Episode 114 – The Orchestra Teacher Podcast featuring Marc Kaufman

In this episode, we welcome H. Marc Kaufman, orchestra director at Lovinggood Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia. After a several successful decades teaching band, Marc made the transition to strings. His previous collaborative work with full symphony orchestra and chorus concerts sparked his passion for orchestra, leading him to his current role.

Marc’s career spans nearly four decades and a wide variety of experiences: science teacher, textbook writer, content developer for Turner Networks, curriculum and technology coordinator for the Georgia Department of Education, band director, music and movement technician with marching ensembles, and now orchestra director. He shares how this unique path has shaped his teaching, his perspective on building successful programs, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Join us for this inspiring conversation with Marc Kaufman about career journeys, building community through music, and finding joy in every chapter of teaching.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Marc Kaufman is in his second year as the orchestra director at Lovinggood Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia. Prior to making the move to strings, he spent the previous ten years as the Director of Bands at Couch Middle School in Grayson, Georgia. In his tenure at CMS, Marc doubled the size of the program. His ensembles consistently earned superior ratings at GMEA performance evaluations, and were an invited ensemble at the Music For All Southeastern Regional Concert Festival at Georgia State University in 2024. In addition to his conducting responsibilities, Marc also arranged many pieces for the CMS Ram Jam, concert band classes, and most importantly, the full symphony orchestra with chorus concerts held every December. It was his experience with the collaborative December concerts that got him started on the road to being an orchestra director. 

In a career that has spanned nearly four decades, Marc has been a science teacher, textbook writer, content developer for Turner Networks, curriculum/technology coordinator for the Georgia Department of Education, a high school and middle school band director, a music and movement technician for high school bands, DCI and DCA Drum Corps, and is currently in his second year as an orchestra director. 

Marc holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Education from Kennesaw State University and a Master of Arts in Music Education Degree from Piedmont University. 

Marc and Jackie Kaufman live in Sugar Hill, Georgia with their beloved Australian Cattle Dog Maddie, and are close to their three children (all teachers!), two daughters-in law, two grandchildren, five granddogs and one grandcat. 

— 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 #frombandtostrings #frombandtoorchestra 

Episode 113 – Building a Thriving Middle School Orchestra with Ashley Culley

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Charles talks with Ashley Culley, director of orchestras at Dodgen Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia. Over her 25-year career — 19 of them at Dodgen — Ashley has grown her program from 190 to over 380 students while serving as a leader, performer, clinician, and adjudicator.

She shares strategies for program growth, student engagement, and community building, along with insights from her upcoming invitation to perform at The Midwest Clinic.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Ashley Culley is the director of orchestras at Dodgen Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia. She has been an orchestra director for 25 years with the last 19 years at Dodgen. While at Dodgen, the orchestra program has grown from 190 students to 380 students. She is a Cobb County Teacher Leader for middle school orchestras. Her prior teaching experiences include Kell High School in Cobb County, Georgia and Milton High School, Northwestern Middle School and several elementary schools in Fulton County, Georgia. 

Mrs.Culley earned a Bachelor of Music Education with Performance Certificate from the University of South Carolina. While at USC, she worked in the USC String Project. She earned a Master of Music in Cello Performance and a Master of Arts in String Pedagogy from the Ohio State University. Mrs.Culley is an active performer, clinician and adjudicator. As an adjudicator and clinician, she has worked with orchestras in Georgia, Ohio and South Carolina.

— 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

🎙 The Orchestra Teacher Podcast — Episode 112: Clay McKinney, author of TheCello.online and full-time middle school director, discusses some cello tip & tricks, his teaching, and more.

In Episode 112 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the passionate and innovative Clay McKinney, director of orchestras at Parkway Central Middle School in Missouri. With over a decade of experience in the classroom, Clay shares insights into his teaching journey, his approach to engaging middle school students, and how he blends performance, pedagogy, and creativity in his work.

A cellist by training, Clay holds a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance from the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Missouri–St. Louis. In 2023, he was honored as the Missouri American String Teachers Association Secondary Teacher of the Year — a testament to his dedication and impact as a music educator.

