Episode 105 — Annie Ray: Innovation, Inclusion, and Impact in Orchestra Education

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Annie Ray, 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award winner and Orchestra Director at Annandale High School in Fairfax County, VA. Annie shares how she’s redefining access to music education through groundbreaking programs like the Fairfax Parent Orchestra and Crescendo Orchestra—designed for students with significant disabilities.

A nationally recognized speaker and advocate, Annie talks about meeting students where they are, leading with empathy, and balancing motherhood and music education. Her passion and innovation are reshaping what’s possible in the orchestra classroom.

🎧 Tune in for an inspiring conversation with one of today’s most impactful music educators

— BIOGRAPHY —

Annie Ray currently serves as both the Orchestra Director and Performing Arts Department Chair at Annandale High School (AHS) in the Fairfax County Public School (FCPS) system. Annie is an advocate for providing universal access to quality music education and is known for founding and developing creative opportunities to make music accessible to students of all demographics. 

Her establishment of the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education Parent Orchestra annually teaches about 225 caregivers in FCPS to learn to play their child’s instrument and provides mentorship to upcoming music teachers. Annie also founded the Crescendo Orchestra program to make Orchestra curriculum accessible to students with significant developmental or intellectual disabilities. In April 2020, TEDx invited Annie to give the talk, The Sounds of Success, based on her approach in the classroom and what it means to meet all students where they are at. 

Annie is a highly sought after keynote speaker and headliner at over 50 music and general education conferences from 2023-2025 alone, regular guest lecturer and artist-in-residence at the collegiate level, and an impactful performing arts advocate at the state and national level. Her accolades include being named the 2024 GRAMMY Music Educator Award winner, Yamaha “40 Under 40” class of 2025, recipient of the Dr. Alice M. Hammel Inclusion in Music Education Award, and a four time Teacher of the Year winner including the 2023 FCPS Outstanding Secondary Teacher of the Year for her work with historically resilient communities and equity in education. Annie is the co-founder of Motherhood and Music Education and is a member of the StringRise professional development team.

Her mentors include Dennis Langevin, Brian Coatney, Dr. Elizabeth Chappell, Dr. Jaymee Haefner, and Naoko Nakamura. She is an active professional harpist, proud University of North Texas alumna, and currently resides in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Dr. Irving Ray and their daughters Eloise and Millie. Annie is an adventurer at heart, and her biggest bucket list item is to one day win The Amazing Race.

https://www.motherhoodandmusiceducation.com/

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready for your next 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! 

⁠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

Episode 104 — Dr. Heather Lofdahl: Expanding String Education & Teacher Training

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Heather Lofdahl, Assistant Professor of Music Education at The Ohio State University and recipient of the 2025 OSU Distinguished Teaching Award. We discuss her work expanding access to string education through community partnerships, her leadership with the Newark-Granville Youth Symphony, and her research. A passionate educator and clinician, Dr. Lofdahl shares a few tips for string teachers and some valuable insights.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Dr. Heather Lofdahl is Assistant Professor of Music Education at The Ohio State University, where she directs the string education program. In addition, she serves as Music Director of the Newark-Granville Youth Symphony and music education specialist for Play Us Forward, a community partnership aimed at increasing access to string instruction for underserved students. Dr. Lofdahl is the recipient of the 2025 Ohio State School of Music Distinguished Teaching Award.

Dr. Lofdahl is published in the String Research Journal and American String Teachers Journal. She is an active member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and the National Association for Music Education. Through these organizations as well as the Suzuki Association of the Americas and the International Society for Music Education, Dr. Lofdahl has presented research and pedagogy sessions at the Symposium for Music Teacher Education; International Society for Music Education Conference (Glasgow, Scotland and Helsinki, Finland); American String Teachers Association National Conference; and various state conferences. Her research is focused on equity and access in music education, best practices of outstanding string teachers, and practice behaviors of string players. In addition, Dr. Lofdahl serves on the ASTA Content Committee and is President-Elect of the Ohio String Teachers Association.

