The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

🎻 Episode #122 — The Orchestra Teacher PodcastGuests: Daryl Silberman & Matthew White, Orchestra Directors at Scullen Middle School (Naperville, IL)In this energizing episode, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the incredible teaching duo Daryl Silberman and Matthew White, who have transformed the Scullen Middle School orchestra program through collaboration, creativity, and a deep commitment to student belonging.Daryl and Matt share how their unique team-teaching model brings out the best in both teachers and students—using humor, trust, and complementary strengths to create a vibrant, inclusive learning environment. They discuss:✨ Building a positive classroom culture✨ Their “Habits of Mind” system that fosters kindness and responsibility✨ Creating a space where every student sees themselves represented✨ Improvisation, electric strings, and developing creativity✨ Monthly “Be Curious,” “Do Something,” and “You Belong” calendars✨ Special grade-level projects and identity-based music learning✨ Innovative room setup (yes…they cut the backs off their chairs!)✨ Grant writing, technology integration, and using AI for teaching✨ The importance of trust, collaboration, and modeling artistic growthWhether you team-teach or work solo, this episode is packed with ideas you can bring into your own orchestra room—insights that will inspire your teaching and nurture student connection.🔗 Connect with Daryl and MatthewDaryl: darylsmusic@gmail.comMatthew: mdblu1@gmail.comhttps://www.instagram.com/scullenorchestra/📚 Resources:https://www.daryls.comhttps://sites.google.com/ipsd.org/mrwscullenorchestra/home#OrchestraTeacherPodcast #MusicEducation #OrchestraTeaching #StringEducation #TeamTeaching #MiddleSchoolOrchestra #MusicEd #MusicTeachers #OrchestraDirectors #StringPedagogy #CreativeTeaching #InclusiveTeaching #MusicClassroomCulture #ElectricStrings #ImprovisationInMusic #ScullenMiddleSchool #NapervilleSchools #StudentBelonging #HabitsOfMind #MusicEdLife #TeacherInspiration #EdTechInMusic #MusicEdPodcast #StringTeachers #OrchestraLife #MusicEdCommunity— 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/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

Episode 116 – Directing, Composing, Inspiring: A Conversation with Dr. Perry HolbrookIn this episode, we welcome Dr. Perry Holbrook, Artistic Director of Orchestras at Walton High School in Cobb County, Georgia. Over his 25-year tenure, Dr. Holbrook has grown the Walton Orchestra program from 130 to over 300 students, leading ensembles to perform at The Midwest Clinic, the ASTA National Conference, and GMEA, as well as on multiple European tours.Charles and Dr. Holbrook discuss his unique journey from trumpet major to acclaimed orchestra director, the traditions and culture of the Walton program, and his approaches to student leadership, rehearsal strategies, and creating meaningful musical experiences. They also dive into his flourishing career as a composer, exploring how pieces like Someday, Never Summer Mountain, and Acadian Solstice came to life and continue to inspire student ensembles across the country.Whether you’re interested in program-building, rehearsal philosophy, or composing for young orchestras, this conversation is full of valuable insights from one of the most respected voices in our field.— BIOGRAPHY —Perry Holbrook serves as the Artistic Director of Orchestras at Walton High School. Over the past 25 years he has guided the program’s growth from 130 to more than 300 students. Under his leadership, Walton ensembles have earned multiple invitations to perform at The Midwest Clinic, the ASTA National Conference, and the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference, as well as completing several European concert tours.Beyond his own program, Dr. Holbrook is a sought-after guest conductor and clinician. He has led state, regional, and national honor orchestras and has presented sessions at major professional gatherings, including The Midwest Clinic, ASTA, the Georgia Music Educators Association, and the Texas Music Educators Association. He also teaches AP Music Theory at Walton.In addition to his teaching and conducting, Dr. Holbrook is an accomplished composer. His original works, including Someday, Never Summer Mountain, Acadian Solstice, and Bear on the Square, have been recognized as JW Pepper Editor’s Choice selections and are performed by ensembles nationwide. Notably, Someday has been featured by all-state orchestras and at state music educator conventions, reflecting his commitment to creating music that is both pedagogically meaningful and artistically engaging for developing orchestra students. Dr. Holbrook is looking forward to four new releases in 2026.— 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/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 #orchestracomposers #composerprofile

Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Season 2, Episode 9 Krissi Davis is in her 16 thyear in education as the orchestra director at Grady High School in Atlanta Public Schools, where she is currently the 2020-21 Atlanta Public Schools Teacher of the Year. She previously taught at the middle and high school levels in Clayton and Fayette Counties. While in Clayton County, she directed the Middle School Honor Orchestra. While in Fayette County, she directed the Fayette Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. Ms. Davis earned her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Georgia State University in 2004, and Master of Music Education degree from the University of Georgia in 2017. She is currently working toward her Ph.D. in Music Education at Georgia State University where she has served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, teaching the undergraduate String Techniques course. Orchestras under her direction consistently earn superior ratings at GMEA LGPE and have traveled and performed in numerous cities including Orchestra Hall in Chicago, Ill, Carnegie Hall in New York, NY; and the 2018 ASTA National Orchestra Festival. Students in her orchestras consistently participate in honor orchestras such as the Metropolitan Youth Symphony, Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra, and Georgia All-State Orchestra. As a member of GMEA, Ms. Davis has adjudicated GMEA Large Group Performance Evaluations in several districts, served as District 5 Orchestra Chair, and presented sessions at the 2018 and 2020 In-Service Conference. She also presented a session at the 2019 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. She has worked as a guest clinician in various capacities and maintains a private violin studio. Ms. Davis resides in Atlanta, Ga with her dogs Diggy and Russy, and in her spare time enjoys traveling. Ms. Davis can be reached at: Krissi.Davis@atlanta.k12.ga.us Visit www.orchestrateacher.net for resources, and more information.

Dr. Frank M. Diaz is Associate Professor of Music Education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music where he teaches courses on instrumental music education and teacher wellness. Diaz is a highly sought out clinician and conductor for honors, community, secondary, and collegiate orchestras, and is a frequent presenter and adjudicator for conferences, workshops, and festivals across the country. Previous to his position at Indiana, Diaz taught on the faculties of the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory and the University of Oregon School of Music, and served as a public school music teacher for school districts in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Along with his work as a teacher and conductor, Diaz currently serves on the Editorial Board of the String Research Journal and Journal of Research in Music Education, and is an active member of the American String Teachers Association. Dr. Diaz can be reached at: fmdiaz@indiana.edu

Brad discusses his use of technology in teaching during the pandemic, particularly his use of loops and Soundtrap.com. Brad Pfeil received a Bachelor of Music Education and Performance degree from the University of Michigan and Master of Music Education degree from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.  He is currently an orchestra director at Neuqua Valley High School, a Grammy Award winning school in Naperville, IL. Brad taught previously in Las Vegas, Nevada where he performed actively as a double bassist in addition to teaching at Las Vegas High School, Fremont Middle School and Keller Middle School. Brad was principal double bass of the Las Vegas Philharmonic, played in Phantom, and was conductor of the Henderson Civic Symphony. He has also performed with numerous orchestras and artists including the Michigan Opera Theater, Ann Arbor Symphony, Lansing Symphony, Flint Symphony, Peoria Symphony, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli and Styx. Brad currently performs as principal double bass of the Heartland Festival Orchestra in Washington, Il. Brad is past president of the Nevada Chapter and the Illinois Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Brad has spent the past eight summers as a conductor at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp. This will be his fourth year conducting the Blue Lake International Youth Symphony Orchestra. When not making music, you can find Brad cycling, mountain biking and hiking. Brad can be reached at brad_pfeil@ipsd.org Resources: https://www.soundtrap.com #orchestra #highschool #virtuallearning #remoteteaching #looping #improvisation #soundtrap #technology

