Michelle Gergich

Music Director

For Michelle Gergich, music has been a lifelong language. A flutist from age five and a chamber musician by age nine, her early career was defined by excellence, including a solo piccolo debut with the South Bend Symphony Orchestra and honors from the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. These formative experiences inspired her to pursue a career dedicated to the transformative power of collective music-making.
Today, as the Conductor of the Moorestown Community Band, Michelle channels this passion into every rehearsal. She believes in music's ability to connect generations, whether she is leading a full community concert band or guiding student instrumentalists in the Mount Laurel School District. Her leadership is informed by a diverse pedagogical background, having previously conducted the Veritas Youth Orchestra, Bravura Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble, and serving on the faculty of Rutgers Community Arts.
Michelle’s academic foundation provides a rigorous backbone for her conducting. She holds a Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting from Rutgers University, a Bachelor of Music in Performance from the University of Minnesota, and a Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from New Jersey City University. Beyond the podium, she maintains a private studio and remains an active freelance performer throughout the South Jersey region.

L. Bruce Smith

Conductor Emeritus

Bruce Smith earned a B.A. in music education from Rowan University (then Glassboro State College), where he majored on baritone horn. He earned an M.A. in School Administration at Rider University. He has served as a school band and choral director, department head, director of gifted ed., assistant principal and principal in The Delran Township Schools.
 
Mr. Smith also served in The U.S.Navy Show Band for 3 years, when he toured extensively in South America and the U.S. as a trombone & euphonium player, and vocalist. In addition, he conducted the All South Jersey Jr. H.S.Band in 1978 and 2012 and The Western Burlington County Jr. H.S. Honors Band in 2010. After retirement, Mr. Smith conducted the All South Jersey Homeschool Band for 11 years, and he served as a student teacher supervisor for William Patterson University for four years.  He and his wife, Rosemary, reside in Marlton, N.J.
Both of their children are music conductors.