This short trailer podcast briefly explains why I haven't created any new episodes in a few months. Good news is that there is more to come, so stay tuned!

Nicole DeGuire is Associate Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School, Indiana ASTA President, and an avid free-lance violinist with numerous orchestras across the state of Indiana. Earning her B.M. in Violin Performance with Honors at Butler University, she went on to complete her M.M. in Violin Performance and Literature, and an Orchestral Studies Diploma from The Eastman School of Music. Teachers include Charles Castleman, Ilya Kaler, Lisa Brooks, Davis Brooks, Larry Shapiro, Geoffrey Applegate and Paul Kantor.

Previously, she served as Director of Orchestras at Fishers High School. Her groups earned gold ratings along with “With Distinction” at both ISSMA District and State Qualifications. It was under her direction that the FHS Symphony Orchestra made the ISSMA State Finals for the first time in 2017. She absolutely loves working with middle and high school students, and truly enjoys serving as a guest clinician and adjudicator,

Nicole has extensive orchestral experience performing with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, and the Ft. Wayne Philharmonic. Other professional orchestral experience includes Rochester Philharmonic, Erie Philharmonic, Albany Symphony Orchestra and South Bend Symphony Orchestra. 

Ms. DeGuire is the Indiana ASTA All-State Orchestra Coordinator, an ISSMA State Board Member and was also the 2020 Indiana ASTA High School Orchestra Teacher of the Year. 

Nicole is available to serve as a clinician, presenter, and guest conductor and can be reached at [email protected].

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Your support is appreciated!

If you are enjoying The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, please consider becoming a supporter for as little as 99 cents per month. I am working hard to bring on some amazing educators who will share ideas, tell their story, and offer some support for all of you. I have invested a lot of time in putting it all together and money purchase equipment that will help provide the best possible listening experience.

Here is the link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orchestrateacher/support

Thank you for your continued support! If you have suggestions for podcast guests, please let me know by providing a name and contact information.

Subscribe to The Orchestra Teacher Website, YouTube Channel, and Podcast!

Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.net

YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacher

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0z

Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262

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Looking to advertise a product or service to string and orchestra teachers?

Consider an audio advertisement on the Orchestra Teacher Podcast! Proceeds from your ad will help offset costs of equipment and web hosting.  Please contact Charles at [email protected] for more information.

Check out this fantastic conversation with Dr. David Miller of the University of Kentucky. Dr. Miller discusses his discovery of string teaching (as a horn player growing up), the graduate opportunities at UK, his publications and research, and the string teacher shortage!

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David Miller is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Kentucky, where he teaches undergraduate instrumental music education and graduate research courses. Additionally, he supervises student teachers and oversees the New Horizons band and orchestra groups on campus. As an educator, Dr. Miller has a range of experience teaching orchestra and band in North Carolina, including middle school, high school, summer camps, and youth orchestras. He frequently serves as a guest clinician and adjudicator for orchestras. Additionally, Dr. Miller holds appointments as an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland Music and Arts Education Data Lab (MADLab) and as a staff researcher at the Maryland Longitudinal Data System Center. He has served as a quantitative research consultant and analyst for several grant-funded initiatives addressing topics such as arts educators in the United States and systemic barriers to equity for access to higher education.

Contact Dr. Miller:

https://finearts.uky.edu/music/faculty-staff/david-s-miller

[email protected]

--

Your support is appreciated!

If you are enjoying The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, please consider becoming a supporter for as little as 99 cents per month. I am working hard to bring on some amazing educators who will share ideas, tell their story, and offer some support for all of you.

Here is the link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orchestrateacher/support

Thank you for your continued support! If you have suggestions for podcast guests, please let me know by providing a name and contact information.

Subscribe to The Orchestra Teacher Website, YouTube Channel, and Podcast!

Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.net

YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacher

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0z

Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262

Looking to advertise a product or service to string and orchestra teachers?

Consider an audio advertisement on the Orchestra Teacher Podcast! Proceeds from your ad will help offset costs of equipment and web hosting.  Please contact Charles at [email protected] for more information.