Beyond the classroom, Clay is the creator of The Cello Online YouTube channel, a valuable resource for cello players and teachers alike. With over 1 million views and nearly 10,000 subscribers, his content reaches musicians around the world, combining instructional videos with thoughtful and accessible cello guidance.

In this episode, Clay talks about his path into string education, his alternative route to certification, building a thriving middle school program, and how his digital content creation supports and extends his passion for teaching.

🎧 Tune in for a thoughtful and energizing conversation on musicianship, middle school magic, and making music accessible both in and beyond the classroom.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Mr. McKinney holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance from the University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from University of MO St. Louis. He now serves as the director of orchestras at Parkway Central Middle School currently in his 11th year. In 2023 He was awarded the Missouri American String Teacher Secondary Teacher of the Year award for his work as a middle school orchestra director. Mr. McKinney also maintains a YouTube channel dedicated to cello www.youtube.com/@thecelloonline which has garnered over 1 million views and has a following of nearly 10,000.

https://www.thecello.online/

https://www.youtube.com/@thecelloonline

[email protected]

— 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 #CelloPedagogy #thecello #celloteaching #alternativecertification

In Episode 111 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the dynamic and inspiring Taniesha Pooser — assistant principal at the Gwinnett School for Math, Science, and Technology, founder of Recolor.Ed, and veteran orchestra educator. With over 15 years of classroom experience, multiple accolades (including 2022 Gwinnett County Middle School Teacher of the Year), and a deep commitment to student success, Taniesha shares her powerful journey from music educator to school leader.

In this episode, Taniesha reflects on her unique upbringing as a military child, her path from violinist to bassist, and how her mentors helped shape her purpose in music education. She discusses her transition into administration, driven by her desire to support teachers and students on a broader level — and candidly addresses the challenges of shifting roles while staying true to her musical roots.

Listeners will also learn about her initiative, RecolorEd.org, which empowers educators to build inclusive, culturally responsive learning environments. Taniesha shares her experiences with schedule advocacy for the arts, the importance of visibility in leadership, and her continued involvement in music through adjudication and youth orchestra direction.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, advocacy, and staying connected to the heart of music education — even from the front office.

🎧 Tune in and be inspired by Taniesha’s unwavering dedication to education, equity, and the arts.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Taniesha M. Pooser is a dedicated music educator, conductor, and administrator with over sixteen years of experience in music education, including more than a decade in public school orchestra instruction. She has served as an orchestra director and county lead orchestra teacher in Gwinnett County Public Schools, Georgia, where her exceptional work was recognized in 2022 when she was named the GCPS Middle School Teacher of the Year.

A passionate advocate for equity and excellence in the arts, Mrs. Pooser served as a member at large with the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). She also served as the chair for the inaugural Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access committee. In March 2023, Mrs. Pooser was honored with ASTA’s prestigious Presidential Award for Outstanding Service, recognizing her exemplary commitment to the organization and the broader music education community.

Now serving as an assistant principal, Mrs. Pooser continues to influence the field of music education through her leadership. She remains active as a guest clinician, conductor, presenter, and adjudicator at regional and state orchestral events. Additionally, she serves as the conductor of the Heart Youth Orchestra in Athens, Georgia, where she continues to inspire the next generation of young musicians.

https://www.recolored.org/

http://linkedin.com/in/taniesha-pooser-recolored

— 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

Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠

#StringTeacherLife #OrchestraClass #TeachingStrings #MusicEd #TeachingMusic #StringsMatter #ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching #EducationalLeadership #RecolorEd #EquityInEducation #CulturallyResponsiveTeaching #ArtsAdvocacy #MusicAdministrator #YouthOrchestra #WomenInLeadership #DiversityInEducation #TeacherLeader #FineArtsEducation #InspiringEducators #PBIS #MentorshipMatters #FromTeacherToAdministrator

🎙 The Orchestra Teacher Podcast — Episode 110: Sadie Uhing – From Trumpet to Strings: A Young Educator’s Journey

In Episode 110 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Sadie Uhing, a rising star in the world of string education. Currently in her second year of teaching, Sadie shares her inspiring and unconventional path from growing up as a trumpet player and band student to becoming a dedicated orchestra director.

