The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Episode #101 with Dr. Rick Webb In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we welcome Dr. Richard S. Webb, a distinguished educator, conductor, and scholar in the field of string music education. Dr. Webb shares insights from his journey, from earning degrees in viola performance and music education at Bowling Green State University and the University of Cin...

We’ve made it to Episode 100 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , and there’s no better way to celebrate this milestone than by welcoming one of the most influential voices in string education— Dr. Bob Gillespie . Dr. Gillespie is Professor Emeritus of String Education and Pedagogy at The Ohio State University , a past national President of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) , and a cel...

Episode #99 – Bridging Cultures and Styles with Jesús Florido In this vibrant episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we welcome the incomparable Jesús E. Florido —a genre-defying violinist, passionate educator, and global clinician whose music and teaching transcend borders. Classically trained yet wildly versatile, Jesús brings a rich fusion of Afro-Latin, Jazz, Rock, Fiddle, and Classical in...

Episode #98 – Dr. James Mick discusses college teaching, his research, and more! In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. James Mick, Professor of Music Education at Ithaca College, for an insightful conversation on the art and heart of string education. With a wealth of experience as a conductor, pedagogue, clinician, and researcher, Dr. Mick shares his per...

Episode 97 – Inspiring the Next Generation: A Conversation with Daniella Valdez In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we are thrilled to welcome Daniella Valdez, a dynamic music educator, conductor, and advocate for orchestral excellence. As the Director of String Ensembles at the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) and Director of Orchestras at Maine West High School, Ms. Valdez...

Episode 96 – A Legacy of Excellence: Bill Bitter on Four Decades of Music Education In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , I am honored to welcome the legendary Bill Bitter, a powerhouse in music education with over 40 years of experience in Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona. Mr. Bitter dedicated his career to shaping young musicians, teaching orchestra and band at every level, and leadi...

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we sit down with the incredibly talented Dr. Geoff Neuman, a seasoned conductor, educator, and bassist. Dr. Neuman currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at The State College of Florida, where he leads The Bradenton Symphony and SCF Symphonic Band. With over 25 years of experience in music education, Dr. Neuman shares insights into...

In episode 94 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are honored to welcome the esteemed Georgia Lambros Ekonomou. With an impressive career spanning decades, Georgia has made a profound impact on string education in Georgia and beyond. As the former director of orchestras at the Paideia School and the Lovett School, she has led ensembles to national and international acclaim. Join us as we discuss...

🎻 Episode #93 – A Lifetime of Orchestral Excellence with Dr. Mark Laycock 🎶 In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we are honored to welcome Dr. Mark Laycock , Professor of Music at Wichita State University, where he holds the Ann Walenta Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professorship . As Director of Orchestras and Coordinator of Strings , Dr. Laycock has led the WSU Symphony Orchestr...

I am proud to announce that The Orchestra Teacher Podcast is now sponsored by Kaleidoscope Adventures! As a leader in the student travel industry for 30+ years, Kaleidoscope Adventures exceeds expectations for student and performance group travel. Learn more at https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast

🎻 Episode #92 – Inspiring Excellence in Music Education with Stephen Lawrence-Carroll 🎶 In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we are thrilled to welcome Stephen Lawrence-Carroll , an esteemed music educator and Director of Orchestral and Music Theory Activities at North Atlanta High School in Atlanta, GA. As the Fine and Performing Arts Department Chair, Stephen has been a driving f...

Episode #91: Fiddling in the Classroom with Kiana June Weber In this exciting episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we welcome Kiana June Weber —renowned American-Irish fiddler, educator, and entrepreneur —to discuss her inspiring journey and how teachers can incorporate fiddling into the classroom . A visionary educator and thought leader, Kiana has built a career that blends traditional and...

Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration Between Band and Orchestra Directors In this special episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we welcome two outstanding music educators, Susan Abell and Nick Blue , to discuss the importance of building a collaborative and supportive relationship between band and orchestra directors. Far too often, band and orchestra programs operate in isolation—or eve...

In this special episode, hosts Charles Laux and Jessica Fuchs dive into their upcoming presentation at the ASTA National Conference : Compare, Contrast, Collaborate: Perspectives from Early and Late Career Experiences. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of orchestra education through the lens of both new and seasoned educators. We’ll discuss classroom strategies, programming decisions, m...

Amy Clement has taught orchestra in Gwinnett County since 1997. She is currently in her 16th year as one of the orchestra directors at North Gwinnett Middle School. Orchestras under the direction of Ms. Clement have consistently received superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation and her students also participate in solo/ensemble, countywide honor orchestras, MYSO, ASYO and Georgia all...

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Special Guest Harrison Cook 🎻 In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast , we welcome Harrison Cook , Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County, Georgia. Now in his ninth year of teaching, Harrison brings a unique perspective to the classroom, having transitioned from a full-time career as a professional cellist to an award-winnin...

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, I have a conversation with Angela Harman, a dynamic music educator and leader in the string education community. Angela teaches orchestra in Utah’s Nebo School District, where her dedication and passion have grown her program to include over 360 students daily. Angela is also the founder of OrchestraClassroom.com , a widely respected resource for s...

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Christine E. Gero, an accomplished conductor, violinist, and music educator. 🎧 Tune in to learn more about Ms. Gero’s unique path, her experiences as a violinist and educator, and her thoughts on keeping orchestra education vibrant and relevant in today’s world. Don’t miss this exciting episode! — BIOGRAPHY Christine E. Ger...

David Pope serves an Associate Professor of Music Education at Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. In addition, he is also a senior conductor and camp director for the Baldwin Wallace University String Orchestra Camp and serves as a string clinician for Alfred Music. As an active adjudicator and clinician, he has conducted numerous all-state orchestras, regional honor orc...

Weekend Preview!! Some fantastic episodes coming this weekend! A trifecta of greatness -- college, high school, and middle school specialists!! Friday is Dr. David Pope from Baldwin Wallace University. Saturday I have Christine Gero who is orchestra director in Seattle, Washington. Then on Sunday is the incredible Angela Harman, Orchestra Director at Maple Grove Middle School in Utah and author of...

David Doke is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with over 30 years of experience in orchestra program development and conducting. He spent his teaching career in the Cobb County (GA) School System, where he holds the notable achievement of founding two high school orchestra programs. His teaching journey began in 1994 as the founding director of the North Cobb High School Orchestra, wher...

Ben McWhorter is the orchestra teacher at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for his professional, engaging, and collaborative approach to teaching, Ben’s orchestras have consistently earned “Distinguished” ratings at district performance assessments during his 19 year tenure. In 2023, Ben implemented a middle school mentoring program, with high school orchestra musicians provid...

Thomas Chen is Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Under his direction, the Carmel High School Symphony Orchestra earned regular appearances at the Indiana State School Music Association State High School Concert Finals, produced a recording of Dvorak Symphony No. 9, and performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2019 and 2024. Chen previously held the position of Assistant Di...

This the LAST episode for 2024! Thank you for the support this year! A ton of great content coming your way in 2025! About episode #80... Lauren Roznowski Hayden works for Longfellow Middle School, as orchestra teacher to more than 315 students. She has been a public school teacher for over 17 years, teaching orchestra at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. She has taught in the Wauwat...

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Rachael Keplin—a versatile violist, string educator, and free improviser—for a deep dive into the world of free improvisation, mindfulness, and their transformative impact on learning to play stringed instruments. Dr. Keplin shares her unique approach to fostering creativity and connection through free improvisation, offering insights into how mi...