Michelle Chyzyk graduated from Brandon University with the Gold Medal in Music Education, also obtaining an Applied Degree in Piano Performance with First Class Honours.

During her 34-year teaching career, Michelle has created a large community choral network in her hometown of Virden and throughout Westman.  Michelle has been an elementary music educator for many years but has spent her last few years solely at Virden Collegiate teaching choral music and drama.

Mrs. Chyzyk has conducted the WMYC on 9 occasions, the EMYC, the Winnipeg Divisional Honour Choir, the Provincial Honour Choir 3 times, and she has served as a workshop clinician throughout the province. She is the proud artistic director for Brandon choir Konektis, working with fellow BU grads Marla Fontaine, Clint McLachlan, and Danielle Guina.

Michelle was the proud recipient of a YMCA Women of Distinction Award in 2000, The Hope Medal from the Lions Club for Outstanding Charitable Service in 2002, the Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012, a Fort La Bosse Outstanding Employee Award in 2014, an Outstanding Teacher Award from the University of Manitoba in 2016, and in 2020 she was honored to receive Manitoba Choral Association’s Award for Artistic Excellence.

Michelle has a passion for Musical Theatre, having worked on 40 various theatre productions. She has served as the Westman Rep on the board of the Manitoba Choral Association, and she is currently a member of the Virden Auditorium Theatre Board.

Michelle lives in Virden with husband Dave. She is excited to be teaching at BU this term in a subject area she is extremely passionate about.