Dr. Lofdahl holds Bachelor of Arts degrees in Music Education and Viola Performance from Augustana College, Master of Music degrees in Music Education and Viola Performance from the University of North Carolina Greensboro, and a PhD in Music Education from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. She is an active guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States and abroad.

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next 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

🎙️ Episode 103 — Dr. Tamara Dworetz: Leading with Passion, Purpose, and Presence

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Dr. Tamara Dworetz, a dynamic American conductor whose passion for music, education, and storytelling is evident in every note she leads. Tamara shares her incredible journey—from her beginnings in the Atlanta public school system to conducting major orchestras.

🎧 Listen now to hear Dr. Dworetz’s thoughts on artistry, and the evolving role of the modern conductor.

—BIOGRAPHY —

American conductor Tamara Dworetz is driven by her belief in the power of classical music to inspire, spread joy and enrich the human experience. Dworetz's 2025-26 season includes debuts with the Las Vegas Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestra of Northwest Arkansas (SONA). Her 2024-25 season includes debuts with the Cincinnati Symphony, Atlanta Ballet (The Rite of Spring & The Nutcracker), Sarasota Orchestra and Boulder Philharmonic. She was one of three conductors selected to participate in Leonard Slatkin's 80th Birthday Celebration with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Tamara is the Artistic Director & Conductor of the Georgia Philharmonic, which performs five subscription concerts a year, in addition to special events like World Wrestling Entertainment,  DragonCon & Gospel Goes Classical. Recently, Tamara conducted her first staged opera, Bizet's Carmen.

Tamara is featured in a Netflix documentary called 'Maestra', directed by Maggie Contreras and produced by David Letterman. The film centers around 5 conducting participants in the 2022 La Maestra Conducting Competition and Academy for Women Conductors in Paris, France and has been highlighted by the NY Times, LA Times, CBS National News as well as international film festivals, including Tribeca, where it was premiered. In the 2022 competition, Tamara was the only US-born conductor and earned a spot as one of 6 semi-finalists. 

A devoted music educator, Tamara’s musical beginnings took place in the Atlanta public school system and she is passionate about fostering enriching musical experiences for K-12 and pre-professional musicians. Tamara is Director of Orchestral Studies at Georgia State University and Charles Thomas Wurm Distinguished Professor in Instrumental Music. She has served guest conducting residencies at University of Texas Butler School of Music, Boston University School of Music, SUNY Fredonia School of Music, and the Longy Conservatory Orchestra at Bard College. She has guest conducted All-State Orchestras in Texas, Indiana, Virginia, Colorado, Georgia and Washington (All-Northwest) and worked with the Atlanta, Austin, Emory and Boston Youth Orchestras as well as the Atlanta Music Project. She has led conducting workshops for music educators (GMEA Conference) as well as with young musicians (ASO TDP program).

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next 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

Episode 102 – Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb: Performer, Pedagogue, and Prolific Author

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome the esteemed Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb, Professor of Cello and Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Dr. Whitcomb shares insights from his extensive career as a performer, educator, and author. With accolades for his teaching, research, and service, Dr. Whitcomb offers a wealth of knowledge on effective practice techniques, musical interpretation, and the evolving world of string pedagogy.

Join us as we discuss his influential publications, including The Advancing String Player’s Handbook series and his work on cello and bass fingerings, as well as his more recent contributions like the Compendium of Chords and the Guide to Practicing the Popper Etudes. We also delve into his involvement with the American String Teachers Association and his initiatives at UW-Whitewater that enrich the musical and academic community.

Whether you’re a teacher, performer, or student, this conversation is packed with practical advice and inspiration from one of the field’s most dedicated advocates. Don’t miss this engaging and informative episode!

