Episode 116 – Directing, Composing, Inspiring: A Conversation with Dr. Perry Holbrook

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Perry Holbrook, Artistic Director of Orchestras at Walton High School in Cobb County, Georgia. Over his 25-year tenure, Dr. Holbrook has grown the Walton Orchestra program from 130 to over 300 students, leading ensembles to perform at The Midwest Clinic, the ASTA National Conference, and GMEA, as well as on multiple European tours.

Charles and Dr. Holbrook discuss his unique journey from trumpet major to acclaimed orchestra director, the traditions and culture of the Walton program, and his approaches to student leadership, rehearsal strategies, and creating meaningful musical experiences. They also dive into his flourishing career as a composer, exploring how pieces like Someday, Never Summer Mountain, and Acadian Solstice came to life and continue to inspire student ensembles across the country.

Whether you’re interested in program-building, rehearsal philosophy, or composing for young orchestras, this conversation is full of valuable insights from one of the most respected voices in our field.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Perry Holbrook serves as the Artistic Director of Orchestras at Walton High School. Over the past 25 years he has guided the program’s growth from 130 to more than 300 students. Under his leadership, Walton ensembles have earned multiple invitations to perform at The Midwest Clinic, the ASTA National Conference, and the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, as well as completing several European concert tours.

Beyond his own program, Dr. Holbrook is a sought-after guest conductor and clinician. He has led state, regional, and national honor orchestras and has presented sessions at major professional gatherings, including The Midwest Clinic, ASTA, the Georgia Music Educators Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association. He also teaches AP Music Theory at Walton.

In addition to his teaching and conducting, Dr. Holbrook is an accomplished composer. His original works, including Someday, Never Summer Mountain, Acadian Solstice, and Bear on the Square, have been recognized as JW Pepper Editor’s Choice selections and are performed by ensembles nationwide. Notably, Someday has been featured by all-state orchestras and at state music educator conventions, reflecting his commitment to creating music that is both pedagogically meaningful and artistically engaging for developing orchestra students. Dr. Holbrook is looking forward to four new releases in 2026.

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Looking to plan a great orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. 

⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠

Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:

⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠

Do you keep a monthly budget?  If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track.

⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠

Do you have cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more!

⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

#TheOrchestraTeacherPodcast #MusicEducation #PodcastForTeachers #OrchestraPodcast #MusicTeacherLife #PodcastForEducators #StringTeacherPodcast #MusicEdPodcast #TeacherPodcast #OrchestraTeacher #StringEducation #OrchestraLife #StringPlayers #StringTeacherLife #OrchestraClass #TeachingStrings #MusicEd #TeachingMusic #StringsMatter #orchestracomposers #composerprofile