Michelle Humphreys

Biography

Singled out as “musically outstanding and visually delightful” (Cleveland Plain Dealer), and for her ability to make “the intent of the music come to life” (Broadway World), Michelle Humphreys performs music of the Baroque and modern eras, with frequent forays into music that falls between. She plays percussion and timpani with Opera Lafayette, Tempesta di Mare, Washington Bach Consort, and Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, and also as soloist—the last three seasons have included concertos with Two Rivers Chamber Orchestra, Maryland Band Directors Band, and Shepherd University Wind Ensemble. 

Michelle has recorded seven French Baroque operas with Opera Lafayette for the Naxos label, including several modern-day premieres. Notable releases include Rebel’s 1745Zelindor, Roi de Sylphes and Monsigny’s 1762 Le Roi et le Fermier. She also can be heard on the recent Chandos recordings Comédie et Tragédie, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 and Telemann – The Concerti-En-Suite (with Philadelphia’s Tempesta di Mare),  DC-based Cantate’s 2012 release of Andrew Simpson’s Crown of Stars, and the 2012 CD Michael Colgrass: Percussion Music,1951-1957.

A dedicated and creative teacher, Michelle joined the faculty of Towson University in 2014 as Coordinator of Percussion, and in 2016 was named Assistant Professor of Percussion. She serves on the artist faculty of National Music Festival,is a member of the Vic Firth Education Team, and is a frequent clinician and a proud endorser of Grover Pro Percussion and Zildjian Cymbals.

Michelle holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Towson University, a Master of Music degree from the Eastman School of Music, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Maryland College Park.  

In between teaching, rehearsing, and performing, Michelle enjoys long walks, cycling, and petting the neighborhood dogs.