— Links to his books on Amazon —

The Advancing Cellist's Handbook: A Guide to Practicing and Playing the Cello https://amzn.to/3ERi8d1

Compendium of Chords for the Cello https://amzn.to/4mc2kT4

A Guide to Practicing David Popper’s ‘Hohe Schule’ Etudes  https://amzn.to/42LL3s4

Compendium of Chords for the Viola https://amzn.to/42Rtjvy

Compendium of Chords for the Violin  https://amzn.to/3EGIVsw

The Advancing Bassist's Handbook: A Guide to Practicing and Playing the Bass  https://amzn.to/4dhctty

— Audio CDs —

Bloch, Muczynski and Reger: 20th Century Music for Unaccompanied Cello https://amzn.to/3RRdi2n

J.S. Bach: Cello Suites 1, 3 & 5; D. Gabrielli: Ricercars 1, 3 & 5 https://amzn.to/44tS2XY

Bloch, Britten, Cassadó and Hindemith - Music for 20th Century Cello, Vol. 2 https://amzn.to/4iOJxKj

— LINKS —

www.YouHadMeAtCello.com

www.benjaminwhitcomb.com

www.youtube.com/channel/UC8vurOMoq-CfdZIEvmF6bnQ

https://www.facebook.com/CelloDoctorWhitcomb

https://www.instagram.com/cellodrwhitcomb/

https://twitter.com/CelloDrWhitcomb

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-whitcomb-8922a349/

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next 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

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 Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, to his decade of impactful school orchestra teaching and his advanced studies culminating in a Ph.D. from Northwestern University.

Currently an Associate Professor at SUNY Fredonia’s School of Music, Dr. Webb discusses his work as a published scholar, composer, and arranger — including his celebrated arrangements spotlighting the music of Black American composers from the early “pre-jazz” era. He also reflects on his experiences conducting festivals and all-state orchestras nationwide, directing the SUNY-Fredonia Summer Music Festival String Camp, and leading within ASTA as a past-president of the New York chapter.

Join us for a rich conversation about the evolving landscape of string education, historical repertoire for orchestras, and Dr. Webb’s passion for empowering young musicians through innovative teaching and community building.

To learn more about Dr. Webb, visit rickwebbmusic.com.  Contact him at [email protected]

Arrangements by Rick Webb, published by Keiser-Southern Music Co. 

James Reese Europe & Ford Dabney, arr. Rick Webb

The Castle Walk Rag (grade 3)

• https://www.jwpepper.com/the-castle-walk-rag-11570778/p?srsltid=AfmBOoosL5--JvyPIoXe736kSnlpYH5SBpBp9oIoFZs_iNOBXYvl43pB
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKi4SB6hxA0

William C. Handy, arr. Rick Webb

The Memphis Blues (grade 4)

• https://www.jwpepper.com/the-memphis-blues-11570794-2194817/p
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLSmMkqC0iQ

In Press (for Spring 2025), published by Keiser-Southern Music Co. 

Traditional Cajun Melody, arr. Rick Webb

The Mamou Two-Step (grade 3.5)

Ferdinand J. “Jelly Roll” Morton, arr. Rick Webb

The New Orleans Blues (grade 3)

James Reese Europe, arr. Rick Webb

The Clef Club March (grade 2.5-3)

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next 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

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 celebrated author, researcher, and conductor whose impact on the string world is simply unmatched. Under his leadership, Ohio State was named the premier string education university in the U.S., and his contributions to pedagogy have shaped the teaching practices of thousands of educators across the globe.

In this very special episode, we talk with Dr. Gillespie about his remarkable career—from guest conducting across 49 states and beyond, to co-authoring the wildly popular Essential Elements for Strings method series (with over 12 million copies sold). We also dive into his enduring work with the Ohio State String Teacher Workshop, his numerous award-winning publications, and the deep passion that has guided his life’s work in music education.

Whether you’re a veteran teacher or just starting your journey, Dr. Gillespie’s wisdom, humor, and insights are sure to inspire and energize you.

🎧 Don’t miss this historic episode as we honor 100 episodes of empowering string educators—with a true legend of the field.

-- BIOGRAPHY --

Dr. Bob Gillespie is Professor Emeritus of String Education at The Ohio State University and one of the most respected figures in American string pedagogy. Under his leadership, Ohio State was named the nation’s top string education program by receiving the 2015 Institutional String Education Award. A past national President of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), Dr. Gillespie has guest conducted and presented clinics in 49 states, Canada, and Asia, and has led over 350 sessions at national and international conferences.

