The Orchestra Teacher Podcast
By Dr. Charles Laux
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Subscribers: 2
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Episodes: 163
Description
The Orchestra Teacher Podcast is a show for string and orchestra educators at every level. Hosted by veteran orchestra director Dr. Charles Laux, each episode features conversations with master teachers, clinicians, composers, and leaders in music education. Topics include string pedagogy, rehearsal techniques, program building, recruitment, and sustaining a successful orchestra program. The podcast features practical ideas, real experiences, and professional inspiration and is designed to support orchestra teachers in and beyond the classroom.
| Episode | Date |
|---|---|
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152. From Band to Orchestra—How Zoe Whittle is Building a Thriving Middle School Program
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Jul 24, 2026 |
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151. Excellence Through Community, Leadership, and Music with Sixto Elizondo IV
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Jul 17, 2026 |
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150. A Lifetime of Service to Orchestra Education with Jim Palmer
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Jul 10, 2026 |
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149. Young Kim: Four Decades of Excellence, Fundamentals, and Building Musicianship That Lasts
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Jul 03, 2026 |
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148. A Legacy of Excellence with Laura Mulligan Thomas
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Jun 26, 2026 |
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147. From College Leader to First-Year Teacher with Olivia Durrence
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Jun 19, 2026 |
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146. ASTA, Advocacy, and the Future of String Education with Lynn Tuttle
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Jun 12, 2026 |
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145. Conducting, Curiosity, and Continuous Growth with Dr. Selim Giray
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Jun 05, 2026 |
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144. Denese Odegaard on Standards, Leadership, and Student Connection
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May 29, 2026 |
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143. Full Orchestra, Full Heart: Dan Scott on Building Meaningful Programs
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May 22, 2026 |
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142. Movement, Freedom, and Healthy String Playing with Dr. Aaron Jacobs
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May 15, 2026 |
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141. Rehearsal Energy, String Pedagogy, and the Future of Orchestra Education with Dr. Keith Dodson
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May 08, 2026 |
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140. Kirt Mosier — Inside the Mind of a World-Class Educator, Composer, and Conductor
|
May 01, 2026 |
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139. Student Leadership, Global Perspectives, and Creative Musicianship with Lori Buonamici
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Apr 24, 2026 |
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138. Joshua Reznicow — Composing, Teaching, and Creating Opportunities
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Apr 17, 2026 |
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137. The Golden Baton, Music Marathons & Creative Innovation with Al Rodriguez
|
Apr 10, 2026 |
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136. From the Air Force to the Podium with Erica Donahoe, Orchestra Director & Published Composer
|
Apr 03, 2026 |
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135. Mentorship, Legacy, and Building Award-Winning Orchestra Programs — with Shelly Burger & Dr. Chuck Cushinery
|
Mar 27, 2026 |
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134. Joanne May — 50 Years of Teaching, Rolland Pedagogy, and Building Lasting Programs
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Mar 20, 2026 |
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133. Dr. Brenda Brenner — Changing Lives Through Strings
|
Mar 13, 2026 |
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132. Damián Berdakín — Mindful Warm-Ups, Creative Programming, and Commissioning New Music
|
Mar 06, 2026 |
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131. Coverage from the 2026 national ASTA conference in San Francisco
|
Mar 03, 2026 |
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130. Building Community Through Strings — From Appalachia to Nigeria with Liz Dinwiddie
|
Feb 20, 2026 |
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129. Shoulder Pain? Injury Prevention & Longevity for String Players with Dr. Caleb Davis
|
Feb 13, 2026 |
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128. Trust, Belonging, and Excellence in School Orchestras with Jonathan Glawe, Pioneer HS
|
Feb 06, 2026 |
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127. Practical Orchestra Teaching & PD in Your Pocket with Angela Ammerman
|
Jan 23, 2026 |
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126. Elementary Orchestra Done Right with Susan Ott Rodberg
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Jan 16, 2026 |
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125. Consistency, Culture, and Craft with Sheldon Fisher
|
Jan 09, 2026 |
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124. In the Classroom, On the Podium, and in the Dirt: Ashley Braithwaite’s Orchestra Life
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Jan 02, 2026 |
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New Sponsorship Announcement! Keiser Productions
