Our Directors

Matthew W. Shephard is in his 23rd year as the Director of Bands at Meridian Public Schools. He attended Central Michigan University, where he earned both his Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music in Conducting degrees. While at CMU, he also served as Drum Major of the Marching Chippewas for four years. Mr. Shephard has led his Jr. High and High School ensembles to consistent superior ratings at both Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District and State Festivals. Under his leadership, the Class C high school band has grown to well over 120 musicians which represents over one-third of the student population. The Symphonic Band performed at the 2011, 2016 and 2020 Michigan Music Conferences, and his jazz bands have been featured annually at the Detroit Jazz Festival since 2012.

Mr. Shephard was named the 2015 MSBOA District V Teacher of the Year and was a finalist for the 2016 MSBOA State Teacher of the Year. Mr. Shephard was honored in 2018, 2019 & 2024 as a GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year quarterfinalist, a 2022 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Semifinalist, and was a 2023 GRAMMY Music Educator of the Year Finalist (Top 10). 

Mr. Shephard conducts Middle School and High School Honors Bands across the state and is in demand as a clinician and adjudicator for concert and jazz festivals. He is a member of ASBDA and currently serves as the State President of the MSBOA. In addition, Mr. Shephard published a comprehensive beginning method book for adults titled, “Do-It-Yourself Trombone” through Hal Leonard Publishing.

In his free time, Mr. Shephard is an avid distance runner and is a Jr. High Cross Country coach. He and his wife Abby have three boys, Aiden, Jonah and Keegan and their rescue dog, Tater.

Learn more about the services Mr. Shephard provides at: www.mwshephard.com

Jenna N. Dornoff is in her 4th year as the Assistant Director of Bands and Elementary Music Teacher at Meridian Public Schools. Within the Meridian community, she has the opportunity to work with music students ranging from grades 3-12. This allows her to teach a variety of musical subjects such as general music, marching band, and concert bands. At the high school level, she has led the Freshman Concert Band to superior ratings at the Michigan School Band & Orchestra Association (MSBOA) District Band and Orchestra Festival. She feels privileged to have the opportunity to co-teach with Director of Bands, Matthew Shephard, as they strive to make the Meridian Music Program the best that it can be.

Ms. Dornoff graduated from Western Michigan University where she earned her Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education. While at WMU, she played flute and piccolo in a variety of ensembles such as the Bronco Marching Band, the WMU Wind Symphony, and the University String Orchestra. She has proudly represented WMU by participating in experiences such as the Intercollegiate Marching Band during the virtual halftime show for the College Football Playoff National Championship game in 2021. She also participated as a High School Institute College Mentor at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2019.

Ms. Dornoff completed her student teaching experience at Portage Central Middle and High School. This opportunity gave her valuable teaching experience by allowing her to work with band students in grades 6-12 both virtually and in-person.

Ms. Dornoff actively pursues new knowledge and experiences by participating in various music conferences such as the Michigan Music Conference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and Conn-Selmer Institute Connect. She is a member of the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association and was selected to speak on the K-12 band director panel at the University of Michigan for the 2022 Forum for Future Female Band Directors.

In her free time she likes to knit, play her flute, and go for walks or bike rides. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends.