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, mentorship, and the role of technology in today’s orchestra programs. With a shared background in Cobb County, Georgia, Charles and Jessie reflect on their unique career journeys and how collaboration between different experience levels can enhance teaching effectiveness.

Whether you’re just starting your career or have years of experience, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of orchestra education. Tune in to hear firsthand perspectives on fostering community, adapting to changing student needs, and navigating the ever-evolving world of music education!

#OrchestraTeacherPodcast #ASTA2025 #MusicEducation #StringEd

Jessica Fuchs currently serves as Director of Orchestras at Kell High School in Marietta, GA, where she has been since 2022. Prior to her position at Kell, she served as Orchestra Director at Ola Middle School and Co-Orchestra Director at Dodgen Middle School. Under her direction, the orchestra programs increased in enrollment and repeatedly received superior ratings at LGPE. As an educator, Mrs. Fuchs strives to facilitate a creative, engaging, purposeful, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

A native of Acworth, Georgia, Mrs. Fuchs holds a Bachelor’s of Music Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, where she studied under the guidance of Dr. Rebecca MacLeod and Dr. Fabian Lopez. During her time at UNCG, Mrs. Fuchs held the position of Undergraduate Research Assistant and was the recipient of the Community-Based Undergraduate Research and Creativity Award in 2018. In 2020, her work on “Near-Peer Mentorship: A Model for Private Music Instruction in an Underserved Community” was published in String Research Journal.

Mrs. Fuchs serves as GMEA District 12 Orchestra Chair, GMEA District 12 LGPE Coordinator, sits on the K-12 ASTA Committee and CCSD Fine Arts Advisory Council. She is an active member of GMEA, ASTA, and NafME and is a sought after Violin clinician in the Atlanta area.

EMAIL: [email protected]

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