Lisa (Hopko) Loucks is in her twenty-third year as Orchestra Director at Maitland Middle School in the Orange County Public Schools centered in Orlando, Florida. Her orchestras have consistently earned superior ratings in the Florida Orchestra Association Music Performance Assessments, and have performed in Atlanta, Chicago, and New York. Originally from Chicago, Lisa grew up on the west coast of the Florida and is a graduate Manatee High School under the direction of Jim Palmer. She then earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from UCF, where her teachers included John Whitney, Lee Eubank, and Dr. Ayako Yonetani. She has served as FOA 7-8 All State Orchestra Chair, District Chair for Orange County, and is a certified adjudicator of Music Performance Assessments. She had the honor of conducting All-County Orchestras throughout the state, and has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida Symphony Youth Orchestra. She has been a summer faculty member for both the Florida West Coast Symphony and UCF String Workshop. She has also been an adjunct professor at Stetson University, as instructor of their Secondary String Methods course. Mrs. Loucks is a violist with the Brevard Symphony, and has performed for the Florida Lakes Symphony Orchestra, 4 Divo, Fernando Varela’s PBS special “Coming Home” and with her #1 favorite artist-Harry Connick, Jr. Her professional memberships include the Florida Orchestra Association/ Florida Music Educators Association, American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and Sigma Alpha Iota. Most recently she was selected as the 2017-18 Florida School Teacher of the Year by ASTA. Outside of the classroom, Lisa is mom to 2-year old Logan. She spends many weekends exploring the theme parks with her family and is an avid Disney Pin Trader. Ms. Loucks can be reached at Lisa.Loucks@ocps.net

A casual conversation with Dr. Soo Han This episode features a very special guest and my dear friend, Dr. Soo Han. Soo agreed to come on the podcast if we could simply have a conversation rather than an interview, so we did! We discuss teaching during the pandemic, the future of music education, and also engage in some personal conversation including plans for Thanksgiving. I hope you and yours will have a wonderful Thanksgiving! -- Dr. Soo Han is the director of orchestral studies at Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music, a member of the Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, a contributing editor for Hal Leonard’s Essential Elements for Strings, a D’Addario Orchestral Strings Artist, a Conn-Selmer Educational Clinician, program coordinator and faculty member with Los Angeles Philharmonic’s summer YOLA program and the former director of orchestras & department chair of the William H. Duke Center for the Performing Arts at Carmel High School in Indiana. As an active conductor, he has appeared with Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Cave Run Symphony Orchestra, Michigan State Opera Theatre, Michigan State Symphony Orchestra, Valparaiso University and Butler University Symphony Orchestra. He is an active conductor for all-state, regional and honor orchestras appearing in over 30 states and has conducted internationally in Austria, China, Thailand and Australia. Han has collaborated with numerous artists, groups, and conductors such as Lynn Harrell, David Kim and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra. He has produced multiple recordings of complete symphonies and has premiered several commissioned works for strings and full orchestras. He has presented workshops and clinics internationally and for nearly every major national and state music conference including: Australian String Teacher Conference, Maryborough National Australia Conference, Midwest Clinic, ASTA National Conference, NAfME National Conference and Ohio University Summer String Teacher Workshop. Orchestras under his leadership experienced a great deal of success including nine Indiana State School Music Association (ISSMA) State Championships and being named Grand Champions at the National Orchestra Cup at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. As a passionate supporter of public school music programs, he continues to remain active in instrumental classrooms throughout the country. Han was previously the president of the Indiana American String Teachers Association and the chapter was awarded the ‘Most Improved Chapter’ during his time as president. He recently served as the National American String Teachers Association’s K-12 Committee Chair. He received his Bachelor of Instrumental Music Education from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Master of Science in Education from Indiana University School of Education and his Doctorate in Orchestral Conducting from the Michigan State University College of Music. Contact Dr. Han: https://www.bw.edu/academics/bios/han-soo -- Background music: Ahrirang, arranged by Soo Han https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3v4NHMxVehA To purchase print edition or for more info: https://goo.gl/4JLFWw

Renee Wang is the Head Orchestra Director at Space Center Intermediate in Clear Creek Independent School District. She is a native of Clear Lake (southeast Houston), Texas. Ms. Wang earned her Master’s degree in Music Education at The Ohio State University, where she studied with Dr. Robert Gillespie, taught undergraduate courses as a Graduate Teaching Associate, worked with the Columbus Symphony Chamber Strings as an assistant conductor, and administrated the Ohio State Morning String Student Workshop summer camp. Prior to graduate school, she was the Orchestra Director at Queens Intermediate in Pasadena, Texas. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Baylor University, where she studied with Dr. Michael Alexander and Dr. Bruce Berg. While at Baylor, Ms. Wang received the Bennett Award in Music Education and was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda. Ms. Wang has had the opportunity to present sessions at the annual conventions for the American String Teachers Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and Ohio Music Education Association and is actively involved as a clinician and administrator for the Ohio State University String Teacher Workshop. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Wang enjoys leading worship at her church, squirrel-watching and spending time outside with her dog, Alto, and performing in the Houston area. If you would like to connect with Renee, please email her at rewang@ccisd.net.