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Dec 21, 2025 |
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123. Gretchen Wyder Zunic: How to Build a Thriving, Student-Centered Orchestra Program
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Dec 10, 2025 |
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122. Building Belonging Through Team-Teaching Magic: A Conversation with Daryl Silberman & Matthew White
|
Nov 29, 2025 |
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121. Dr. Annalisa Chang discusses inclusion, student leadership, and her journey from higher ed to the high school orchestra classroom
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Nov 14, 2025 |
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120. Leadership, Repertoire, and the Modern Conductor — Insights from Dr. Nathaniel Parker (KSU)
|
Nov 04, 2025 |
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119. Developing Young Bassists by Mastering the Mindset and Mechanics for Audition Success Featuring Darren Sacks
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Oct 17, 2025 |
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118. Repertoire, Routines, and Fresh Perspectives with Abby Miles, Dublin City Schools (OH)
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Sep 26, 2025 |
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117. Composing Beyond Limits, Inspiring Musicians with Brian Balmages
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Sep 19, 2025 |
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116. Directing, Composing, Inspiring: A Conversation with Dr. Perry Holbrook
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Sep 12, 2025 |
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115. Building Community & Legacy with Dr. Gail Barnes, Professor Emerita at the University of South Carolina
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Sep 05, 2025 |
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114. Marc Kaufman discusses his background and tenure as a band director and his transition to teaching middle school orchestra
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Aug 24, 2025 |
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113. Ashley Culley discusses strategies for program growth, student engagement, and community building, along with insights from her upcoming invitation to perform at The Midwest Clinic.
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Aug 08, 2025 |
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112. Clay McKinney, author of TheCello.online and full-time middle school director, discusses some cello tip & tricks, his teaching, and more.
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Jul 25, 2025 |
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111. Taniesha Pooser discusses her journey from into an administration role and her initiative, RecolorEd.org
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Jul 18, 2025 |
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110. Sadie Uhing discusses her transition into the string world (from band), the challenges and triumphs of her first year in the classroom, and the mindset shifts that helped her succeed.
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Jul 11, 2025 |
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109. Frank Lestina talks about his Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, Rehearsal Insights, and more!
|
Jun 27, 2025 |
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108. A violin/viola pedagogy focus! David Cho shares his "bow tapes" strategy and Charles Laux & Harrison Cook have a Q&A about violin/viola pedagogy.
|
Jun 20, 2025 |
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107. Mac Mayer of Whitaker Middle School in Keizer, OR shares his journey in string teaching and shares some great ideas for warmups, repertoire, and more.
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Jun 13, 2025 |
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106. Practical, hands-on cello pedagogy with Harrison Cook. Facilitating scale fingerings, shifting, and extensions, oh my!
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Jun 06, 2025 |
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105. Annie Ray, Orchestra Director at Annandale HS in Virginia and 2024 Music Educator Grammy Award Winner discusses her unique teaching approach and more.
|
May 30, 2025 |
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104. Dr. Heather Lofdahl, Assistant Professor of Music Ed at The Ohio State University discusses her career and shares some of her favorite go-to pedagogy tips
|
May 23, 2025 |
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103. Dr. Tamara Dworetz: Leading with Passion, Purpose, and Presence
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May 16, 2025 |
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102. Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb shares insights from his extensive career as a performer, educator, and author
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May 09, 2025 |
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101. Dr. Rick Webb, Associate Professor at SUNY-Fredonia, joins us to discuss his journey in music education, the importance of arranging works by underrepresented composers, and more!
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May 02, 2025 |
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100. Dr. Bob Gillespie talks about his training, his career, the beginning of Essential Elements, and more!
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Apr 25, 2025 |
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99. Jesús Florido discusses his roots in El Sistema and his journey performing and teaching all over the globe.
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Apr 18, 2025 |
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98. Dr. James Mick of Ithaca College discusses college teaching, his research, and more!
