Annella Winger was the original director of Poco Voce in 2005-2007. She returned to this role in 2016. Mrs. Winger was the music specialist at Ben Franklin Elementary School for 34 years, retiring in June 2015. Through the North Dakota Teacher Support System, she has been serving as a mentor for first-year educators as well as experienced teachers during her retirement. Mrs. Winger was inducted into the Grand Forks Public Schools Teachers Hall of Fame in 2018. She was honored to receive the North Dakota Music Educator of the Year Award; the WDAZ “Teachers Making a Difference” Award; the VFW Citizenship Education Teacher Award for North Dakota; and the Service to Children Award from the Ben Franklin Elementary PTO. She has shared her passion for music education by being a presenter for numerous organizations throughout the state. Mrs. Winger played clarinet with the Greater Grand Forks Symphony from 1978-2013. She continues to work with the Symphony on presenting their Young Audience Concerts. Mrs. Winger earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education and Elementary Education from the University of North Dakota. Being a lifelong resident of this community, she cherishes spending time with the four generations of her family who all reside in Grand Forks.
Annella Winger