This is the last of three special episodes where I bring previous guests back on the podcast to check in with them on their current state using a hybrid (simultaneous F2F and remote) teaching.  David shares his current teaching situation, some fresh ideas, and thoughts about his hybrid teaching experiences. #hybridteaching #orchestra 

Hybrid Teaching Updates (Simultaneous F2F and Remote) This is the second of three special episodes where I bring previous guests back on the podcast to check in with them on how their hybrid teaching is going.  Scott shares his philosophy, ideas, and hybrid teaching experiences. Listen to the first episode with Scott Laird from March 20, 2020 #hybridteaching #orchestra

Hybrid Teaching Updates (Simultaneous F2F and Remote) This is the first of three special episodes where I bring previous guests back on the podcast to check in with them on how their hybrid teaching is going.  Shawn shares her philosophy, ideas, and experiences with our listeners. Listen to the first episode with Shawn from August 16. #hybridteaching #orchestra

My thoughts on preparing to teach in a hybrid format, with a small portion of the population returning Face to Face while a majority of students remain in their remote learning situation. Coming soon will be an episode featuring teachers who will share their experiences with hybrid teaching.  Stay tuned.

In this episode, we interview Ms. Shawn Morton, orchestra director at Duluth High School in the Gwinnett County Schools in Georgia about her experience going back to school amid the COVID-19 pandemic.  She is slated to introduce students with face to face learning in the next few weeks and discusses her current online teaching and her preparations for face to face. Shawn Morton is beginning her fourteenth year as an orchestra teacher in Gwinnett County.  She graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education and a minor in viola performance. While attending UGA, Mrs. Morton was a member of the Honors program and was president of the UGA chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Mrs. Morton also holds a Masters of Business Administration from Shorter College. Mrs. Morton conducts the Gwinnett County Kendall Youth Orchestra, and she has worked as a sectional coach with the Gwinnett County Youth Symphony, and she has served as a clinician for local school orchestras, the Spivey Hall Chamber Orchestra Workshop, The Gwinnett County Violapalooza Festival, The Gwinnett County Tapestry Workshop, the UGA Summer Music Camp and various other workshops and clinics. Mrs. Morton also maintains a private studio. Her students have been named as members of Kendall Youth Orchestra, Gwinnett County Youth Symphony, Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra, Emory Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Georgia All-State Orchestra. In addition, Mrs. Morton’s orchestras have performed at the 2007 Midwest Clinic, 2009 American String Teachers Association Conference and the 2011 Georgia Music Educators Association In-service Conference, 2013 National Band and Orchestra Festival at Lincoln Center, and the 2014 Midwest Clinic. Mrs. Morton is a member of the American String Teachers Association, Georgia Music Educators Association, Professional Association of Georgia Educators, and Sigma Beta Delta . She resides in Buford with her husband Dale, son Hudson and dogs Harmony and Mozart. Contact Shawn at shawn_morton@gwinnett.k12.ga.us

In this episode, I share my thoughts on pre-planning and provide some preliminary information about our next guest, Ms. Shawn Morton.  The full episode featuring an interview with Shawn Morton of Duluth High School will be coming on Sunday, August 16!

This episode is just a quick update to what is going on and Dr. Laux's thoughts on returning back to school.  More full episodes coming soon! Note: This podcast will start Season 2, Episode #1 of the Orchestra Teacher Podcast.  For resources and ideas for your classroom visit www.orchestrateacher.net

Cory Zilisch is the Director of Orchestras at Westport Middle School in Louisville, Kentucky. He has taught orchestra in the city of Louisville for 5 years. During Cory's tenure at Westport Middle School since 2014, the orchestra program has grown by over 400% in just two years. (From 45 to 180+ members) Mr. Zilisch has been a pioneer in the area of string education. Under his direction, the Westport Orchestra boasts one of the first middle school "Electric Orchestra" programs. Mr. Zilisch has propelled the Westport Orchestra into the 21st century using state of the art instruments and technology. The "Rock N' Warhawks" electric orchestra is a unique performing ensemble that utilizes electric instruments, choreography and improvisation. The electric group performs very often in many community events and functions. Mr. Zilisch has presented sessions on technology in the music classroom at the JCPS music teacher's in-services, American String Teacher's Association National Conference, University of Louisville, University of Michigan, University of Delaware and the  KMEA State Conference. Mr. Zilisch has also received numerous awards including a recent selection as a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. Mr. Zilisch was also selected as the Kentucky Music Educators Association 2017 state Middle school teacher of the year. http://westportorchestra.org/ YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/westportmiddleschoolorchestra Facebook Channel: http://facebook.com/westportorchestra Resources: SmartMusic FlipGrid Christian Howes' Play Along Workouts on YouTube