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Apr 11, 2025 |
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97. Inspiring the Next Generation: A Conversation with Daniella Valdez of CYSO String Ensembles and Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL
|
Apr 04, 2025 |
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96. A Legacy of Excellence: Bill Bitter on Four Decades of Music Education
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Apr 01, 2025 |
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95. Dr. Geoff Neuman from the State College of Florida discusses his career, his teaching, performing, and philosophy.
|
Mar 19, 2025 |
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94. Georgia Ekonomou discusses her amazing career, her philosophy of an orchestra program, and her work on the ASTA Emeritus Committee.
|
Mar 14, 2025 |
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93. An insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Laycock on mentorship, music education, orchestral leadership, conducting and more
|
Mar 08, 2025 |
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Sponsorship Announcement - Kaleidoscope Adventures!
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Mar 06, 2025 |
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92. Inspiring Excellence in Music Education with Stephen Lawrence-Carroll
|
Mar 01, 2025 |
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91. Kiana June Weber, an American-Irish Fiddler, educator, and entrepreneur discusses her career and implementing fiddling into the classroom and her teaching
|
Feb 24, 2025 |
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90. Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration Between Band and Orchestra Directors with Susan Abell & Nick Blue
|
Feb 23, 2025 |
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89. Jessie Fuchs, Orchestra Director at Kell HS, in Marietta, GA, discusses an upcoming presentation at the ASTA national conference.
|
Feb 14, 2025 |
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88. Amy Clement and Sarah Ball discuss their careers and decades of co-teaching at North Gwinnett Middle School
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Feb 09, 2025 |
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87. Harrison Cook discusses his program at Kennesaw Mountain High School
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Feb 04, 2025 |
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86. Building an Orchestra Legacy: Insights from Angela Harman of OrchestraClassroom.com
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Jan 26, 2025 |
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85. A Conversation with Christine Gero, Orchestra Director at Roosevelt HS in Seattle, WA
|
Jan 25, 2025 |
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84. Advancing String Education: A Conversation with Dr. David Pope
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Jan 24, 2025 |
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Trailer for Episodes 84, 85, & 86 - Weekend of January 24, 2025
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Jan 23, 2025 |
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83. David Doke discusses his career, his incredible school orchestra trips, some repertoire, and his transition to retirement
|
Jan 17, 2025 |
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82. Ben McWhorter, orchestra director at Tates Creek HS in Lexington, KY discusses his unique program including professional chamber music coaching, a peer tutoring program, and more.
|
Jan 12, 2025 |
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81. Tom Chen talks about his program at Carmel High School, selecting repertoire, working with younger high school orchestras, and more.
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Jan 10, 2025 |
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80. Lauren Roznowski Hayden discusses her MS program with over 300 students!
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Dec 30, 2024 |
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79. Dr. Rachael Keplin discusses free improvisation and mindfulness and it's impact on string teaching and learning.
|
Dec 08, 2024 |
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78. Special episode with alumni to discuss orchestra's impact on success in the real world!
|
Dec 06, 2024 |
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Trailer for Episodes 78 & 79
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Dec 06, 2024 |
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77. Conversation with Vinny Conrod, Orchestra Director at Innovation High School in Orlando, FL
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Dec 03, 2024 |
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76. Bob Phillips reflects on his teaching and career.
|
Nov 25, 2024 |
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75. Conversation with Tiffany Ou-Ponticelli
|
Nov 25, 2024 |
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After a much needed break, there's more content on the way!
|
Nov 02, 2024 |
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73. Nicole DeGuire talks about summer PD opportunities, Midwest planning, the importance of full orchestra, and more
|
Jun 20, 2024 |
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72. Dr. David Miller discusses his discovery of string teaching, the graduate opportunities at UK, his publications and research, and the string teacher shortage.
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May 25, 2024 |
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71. Ron Castonguay discusses the Tik-A Tee Method, his new book "Rhythmic Sight Reading" and more!
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Apr 27, 2024 |
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70. Jennifer Roig-Francolí discusses Alexander Technique, and principles of her book, "Make Great Music with Ease!"