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An innovative music educator and accomplished musician, composer, conductor and performer, Ron Castonguay was named Director of the Arts and Music Director at The Frederick Gunn School in 2019. Ron teaches all levels of Vocal Ensemble, String Ensemble, and Concert Jazz Band as well as AP Music Theory and provides private music instruction. He is responsible for the leadership and development of the school’s Visual and Performing Arts programs and champions the growth and integration of the arts and community through the new Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center. As a result of these efforts, the school has developed collaborations and maintains partnerships with local arts organizations, including Pilobolus, Sherman Chamber Ensemble, the Litchfield Jazz Festival and Litchfield Jazz Camp. Prior to his arrival at Gunn, Ron served for 23 years as Department Chair for the Performing Arts and Music Director for grades 9 through 12 at Gulliver Preparatory School in Miami, Florida. There, he created and directed the school's String Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo and Vocal Ensemble. His ensembles performed at Lincoln Center, Carnegie Hall, Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, the Strathmore Center for the Performing Arts and other notable venues, and consistently earned top marks at district, state and national music festivals. Ron holds a bachelor's degree in music theory and composition from the University of Miami (Florida). He is a professional saxophonist, experienced conductor and published composer. He conducted the professional run of “Into the Woods” at the Adrienne Arsht Performing Arts Center in Miami in 2015 and performed an alto saxophone solo with the Miami Symphony on Gershwin's Rhapsody in Blue. Ron’s compositions have been performed numerous times and span a wide array of ensemble genres, from instrumental to choral, and in all musical idioms, from classical to contemporary to jazz. His compositions are currently available at JWPepper.com and LeapYearMusic.com. One of his choral works, Trust In The Mercy Of Your God, was debuted by the University of Miami Chorale under the direction of Jo-Michael Scheibe, and a concert of Castonguay's compositions and arrangements were presented at the University of Miami's Gusman Hall in 2009.

Author of the book, 'Make Great Music with Ease! The Secret to Smarter Practice, Confident Performance, and Living a Happier Life', Jennifer Roig-Francolí is an international award-winning violinist, double-certified Alexander Technique teacher, and creator of The Art of Freedom® Method for conscious living and masterful artistry. 

Jennifer’s inspiring online coaching programs for musicians combine her professional experience with a life-long love of meditation and perennial wisdom, providing her students with powerful tools to overcome pain, performance anxiety, and skills limitations.  

Honored by TIME Magazine as a "Rising Star", Jennifer has performed as soloist in many of the world’s most prestigious concert halls, including multiple solo appearances at Carnegie Hall and with orchestras such as the Pittsburgh and Berlin Symphony Orchestras. She has been the Concertmaster and Associate Concertmaster of multiple ensembles, including the Cincinnati Chamber Orchestra and Apollo’s Fire, the Grammy-Award winning Cleveland Baroque Orchestra.  

Jennifer has taught the Alexander Technique on the faculty of the Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and Xavier University, conducted and published prize-winning medical research on the Alexander Technique for laparoscopic surgeons, and founded two professional associations for Alexander Technique teachers in Ohio. In 2009, she designed and implemented a successful research study for surgeons using laparoscopy and AT at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital and Medical Center which resulted in a prize-winning paper presented at the American Academy of Pediatrics and published by the Journal of Urology. 

As a student, Jennifer studied with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Japan, Nathan Milstein in Switzerland, David Cerone at the Cleveland Institute of Music, and Josef Gingold at Indiana University.

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Your support is appreciated!

If you are enjoying The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, please consider becoming a supporter for as little as 99 cents per month. I am working hard to bring on some amazing educators who will share ideas, tell their story, and offer some support for all of you. I have invested a lot of time in putting it all together and money purchase equipment that will help provide the best possible listening experience.

Here is the link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orchestrateacher/support

Thank you for your continued support! If you have suggestions for podcast guests, please let me know by providing a name and contact information.

Subscribe to The Orchestra Teacher Website, YouTube Channel, and Podcast!

Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.net

YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacher

Podcast on Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/orchestrateacher

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0z

Podcast on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mNjU1ZWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262

This bonus episode contains a few brief, live interviews from the ASTA/SAA Conference in Louisville. March 21-22, 2024.

The ASTA conference this year was absolutely fantastic! There was such a positive vibe and the energy was electric.

The guests on this podcast include:

Let me know what you think of the live podcast.

Your support is appreciated!

If you are enjoying The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, please consider becoming a supporter for as little as 99 cents per month. I am working hard to bring on some amazing educators who will share ideas, tell their story, and offer some support for all of you. I have invested a lot of time in putting it all together and money purchase equipment that will help provide the best possible listening experience.

Here is the link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orchestrateacher/support

Thank you for your continued support! If you have suggestions for podcast guests, please let me know by providing a name and contact information.

Subscribe to The Orchestra Teacher Website, YouTube Channel, and Podcast!

Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.net

YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacher

Podcast on Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/orchestrateacher

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0z

Podcast on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mNjU1ZWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262

Ryan Silvestri is in his twelfth year at Wando High School as Director of Orchestras. A native of Boardman, Ohio, Mr. Silvestri earned a bachelor's degree in instrumental music education from Florida State University and a master's degree in violin performance from UNC-Greensboro. He is currently pursuing a doctor of music education degree from Liberty University. Ryan completed his string education studies with the late Dr. Michael Allen, co-author of the Essential Elements for Strings series, as well as Dr. Rebecca MacLeod.