Recognized string pedagogue and conductor, Scott Laird, serves on the faculty of The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics where he is Fine Arts Coordinator and Instructor of Music. Noted for his innovative approach to ensemble development and musicianship, Laird is a frequent conductor of honor orchestras and is a sought-after conference presenter. He regularly performs on acoustic and electric violin and is known for his abilities in both the classical and improvisatory arena. Laird was the recipient of the 2019 UNC Board of Governors Excellence in Teaching Award, 2017 ASTA Elizabeth A. H. Green Award, and North Carolina Symphony’s 2016 Maxine Swalin Award. He is currently on the National Boards of the American String Teachers Association, El Sistema USA and Creative Strings, Inc. He has served as President of the NC Chapter of ASTA, Chair of the NCMEA Orchestra Section and maintains a presence as a national leader in string education. He earned his B.S. in Music Education and his M.A. in Violin Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he studied violin with Prof. Delight Malitsky. He earned his National Board Certification in 2004 and recertified in 2013. His blog, “Thoughts of a String Educator,” enjoys broad readership in the music education community. In addition, Laird serves as a sponsored artist and educational specialist for D’Addario Bowed Strings, Coda Bows, Conn Selmer, and NS Design Electric Violins and String Editor for C Alan Publications. Website: http://www.scottlaird.net/  Blog: http://www.scottlaird.net/Blog.html  North Carolina School of Science and Math: https://www.ncssm.edu/

Amanda Turner holds a Bachelor of Music (1998) and Master of Music (2005) in Music Education, both from University of North Carolina at Greensboro. In 2018, she received her National Board recertification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.  Currently, Mrs. Turner teaches orchestra at Ardrey Kell & East Mecklenburg High Schools, both located in Charlotte, NC.  Mrs. Turner is also the conductor of the Union Symphony Youth Orchestra Prelude Strings. Orchestras under Mrs. Turner’s direction have consistently earned Superior ratings at the North Carolina Music Performance Adjudication and at a variety of other performance venues. Students in her ensembles are chosen to participate in auditioned orchestras including the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Honors Orchestra, the Junior Western Region Orchestra, the Senior Western Region Orchestra, the North Carolina Honors All-State Orchestra, the North Carolina ASTA All-State Orchestra and the NAfME Honors All-National Orchestra. She has served as guest clinician/conductor for the Western Regional Repertory Orchestra (NC), Junior Western Region Honors Orchestra (NC), Junior Eastern Region Honors Orchestra (NC), Buncombe (NC), New Hanover (NC), Onslow (NC), Robeson (NC), Rock Hill (SC), and Winston-Salem Forsyth (NC) All-County Orchestras, the South Carolina Region 1 Junior Orchestra and the UNCG Summer Music Camp. Amanda holds professional memberships as a member of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), North Carolina Music Educators Association (NCMEA), and the American String Teachers Association (ASTA). She is the past NC Orchestra Division Chair for NCMEA and is currently the NC ASTA Chapter President-Elect.  Mrs. Turner has been a free-lance violist in the Charlotte area for years and currently performs as a section violist with the Union Symphony Orchestra. She has taught violin and viola privately for 20 years. She currently resides in Matthews, NC with her husband Chad, a band director and free-lance trombonist, their beautiful children, daughter, Addison, son, Asher and dog Bella. Links: Ardrey Kell High School Orchestra East Mecklenburg High School Orchestra Google Classroom Charms Office   Remind Online Project: Orchestro!  (Orchestra Bingo) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PdIcEHBOMOYX7K_JzG8AHDeessXIK1lVWoMHthLtFF0/edit

