Best Charles Laux Podcasts (2025)

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102. Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb shares insights from his extensive career as a performer, educator, and author 39:18

2h ago39:18

39:18

Episode 102 – Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb: Performer, Pedagogue, and Prolific Author In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome the esteemed Dr. Benjamin Whitcomb, Professor of Cello and Music Theory at the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater. Dr. Whitcomb shares insights from his extensive career as a performer, educator, and author. Wi…

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INTERVIEW | Luke Laux of the Gentlemen's Choir 10:57

5d ago10:57

10:57

Luke Laux is the founder of the Gentlemen's Choir, a group brought together to harness the power of shared singing. The men involved are of all ages and singing abilities and, according to Luke, experienced a marked transformation thanks to their 12 weeks in the choir. Luke swung by Get Cereal to tell us about the group's origins, why it's so impor…

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INTERVIEW | Comedian Aidan Jones and his keyboard 22:50

5d ago22:50

22:50

Aidan Jones has toured the world with his stand-up comedy and is just coming off a hilarious run playing 'Chopin's Nocturne' in between laughs at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. He's about to zoom around Australia for a whole lot more shows (get your tickets here), but first he hit up the SYN studio for a chat and tickle of his trusty …

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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! 31:05

6d ago31:05

31:05

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Episode #101 with Dr. Rick Webb In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome Dr. Richard S. Webb, a distinguished educator, conductor, and scholar in the field of string music education. Dr. Webb shares insights from his journey, from earning degrees in viola performance and music education at Bowling…

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KEEPING TRACKS | The soul of Samantha Ratnam 16:46

6d ago16:46

16:46

In the middle of a monumental campaign, Samantha Ratnam chose to speak with us -not about policies or polling, but about something far more personal. Why? Because for Samantha, music isn’t just a passion - it’s a love tightly woven into her sense of self. Listen as the Victorian Greens leader-turned-federal parliament hopeful takes us from war in S…

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FULL EPISODE | Music through war, men's choirs and a big book give-away 1:11:50

10d ago1:11:50

1:11:50

How to win Australia's Game: The History of Australian Football by Matthew Nicholson, Bob Stewart, Greg de Moore and Rob Hess: Send us your favourite footy character! Hit up our Instagram @GetCerealSYN or email [email protected]. We'll draw the winner on the show next week. Harper Pestinger, Sam Kelly and Takee Alif are with you this Friday morn…

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INTERVIEW | Huong Truong, Greens candidate for Fraser 14:22

13d ago14:22

14:22

How do the Greens plan to help young people? Are they willing to compromise with Labor to pass progressive bills? And what do they have on offer for the young men shifting right? Huong Truong is a community organiser, former local government policy-maker and the Greens' candidate for the western-suburbs seat of Fraser at this federal election. We'r…

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SONG SCIENCE | Pancakes For Dinner by Lizzy McAlpine 18:48

12d ago18:48

18:48

Its own singer-songwriter self-reportedly "hates" this song, but the Song Scientist is here with his gear to show us why it's great. Through the 2020 Disney-indie track Pancakes For Dinner, Sena Fukushima transports Harper into the teenaged journal of Lizzy McAlpine. Why does this feel like a hit off a princess musical soundtrack? How can the sligh…

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INTERVIEW | Pets Behaving Badly 11:03

12d ago11:03

11:03

How come cats don't like me? Should my dog be let in the bed? And why do parrots talk? Dr Kate Mornement from Pets Behaving Badly joins Sam to chat. We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM Email us via [email protected] Executive Producer: Harper Pestinger See omnystudio.c…

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THE CRUNCH | When did Charles Darwin lay down his all-timer? 13:12

12d ago13:12

13:12

Harper dusts off his animal almanac to put new players Sam and Emma to the crunchy test. We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM Email us via [email protected] Executive Producer: Harper Pestinger See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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FULL EPISODE | Cinematic zoos, Greens' election moves and a brand new crew 1:16:24

14d ago1:16:24

1:16:24

Harper Pestinger, Sam Kelly, Emma Giles and producer Lochie Antoniazzi are in the studio to kick off a new era of Cereal. Should we let the dogs out? Dr Kate Mornement from Pets Behaving Badly answers our animal behaviour questions. Have the Greens really got our backs? Their candidate for Fraser Huong Truong is here to make the case. And how has 2…

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100. Dr. Bob Gillespie talks about his training, his career, the beginning of Essential Elements, and more! 1:10:08