He is co-author of the bestselling Essential Elements for Strings method series, with over 12 million copies sold, as well as Strategies for Teaching Strings, Teaching Music Through Performance in Orchestra, String Clinics to Go, and Rockin’ Strings. A prolific researcher, he has published more than 70 articles and received The Ohio State University’s Distinguished Scholar Award.

Dr. Gillespie founded and directed the Ohio State University String Teacher Workshop for 35 years, training over 1,700 teachers. He also conducts the Columbus Symphony Chamber Strings Youth Orchestra. His numerous honors include the Paul Rolland Lifetime Achievement Award, the University of Michigan School of Music Hall of Fame Award, and the Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor for his lifelong contributions to instrumental music education.

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations and most iconic venues for orchestras. Check out the Kaleidoscope Adventures link below for fresh ideas and inspiration – and then let them work their magic! They’ll handle all the details from start to finish so all you have to do is enjoy the experience! 

⁠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 #StringTeacherPodcast #MusicEdPodcast

#OrchestraTeacher #StringEducation #TeachingStrings #StringsMatter

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 influences into his performances and pedagogy. He’s played alongside legendary artists and continues to inspire audiences with his soulful virtuosity and electrifying stage presence.

Join us as Jesús shares his journey from conservatory training to sharing stages with his heroes, and how he now dedicates his time to empowering the next generation of string players through immersive workshops and clinics around the world. From his studio in Los Angeles to classrooms across the globe, Jesús reminds us of the power of musical diversity, cultural connection, and the importance of staying grounded and positive.

🎧 Tune in for stories, insights, and inspiration from one of the most dynamic voices in string education today!

— BIOGRAPHY — 

Jesús E. Florido combines his classical training with his knowledge of Afro-Latin, Jazz, Rock, and Fiddle music to create a compelling artistry, balanced on a fine axis of musical virtuosity and heart.  A live performer who has shared the stage with many great artists and a lot of his idols as well, he loves teaching and he is a highly sought - after teacher and clinician. He regularly conducts workshops and clinics for kids all around the world. He resides in Los Angeles where he works in his private studio and continues to practice as much as he can while packing his bags for the next trip after going on a nature hike with his wife and son.

www.jesusflorido.com

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations and most iconic venues for orchestras. Check out the Kaleidoscope Adventures link below for fresh ideas and inspiration – and then let them work their magic! They’ll handle all the details from start to finish so all you have to do is enjoy the experience! 

⁠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

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 perspectives on effective orchestral teaching, the psychology of music learning, and the enduring impact of public school music programs.

We discuss his extensive work with student ensembles and his leadership with the Rochester Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Dr. Mick also offers thoughts on current research in music education, his passion for adjudication and pedagogy, and the importance of nurturing musical excellence at every level.

Whether you’re a classroom teacher, private instructor, or aspiring conductor, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical wisdom you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Dr. Mick’s commitment to music education and his amazing journey!

— BIOGRAPHY —

James Mick, PhD, is Professor of Music Education at Ithaca College in upstate New York. He teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in string pedagogy, orchestral rehearsal techniques, instrumental conducting, and the psychology of music teaching and learning.

A popular clinician, Dr. Mick has presented at numerous state, regional, and national conferences including the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) National Conference and The Midwest Clinic: An International Band & Orchestra Conference. He has been invited as the featured orchestra/strings clinician at music education conferences in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Texas, and an invited guest speaker at a variety of higher education institutions.

Originally a native of Kansas, Dr. Mick previously taught elementary and middle school orchestra in Texas, and high school orchestra and jazz in New York. He holds degrees from Florida State University, Doctor of Philosophy in Music Education; Ithaca College, Master of Music in Music Education; and, Texas Christian University, Bachelor of Music Education. Outside of his academic pursuits, Dr. Mick is an avid bicyclist who enjoys spending time with his wife, Elizabeth Moore, DVM, PhD, and their son, Silas, exploring the beautiful Fingerlakes region.