Dr. Marci Major serves as Chair and Associate Professor of Music Education at West Chester University, PA, and directs the Bel Canto ensemble with the Kennett Symphony Children’s Chorus. As an active researcher, Dr. Major's primary research interests encompass the economics of music education in today's public schools, and choral music in the middle levels. Her research appears in the Arts Education Policy Review, Bulletin of the Council for Research in Music Education, the Journal of Research in Music Education, Missouri Journal of Research in Music Education and Research Studies in Music Education Dr. Major balances her research interests with the roles of clinician, adjudicator and conductor by giving teacher preparation workshops and conducting honors choirs locally and across the nation. Dr. Major earned her B.S. in music education from West Chester University, her M.M. in choral conducting from Michigan State University, and her Ph.D. in music education from The Ohio State University. Prior to collegiate teaching, Dr. Major taught middle and high school choir in Michigan. Dr. Major resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania, with her husband, son, and daughter. Contact Dr. Major - MMajor@wcupa.edu Links: FFlat Books - https://fflat-books.com/ Here are the direct links to the forms: MSL Request - https://forms.gle/1w3URu3frCUu5eRX8 MSL Helper - https://forms.gle/X1Dz2CTUMeKLXmKv8 MSL Mentor - https://forms.gle/QBpRQYEM6DnqBfTU6

Episode 7 - Special Episode #2 on Distance Learning  Rosie Riquelme, Director of Orchestras at Collins Hill High School, received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Georgia College and State University where she was a student of Dr. Daniel Kaplunas. Rosie received her Masters of Music Education from the University of West Georgia through their online program and is continuing her own violin studies with Curtis Institute Alumni, Mrs. Valerie Gardner in Winder, GA. In 2019, Rosie became a Level 1 & Level 2 Google Certified Educator. Rosie is excited to begin pursuing her Specialist Degree this August 2019 in Instructional Technology at Kennesaw State University. Rosie regularly serves as a guest clinician for various honor orchestras and schools around Gwinnett County, and has served as one of the counselors for the Encore! Summer Music Camp. This 2019-2020 school year is Rosie’s ninth year teaching orchestra and ninth year at Collins Hill High School. While teaching at Collins Hill, all orchestras have consistently received straight superior ratings at the annual large group performance evaluations. As a violinist, she has performed with various groups including the Omaggio String Quartet, GCSU String Ensemble, GCSU String Quartet, Georgia All-College Orchestra, Agnes Scott Community Orchestra, Gwinnett Symphony Orchestra, Gwinnett County Chamber Orchestra, and the Da Salo Solisti Chamber Orchestra. Rosie has had the honor of performing with various performing artists including Josh Groban, Michael Buble, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, and Ashanti Floyd otherwise known as “The Mad Violinist”. In 2010, the Omaggio String Quartet had the honor of performing for Georgia Governor, Mr. Nathan Deal. Currently, she regularly performs with the Bella Nota String Quartet and the Emerald Empire Band playing for various events around Atlanta. Rosie currently resides in Atlanta, GA and enjoys salsa dancing, traveling, paddleboarding, and spending time with her cats.  Contact Rosie: Rosie.riquelme@gcpsk12.org  Links:  Website for Duck Soup: https://ducksoup.us/  Tutorial on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8P0NBg1DQ2s&fbclid=IwAR37e6oZdnMqjN5Iy5xnlBQyGMuZhAjhoIsX1Ye3Pj1O2DT1bUgeazaNoaw  Presentation Slides about Duck Soup: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vQ7be2x_fMsgFqPU0qmkrB3ySwWSXudp-1Bhe1PjHt6GUIAhpyVXMFdld9dEOfu9Ly5l9ZCNq0SkQUg/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000&fbclid=IwAR1gvN9xHfrf7MbMI7j7-M2gNSac6f9VWj5X42ph3YF3e6f231KOlSDee7w&slide=id.g35f391192_00  Special Episodes on Distance Learning  Amid the current COVID-19 outbreak, many schools are closed so it made sense to focus a series of Orchestra Teacher Podcast episodes on the topic of Distance Learning.  Many teachers have been using technology for years, however now it has become a necessity and a requirement for teachers whose schools are closed.  This series will feature teachers from across the country who are using technology in creative ways that will help provide other teachers with ideas and resources for their teaching.  While online instruction in orchestra can never replace face-to-face instruction, creative use of technology can help provide meaningful instruction for our students while schools are closed.