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Apr 13, 2024 |
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Live from the ASTA/SAA Conference 2024
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Apr 13, 2024 |
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69. Ryan Silvestri discusses his dissertation research about recruiting and retention, classroom teaching strategies, balancing personal and professional life, and more
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Feb 12, 2024 |
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68. Martha Mooke discusses multi-style string playing and a unique collegiate program while highlighting moments from her career
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Jan 02, 2024 |
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67. Jessica Billings-White discusses her itinerant string teaching position outside of Boston, MA
|
Jan 02, 2024 |
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66. Conversation with Heather Nieto of Hamilton Southeastern High School in Indiana
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Jan 02, 2024 |
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65. Adrian Gordon speaks about his role as a conductor, author, composer, and educator
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Jan 02, 2024 |
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64. Conversation with Dr. Rachel Dirks of Kansas State University about wellness, building community, and more
|
Oct 06, 2023 |
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63. Rosie Riquelme talks about her new position and some creative teaching strategies
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Sep 20, 2023 |
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62. Conversation with Jean Lee, Michigan State University
|
Sep 12, 2023 |
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[Trailer] Back to School 2023, Your Back to School "To Do" List, Upcoming Guests Announced
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Sep 07, 2023 |
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61. Interview with Anne Marie Patterson, author of A Practical Guide to String Instruction
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Jul 08, 2023 |
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60. Katie Eakes of Anchorage, Alaska, discusses her busy life as a teacher and professional double bassist, and teaching beginning string players in Alaska
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Jun 20, 2023 |
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59. Michael Boitz, Saratoga High School (CA), discusses programming and a very special orchestra culture at his school
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Jun 20, 2023 |
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58. Corie Benton, Pope High School in Marietta, GA, discusses time on the ASTA board, teaching and reaching students
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Jun 20, 2023 |
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57. Rebecca MacLeod, University of North Carolina-Greensboro, discusses research, pedagogy, ASTA, and more.
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Jun 16, 2023 |
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56. Discussing a successful first year teaching and transition to string teaching with Adam Gresham, Barber Middle School
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Jun 16, 2023 |
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55. Interview with Katie O'Hara LaBrie - composer, clinician, conductor
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Jun 14, 2023 |
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[Trailer] Week of June 12 - Katie O'Hara Labrie, Adam Gresham, & Dr. Recbecca MacLeod
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Jun 13, 2023 |
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54. Interview with Dr. Cathie Hudnall, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Metropolitan Youth Symphony Orchestra of Atlanta
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May 31, 2023 |
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53. Interview with Dr. Gregory Jackson, South Cobb High School
|
May 31, 2023 |
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(Trailer) End of School Year; Summer PD Opportunities; Dr. Gregory Jackson and Dr. Cathie Hudnall on May 31!
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May 27, 2023 |
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52. Interview with Michael Hopkins, University of Michigan, on teaching, composing, and the UofM Summer workshop and master's degree
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Apr 03, 2023 |
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(Trailer) Special Guest: Dr. Michael Hopkins, University of Michigan, Live Sunday 4/2/23, 10:00 AM EST
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Mar 31, 2023 |
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51. Conversation with David Metrio, North Gwinnett High School at the 2022 Midwest Clinic
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Dec 23, 2022 |
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50. Conversation with Grace Law of SmartStringTeacher com; from the Midwest Clinic 2022
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Dec 23, 2022 |
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49. Chat with Jason Heath of Eastman Strings, from the Midwest Clinic 2022
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Dec 23, 2022 |
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48. From the 2022 Midwest Clinic, with guests Amos Liu, Adrian Gordon, and Creston Herron
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Dec 23, 2022 |
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46. Cello Email Scam EXPOSED! (Audio Only)
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Dec 23, 2022 |
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47. Midwest Clinic Trailer (sponsored by Eastman Strings)
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Dec 15, 2022 |
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45. Thankful (bonus episode)
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Nov 26, 2022 |
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44. Teaching adult beginners online with Rachael Ridge
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Nov 21, 2022 |
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43. On the road with David Eccles - a mobile podcast episode sharing thoughts on a variety of topics
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Nov 21, 2022 |
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42. Building rapport and fostering positive relationships with students. Interviews with Lisa Loucks, Stephan Labelle, Katie VanDenBerghe, and Jami Kleinert.
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Oct 30, 2022 |
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Trailer - Upcoming episode on establishing rapport and positive relationships with your students, parents, administration, colleagues, and community
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Oct 23, 2022 |
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40. Conversation with Adam Gresham, Barber Middle School, Cobb County, Georgia
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Sep 03, 2022 |
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39. Conversation with Creston Herron from Klein ISD, Klein, Texas
|
Jul 31, 2022 |
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Trailer - Upcoming Episode with Creston Herron
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Jul 29, 2022 |
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38. Summer Updates and more to come...