Sadie opens up about her transition into the string world, the challenges and triumphs of her first year in the classroom, and the professional development and mindset shifts that helped her succeed. Now leading over 150 students across multiple ensembles—including three high school ensembles and two 8th grade orchestras—Sadie brings energy, versatility, and a love for diverse musical styles to her teaching.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney with dual degrees in Music Education and Music Performance, Sadie has performed with groups such as the Nebraska Brass Band, Kearney Symphony Orchestra, and the Flatwater Jazz Orchestra. She also serves as Secretary for the Nebraska String Teachers Association and is active in NAfME, NMEA, and ASTA.

Whether you’re a new teacher or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with relatable stories, practical insights, and the kind of enthusiasm that reminds us why we teach music.

🎧 Tune in to hear how one band kid found her calling in strings and is already making a meaningful impact in the classroom and beyond.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Sadie Uhing serves as the Orchestra Director at Kearney High School and is the 8th grade Orchestra Teacher for Kearney Public Schools. She is in her second year of teaching and directs 150+ students in ensembles such as Symphonic Orchestra, Camerata, Freshman Concert Orchestra, and the 8th Grade Orchestra classes at Horizon and Sunrise Middle Schools. She is a recent graduate from the University of Nebraska at Kearney and holds Bachelor degrees in Music Education and Music Performance. From jazz to classical, she has been trained in many musical styles and loves interpreting and performing diverse repertoire. She also enjoys teaching private lessons and researching music methodologies. Sadie has performed in a variety of ensembles such as the Nebraska Brass Band, Kearney Symphony Orchestra, and the Flatwater Jazz Orchestra. She is also a member of the National Association for Music Education and the Nebraska Music Education Association. She currently serves as Secretary for the Nebraska String Teachers Association, and participates in the American String Teachers Association. 

— 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 #ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching

#frombandtoorchestra #risingstar

Episode 109 – Frank Lestina: Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, and Rehearsal InsightsIn this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we sit down with veteran educator and conductor Frank Lestina, who shares a wide range of insights from his rich career in music education. Topics include the innovative “Vln2Vla” viola learning app, which helps violinists transition to viola, and adapting repertoire through platforms like ArrangeMe to meet students where they are. Frank discusses his Mahler 3 arrangement, his first published work, and the process behind creating meaningful educational repertoire.We also dive into rehearsal priorities, with a focus on rhythm, pulse, and intonation, and how these foundations support musical growth. Frank shares his experiences leading the Midwest Clinic’s New Music Reading Sessions, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at this influential event. Finally, we explore the impact of international student travel, including performance tours to Europe and beyond.This episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and stories from the podium—don’t miss it!— BIOGRAPHY —Frank Lestina received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Roosevelt University and his Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Illinois. Mr. Lestina started his teaching career in Danville, Illinois where he taught orchestra at Southview Middle School and Danville High School. In 1986, Mr. Lestina accepted the Orchestra Director position at Libertyville High School, Libertyville, Illinois. The Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic in 1991 and again in 1996. In addition, the LHS Orchestras traveled extensively, including three tours to Europe. In the fall of 2000, Mr. Lestina accepted the position of Fine Arts Supervisor and Orchestra Director at the new school in District 128, Vernon Hills High School, where the string enrollment eventually grew to 150 students in three orchestras. Mr. Lestina retired from Vernon Hills High School in June of 2013 and currently serves as adjunct faculty in Music Education at DePaul University and VanderCook College of Music in Chicago. In addition, Mr. Lestina currently serves on the Advisory Board of The Midwest Clinic and moderates the New Music Reading Session for Orchestra. Mr. Lestina is very active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator and has served as guest conductor for many of the ILMEA District Orchestras at both the Middle School and High School levels. Mr. Lestina conducted the ILMEA All-State Orchestra for the 2014 Conference in Peoria, Illinois. In May of 2018, Mr. Lestina was awarded an honorary Doctorate from VanderCook College of Music for his contributions to music education.Learn more about Frank, the Vln2Vla app, and more at https://franklestina.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. ⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Looking for things on Amazon?  Use my referral link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do 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/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do 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/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources 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 #ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching

Welcome to a special episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, where string educators share their creative ideas, tips, and teaching tools with listeners. Episode 108 kicks off this exciting new series with a contribution from David Cho, an elementary string specialist from Prince William County, Virginia. David introduces his innovative “bow tapes” concept—using standard fingerboard tape on the bow to guide young students toward a correct and consistent bow hold.In the second half of the episode, host Charles Laux is joined by Harrison Cook for a focused discussion on upper string pedagogy, where they diagnose common challenges in violin and viola technique and offer practical solutions for teachers.This episode is packed with valuable insights you can bring directly into your classroom. Don’t miss it!-- BIOGRAPHY -- David Cho is in his third year teaching fifth grade strings in Prince William County Schools in Northern Virginia. he has previously touched strings in the Catholic schools, ranging from elementary to high school. His background is professional performance both as a symphony, musician, chamber, musician, and Concerto soloist with orchestras. Some of his professional highlights include 12 seasons as Assistant Principal Cellist in the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, performances with Washington National Opera and Kennedy Center ballet, performances at Wolf trap in the National Gallery Orchestra.— 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/3RkfRLk⁠Do 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/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do 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/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources 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 #ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching

In Episode 107 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, host Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Mac Mayer, orchestra director at Whitaker Middle School in Keizer, Oregon, for an insightful conversation about teaching strings across different regions and levels. With 22 years of experience spanning Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, and Oregon, Mac shares his journey in string education, the importance of energy and honesty in teaching, and his philosophy on effective programming that balances challenge and accessibility.

Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on building musicianship through intonation-focused warm-ups, incorporating ear training, and fostering student independence beyond just playing pieces for performance. Mac also reflects on the significance of mentorship, collegiate string education programs, and professional involvement to grow as an educator. Hear about Mac’s favorite repertoire, including some hidden gems, and learn about his experience working with renowned composer Richard Meyer.

This episode offers inspiration and practical advice for orchestra teachers aiming to elevate their teaching craft, engage students with meaningful repertoire, and navigate the challenges of the profession with passion and resilience. Whether you're a veteran teacher or just starting out, Mac’s candid insights and infectious energy are sure to resonate.

Tune in for a dynamic discussion celebrating the joys and realities of orchestra teaching from the middle school podium to state-level adjudication.

-- BIOGRAPHY --

Mac Mayer is Orchestra Director at Whiteaker Middle School and feeder elementary schools in Keizer, Oregon. He holds undergraduate degrees in Music Performance and Music Education from The Ohio State University, studying with Dr. Rober Gillespie and Dr. Paul Robinson in Music Education and Double Bass, respectively. He holds a Master of Music Education from the University of Kansas, studying with Dr. Jacob Dakon, as well as Dr. Martin Bergee and Dr. Paul Popiel. Prior to teaching in the Salem-Keizer School District Mac taught orchestra in Olathe, Kansas, as well as Cobb County, Georgia and Pickerington, Ohio.

Mac Mayer is a certified orchestra adjudicator for the state of Oregon, and works frequently as an adjudicator, clinician, and conductor throughout the state and region. Mac serves as Co-Chair for the Oregon Middle School All-State Orchestra and is on staff with Salem Youth Symphony as conductor of the Amadeus Orchestra.

— 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

This video episode features an amazing cellist and pedagogue, Harrison Cook, who is the orchestra director at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Harrison gives us some practical, hands-on pedagogy about cello scale fingerings, shifting, extensions, and more.

— BIOGRAPHY —

Harrison is currently the Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County, Georgia. He is currently in his ninth year of teaching, after having a full career as a professional musician. He has previously directed orchestras as Simpson Middle School and Sprayberry High School, all within Cobb County. His orchestras have consistently scored superior rating at LGPE. He has had the honor of presenting sessions on cello pedagogy, and has performed as a soloist with several orchestras and choirs at the annual Georgia Music educators Association conference. Harrison received his BA from Georgia State University and his Masters in Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University for cello performance. He has played in various professional ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet, Greenville Symphony, and many others. As a performer, Harrison has had the opportunity to play around the world in over 10 countries, including performances in Italy, Monaco, and a solo tour in China. In addition to his symphonic work, Harrison is an active member of the Atlanta music scene, doing studio work for films, games, and performing artists. Harrison has a robust private studio, with students consistently performing at All State and Honor Orchestra, attending summer institutes such as Brevard, Franklin Pond, Suwanee, and Interlochen, as well as universities such as Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University, Cincinnati Conservatory, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.— 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 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

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