. Paul, April 23, 1999.
Michelle sang in the choir during all of her four years at St. Paul's Bethel College. In the summer of 1997, Michelle travelled to Ukraine with a group of 16 singers and toured the country, putting on a classical/liturgical concert. Then in the summer after her junior year, she toured the United States with the Bethel Royal Players, performing in the musical "Heeere's David!"
Another highlight of Michelle's college career was winning the Concerto-Aria competition in both her junior and senior years and performing with a full-size orchestra.
In 2000, Michelle sang at the Boy Scouts of America National Breakfast and annual fundraiser in St. Paul.
Michelle graduated from Bethel College in Spring, 2001, and she now teaches 7th/8th grade English at Parkview Center School in Roseville. She also directs music at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Maplewood, gives private voice and piano lessons, and sings (sometimes also playing piano) at weddings, funerals, and parties.
During the summer of 2001, Michelle played the role of Constance in "Way Out West" at the Oops Dinner Theater in North Saint Paul.
Michelle has recorded one CD, "Sketches in Time," and is working on a second one.
In 2003, Michelle won first place in the Thursday Musical Upper College Division competition. She also recorded for Camera da Musica, an educational cable access program that will be sent to schools across the country.