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Jul 17, 2022 |
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37. Angela Ammerman on family balance, new horizons, English language learners, teacher training
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Apr 24, 2022 |
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36. Spring 2022 Update; We're still here and there's more to come!
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Apr 02, 2022 |
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35. Creative String Playing with Christian Howes
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Jan 17, 2022 |
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34. Teaching Fundamentals, Community Orchestras, Student Teachers and more with Jim Van Eizenga of Novi High School, Michigan
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Dec 28, 2021 |
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33. Continuing professional development and more with Jessie Ahuama-Jonas, Centennial High School
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Dec 21, 2021 |
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32. Live from the 75th Midwest Clinic with Jason Heath of Eastman Strings
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Dec 17, 2021 |
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31. Recorded at the Midwest Clinic 2021 with Anna Radspinner
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Dec 17, 2021 |
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30. Navigating through your career and managing work/life balance with Rachel Woods from Dallas ISD
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Nov 22, 2021 |
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29. Interview with Angela Pendleton, Rockwall ISD
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Oct 24, 2021 |
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28. Interview with David Eccles, The Lovett School (LIVE)
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Aug 29, 2021 |
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27. Interview with Jennifer Wiggin, KidStringsBox.com
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Apr 25, 2021 |
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26. Interview with Nassar Edwards, Langham Creek HS, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD
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Apr 24, 2021 |
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25. Interview with Sandy Goldie, Virginia Commonwealth University
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Mar 28, 2021 |
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24. Interview with Krissi Davis, Grady High School, Atlanta Public Schools
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Mar 13, 2021 |
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23. Interview with Dr. Frank Diaz, Indiana University
|
Mar 05, 2021 |
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22. Interview with Brad Pfeil, Neuqua Valley High School
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Jan 16, 2021 |
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21. Interview with Lisa (Hopko) Loucks, Maitland Middle School, Maitland, Florida
|
Dec 06, 2020 |
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20. A casual conversation with Dr. Soo Han
|
Nov 23, 2020 |
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19. Interview with Renee Wang, Space Center Intermediate, Clear Creek ISD
|
Oct 13, 2020 |
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18. Update #3 on Hybrid Teaching with guest David Metrio
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Oct 12, 2020 |
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17. Update #2 on Hybrid Teaching with guest Scott Laird
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Oct 11, 2020 |
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16. Update on Hybrid Teaching with guest Shawn Morton
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Oct 11, 2020 |
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15. Update on hybrid teaching (Simultaneous F2F and remote)
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Sep 22, 2020 |
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14. Interview with Shawn Morton - Teaching online and face to face
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Aug 16, 2020 |
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13. Pre-planning thoughts and teaser regarding our next episode
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Aug 14, 2020 |
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12. Back to School Update 20-21
|
Aug 04, 2020 |
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11. Special Episode #5 - Distance Learning with Cory Zilisch
|
Apr 14, 2020 |
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10. Interview with Scott Laird, North Carolina School of Science and Math
|
Mar 20, 2020 |
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9. Special Episode #4 - Distance Learning with Amanda Turner
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Mar 17, 2020 |
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8. Special Episode #3 - Distance Learning with Dr. Marci Major
|
Mar 16, 2020 |
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7. Special Episode #2 - Distance Learning with Rosie Riquelme
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Mar 16, 2020 |
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6. Special Episode #1 - Distance Learning with Stephan LaBelle
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Mar 16, 2020 |
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5. Interview with Karel Butz, Beckendorff Junior High School, Katy, TX
|
Mar 01, 2020 |
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4. Interview with Erin Broadhurst, Hilliard City Schools, OH
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Jan 28, 2020 |
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3. Interview with David Metrio, Lanier High School, GA
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Dec 18, 2019 |
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2. Interview with Dr. Blair Williams, Texas Tech University
|
Dec 06, 2019 |
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1. Interview with Matthew Radspinner, Williamsport Area High School, PA
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Nov 27, 2019 |
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Welcome to The Orchestra Teacher Podcast!
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Nov 26, 2019 |