Mr. Silvestri can be reached at: [email protected]

--

Your support is appreciated!

If you are enjoying The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, please consider becoming a supporter for as little as 99 cents per month. I am working hard to bring on some amazing educators who will share ideas, tell their story, and offer some support for all of you. I have invested a lot of time in putting it all together and money purchase equipment that will help provide the best possible listening experience.

Here is the link: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orchestrateacher/support

Thank you for your continued support! If you have suggestions for podcast guests, please let me know by providing a name and contact information.

--

Subscribe to The Orchestra Teacher Website, YouTube Channel, and Podcast!

Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.net

YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacher

Podcast on Anchor.fm: https://anchor.fm/orchestrateacher

Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0z

Podcast on Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy9mNjU1ZWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262

—

Looking to advertise a product or service to string and orchestra teachers?

Consider an audio advertisement on the Orchestra Teacher Podcast! Proceeds from your ad will help offset costs of equipment and web hosting.  Please contact Charles at [email protected] for more information.

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Please donate to Charles’ charity!!

Charles is a supporter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.  AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.  AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies:

* Funding scientific research

* Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention

* Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention

* Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide in our mission

You can learn more about Charles’ fundraisers and donate here:

https://supporting.afsp.org/

Martha Mooke is a Grammy nominated, pioneering electric violist/composer, highly regarded for her artistry, music advocacy, and innovative educational programs. She transcends musical boundaries, enhancing classical training with extended techniques, technology and improvisation.

Ms. Mooke can be reached via her website at http://www.marthamooke.com

To purchase publications, visit https://smd.subitomusic.com/MarthaMooke

Rhythms of Reggaeton, Inspired by Gente de Zona's "La Gozadera”  Conceived and Arranged for Strings by Martha Mooke To purchase score only: https://www.sheetmusicplus.com/en/product/la-gozadera-score-only-22587323.html

For inquiries about parts and coaching/performance packages with Martha Mooke:

https://www.paperlesspost.com/go/NoeQnrgf5BLKLWi3JK0R9

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Your support is appreciated!

Ms. Billings-White is honored to be one of four the strings specialists in the Lexington Public Schools. She is currently the only itinerant teacher at the elementary schools, both middle schools and high School.

A graduate of Butler University in 2002, Heather Nieto is in her twenty-first year as a music educator. She started her career at Belzer Middle School in Lawrence Township, Indianapolis, Indiana, where she taught elementary and junior high string orchestra for eighteen years. Heather also served as the Belzer Middle School Performing Arts Department Chair and Lawrence Central High School Assistant Orchestra Director. During her time in Lawrence, Heather sat on various committees including the Performing Arts Curriculum Redesign, Equity and Access Committee, and the Lawrence Township Performing Arts Council. While always looking to expand performance opportunities for her students, Heather co-founded the Lawrence Township Honor Orchestra performing at Disney World and the Belzer PopZ Orchestra performing for various school games and community events. Her groups have been invited to perform for the ASTA National Orchestra Festival as well as IMEA Honor Orchestra Ensembles. Additionally, Heather was named the Belzer Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2018 and recognized in four different years by Top 30 Seniors as an honored educator. 

The 2023-2024 school year marks Heather’s third year as the Director of Orchestras for Hamilton Southeastern High School. In just a few short years, Heather has worked with Associate Director, Charles Kunz to create a culture that promotes respect, fosters pride, and inspires excellence with the Southeastern orchestras. During her first year she led the Southeastern Symphony Orchestra to ISSMA State Finals for the first time in the history of the program and she continues to hold the program to a high standard of performance.

Volunteering her time beyond the classroom, Heather has spent time working with DePauw University as a part of their Unit Assessment System Review Committee in addition to their Music and Teacher Education Program. She has presented sessions at DePauw, IMEA, and INASTA and was a featured clinician for the String Teacher Workshop at the Luebke String Festival in 2019. 

Heather currently serves as President for the Indiana chapter of the American String Teachers Association, where she works to support orchestra directors across the state of Indiana. During her time with INASTA Heather has continued to grow the chapter and event opportunities for its members. She continues to advocate for string education and maintains a focus on creating opportunities for members to communicate, collaborate and support one another.

Heather currently lives in Noblesville with her husband, Victor, two children, Sophia (13) and Ivan (9) and their dog, Hachi.

[email protected]