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations and most iconic venues for orchestras. Check out the Kaleidoscope Adventures link below for fresh ideas and inspiration – and then let them work their magic! They’ll handle all the details from start to finish so all you have to do is enjoy the experience! 

⁠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

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 has dedicated her career to building strong, successful programs that inspire young musicians.

Join us as we explore her journey from Texas Tech and Northwestern University to leading award-winning ensembles in Illinois and Texas. We’ll discuss her contributions to ASTA at both state and national levels, and traits that earned her the recognition as the 2024 Youth Orchestra Conductor of the Year. 

This episode is packed with insights on music education, leadership, and creating inclusive, thriving orchestra programs. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of today’s most inspiring orchestra educators!

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

--

* BIOGRAPHY *

Daniella Valdez is CYSO Director of String Ensembles and conducts CYSO’s Preparatory Strings and Accelerando Strings ensembles. She received her musical training at Texas Tech University and Northwestern University School of Music, where she received her Bachelor and Master of Music degrees respectively.

In 2011 Ms. Valdez joined the faculty staff at Maine West High School, in Des Plaines, Illinois, as the Director of Orchestras. In this capacity she conducts one full orchestra, two string ensembles and teaches piano classes. Prior to her appointment at Maine West, Ms. Valdez was an orchestra director in Lewisville, TX and Highland Park, IL. Her career as a music educator and conductor has led to developing strong and successful orchestra programs. Ms. Valdez is an active judge and clinician working with community schools, festivals and workshops and has written several publications for music education journals. She is an active member of the Illinois Educators Association and she sits on the board of the American String Teachers Association- Illinois chapter. In addition, she also serves on the ASTA national board as member-at-large. In addition to her work with orchestras, she is also active in educating and implementing DEIA initiatives with organizations and schools. 

Also an accomplished commercial player, she has performed on stage with Chuck Mangione, Marvin Hamlish, Toni Tennille, and John Pizzarelli. Daniella lives in Chicago and enjoys traveling, cooking and being with family and friends.

— REFERRAL LINKS —

Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations and most iconic venues for orchestras. Check out the Kaleidoscope Adventures link below for fresh ideas and inspiration – and then let them work their magic! They’ll handle all the details from start to finish so all you have to do is enjoy the experience! 

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!

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Resources and more information at www.orchestrateacher.net

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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 leading the acclaimed Highland High School Orchestras for nearly three decades.

Join us as we dive into his remarkable journey—his experiences opening a new high school program, directing ensembles that performed at the Midwest Clinic and Carnegie Hall, and serving in leadership roles with the Arizona Band and Orchestra Director’s Association. We also discuss his insights on fostering strong orchestra programs, building a legacy, and retirement.

Whether you’re a seasoned educator or just starting your teaching journey, this episode is packed with wisdom, inspiration, and practical advice from one of the best in the field. Tune in and be inspired by the incredible impact of Bill Bitter!

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

— BIOGRAPHY —

Bill Bitter retired in 2022 after forty-one years with Gilbert Public Schools, Gilbert, AZ.    During that time, he taught orchestra and band at all levels, elementary through high school.  Mr. Bitter first served twelve years as the Director of Orchestras and Assistant Band Director at Gilbert High School, until 1993 when Highland High School opened. After opening Highland High School, Mr. Bitter was the Director of Orchestras and Chairman of the Performing Arts Department for twenty-nine years.  The Highland Orchestras had an enrollment of over 350 students in five performing ensembles.

Mr. Bitter has served as an adjudicator and clinician for festivals throughout the United States.  His orchestras performed on four different occasions at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and were the first orchestra from an Arizona High School to perform in New York’s world-renowned Carnegie Hall.  In 2014, the Arizona Music Educators Association named Mr. Bitter the Arizona Music Educator of the Year, and in 2015, he received the Elizabeth A. H. Green School Educator Award from the American String Teachers Association.  

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