In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Damián Berdakín, Director of Orchestras at South Salem High School in Oregon, for a rich and inspiring conversation about artistry, intention, and innovation in the orchestra classroom.

A native of Córdoba, Argentina, Damián began his professional career as a double bassist before pursuing studies at the Longy School of Music and later earning an MFA in Orchestra Conducting and Double Bass Performance from the California Institute of the Arts. His career has included work with youth orchestras in Los Angeles, serving as an Artist Teacher for the LA Philharmonic, and conducting and teaching across multiple states before building a championship-winning program in Oregon.

Under his leadership, the South Salem Chamber Orchestra has won five Oregon State Championships, and the Symphony Orchestra has earned three state titles. But beyond accolades, Damián is deeply committed to expanding the musical experiences of his students.

In this episode, he shares:

• How he integrates mindfulness and meditation practices into daily orchestra warm-ups

• The power of predictability and intentional routines to combat student anxiety

• Practical tools to help students manage performance stress

• His philosophy of programming lesser-known masterworks and contemporary music

• Why commissioning and premiering new works can transform a program

• His collaborations bringing authentic tango music to young performers

Damián also discusses his published work, “The Mindful Warm-Up: Practicing the Skill of Concentration,” and offers concrete, classroom-ready strategies that orchestra directors can implement immediately.

🎻 Listen now and discover how mindfulness, creativity, and thoughtful programming can elevate your orchestra program.

Mr. Berdakin’s Repertoire Ideas (Lesser-Performed Favorites)

• Ponce – Estampas Nocturnas (rental)
• Christopher Wilson – Suite, Mvt. I
• Chadwick – Suite, Mvt. II
• Gabriela Lena Frank – Leyendas: An Andean Walkabout (Coqueteos) (rental)
• Rautavaara – Divertimento (all three movements)
• Holst – Moorside Suite (especially the March)
• Victor Herbert – Serenade (Canzonetta)
• Victor Herbert – Three Compositions for String Orchestra
• Oscar Straus – (I have performed the Waltz and would enjoy exploring the full work)
• Schreker – Intermezzo
• Schreker – Scherzo (rental)
• Max Bruch – Octet (for octet or string orchestra; especially the second movement in E-flat minor—his final composition)
• Aldemaro Romero – Fuga con Pajarillo (rental)
• Leo Weiner – Divertimento No. 1
• Felix Weingartner – Serenade for String Orchestra
• Akutagawa – Triptyque (rental)
• Pericón: Tango sin Fin (ensemble de cuerdas edition): https://tangosinfin.org.ar/en/ediciones-de-libre-descarga/

To hear some of these works, I recommend recordings by Sur del Sur Ensamble, led by Guillermo Rubino:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XFX4hXfVz4&list=RD-XFX4hXfVz4&start_radio=1

South Salem HS Orchestra – Collaborations with Argentine Composers

• Candombe a Cuerda – Exequiel Mantega
• https://www.jwpepper.com/candombe-a-cuerda-11606428/p
• De Viento y Tierra – Pablo Jaurena
• https://www.jwpepper.com/de-viento-y-tierra-11606429/p
• Grillo Amaro – Exequiel Mantega
• https://www.jwpepper.com/grillo-amaro-11606430/p
• Persecución Tango Tierra – Pablo Jaurena
• https://www.jwpepper.com/persecucion-tango-11606431/p

Guillermo Copello – Chacarera de los Dos

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7MKiN_XDbk

Orquesta de Cuerdas del Plata – Julián Peralta / Pétalo Selser

• Pompeya - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Nscf_zO24_s
• Vicios - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=UEsILgG6R6s&list=PLmotOQukpdET4K9PJKuM8BW4MUheaBZC3
• Noche Random - https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=cW9ah9Zsvjg&list=PLmotOQukpdERdqY29IPkMR6juG3VohOgG

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