Concordia College

Michael Smith, Senior Lecturer and Conductor of Bel Canto, Chapel Choir, and Kantorei at Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota, received a Bachelor of Arts degree from St. Olaf College, Master of Art in music degree from the university of Northern Colorado, and completed all but the dissertation for his PhD in Music Education from the University of Minnesota.  For twenty-five years Smith was choral director at Brainerd High School where his choirs maintained a tradition of excellence performing numerous times for state and regional MENC and ACDA conventions, as well as, touring extensively throughout the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

In 1989, Smith was named Brainerd Teacher of the Year, and was one of nine finalists for Minnesota Teacher of the Year.  In 1990 he was honored to receive the Minnesota Music Educators Association Choral Director of the Year Award, and in 1999 he was named the Minnesota American Choral Directors Association Choral Director of the Year.  In 2005, the National Federation of State High School Associations named him Outstanding Music Educator of the Year.

Smith has served on the Board of Minnesota Music Educators Association and was president of Minnesota American Choral Directors Association.  He is very active as a choral clinician and voice teacher.  He likes to think of his choirs as large voice classes where individuals can learn how to properly use their voices as they sing great literature.

In 1997, Smith was given the distinction of being the first Minnesota high school choral director to conduct the Minnesota All-State Men's Chorus.  He is an active member of NEA, MENC, MMEA, and ACDA.

Contact Michael Smith at:  smithm@cord.edu