13d ago1:10:08

1:10:08

We’ve made it to Episode 100 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, and there’s no better way to celebrate this milestone than by welcoming one of the most influential voices in string education—Dr. Bob Gillespie. Dr. Gillespie is Professor Emeritus of String Education and Pedagogy at The Ohio State University, a past national President of the American …

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99. Jesús Florido discusses his roots in El Sistema and his journey performing and teaching all over the globe. 1:05:12

21d ago1:05:12

1:05:12

Episode #99 – Bridging Cultures and Styles with Jesús Florido In this vibrant episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome the incomparable Jesús E. Florido—a genre-defying violinist, passionate educator, and global clinician whose music and teaching transcend borders. Classically trained yet wildly versatile, Jesús brings a rich fusion of …

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98. Dr. James Mick of Ithaca College discusses college teaching, his research, and more! 49:45

27d ago49:45

49:45

Episode #98 – Dr. James Mick discusses college teaching, his research, and more! In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Dr. James Mick, Professor of Music Education at Ithaca College, for an insightful conversation on the art and heart of string education. With a wealth of experience as a conductor, pedagogue, …

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INTERVIEW | What mischief do pilots get up to? 11:01

27d ago11:01

11:01

Pilot Jasper Stinson landed on our airwaves, keen to tell us: The crucial buttons you must know for when you're forced to take over a plane landing How much work are pilots actually doing while flying? What is turbulence? We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio…

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THE CRUNCH | The hardest-hitting flight/cereal cross-over quiz you'll hear 12:38

1M ago12:38

12:38

Soon-to-be host Sam faced his show initiation: his first taste of The Crunch. Will he take home a debut victory? Or could Lochie or Zakai spoil the party? We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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INTERVIEW | Why are moths always banging into lights? 15:58

27d ago15:58

15:58

We lured Moths and Butterflies Australasia's Peter Crowcroft into the studio for this flight-themed Friday show, and he helped us answer some long-asked questions: What's the difference between moths and butterflies? Why is Harper so scared of moths? How come they keep attacking my grandma's lamp? We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay i…

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FULL SHOW | Up, up and away! 1:14:05

27d ago1:14:05

1:14:05

A jam-packed GC for our season closer! Harper Pestinger, Zakai Sparkes and breakfast correspondent Lochie Antoniazzi are on cloud nine in this flight-themed finale. Why are moths always banging into lamps? Peter Crowcroft from Moths and Butterflies Australasia is on to shed light on lepidopterans. What are pilots actually getting up to behind their…

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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 46:55

1M ago46:55

46:55

Episode 97 – Inspiring the Next Generation: A Conversation with Daniella Valdez In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Daniella Valdez, a dynamic music educator, conductor, and advocate for orchestral excellence. As the Director of String Ensembles at the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) and Director of…

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96. A Legacy of Excellence: Bill Bitter on Four Decades of Music Education 42:16

1M ago42:16

42:16

Episode 96 – A Legacy of Excellence: Bill Bitter on Four Decades of Music Education In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, I am honored to welcome the legendary Bill Bitter, a powerhouse in music education with over 40 years of experience in Gilbert Public Schools, Arizona. Mr. Bitter dedicated his career to shaping young musicians, teac…

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FULL SHOW | The rule breakers' episode 55:44

1M ago55:44

55:44

Harper Pestinger and Zakai Sparkes are in the studio today to address the week's most pressing questions: Who are history's greatest bad boys? Why is Zak toasting a dog? And did a Bulgarian footballer just come back from the dead? We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See o…

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THE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | Going wild for gozleme 5:37

1M ago5:37

5:37

Every Friday on Get Cereal, we send breakfast correspondent Lochie Antoniazzi out into the field to see what the world has to offer his tastebuds. This week, a simple savoury classic from one of the GC team's favourite cuisines... Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy informatio…

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FULL SHOW | Who killed Grandma's goldfish? 59:18

2M ago59:18

59:18

Musician and real-life professional radio producer Elisha Andres joins Harper Pestinger in the cereal box to talk: Op shop forklifts Mop murder The stingiest acts imaginable We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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95. Dr. Geoff Neuman from the State College of Florida discusses his career, his teaching, performing, and philosophy. 45:30

2M ago45:30

45:30

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we sit down with the incredibly talented Dr. Geoff Neuman, a seasoned conductor, educator, and bassist. Dr. Neuman currently serves as the Director of Instrumental Music at The State College of Florida, where he leads The Bradenton Symphony and SCF Symphonic Band. With over 25 years of experience in…

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THE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | Arepa affection 4:57

2M ago4:57

4:57

Every Friday on Get Cereal, we send breakfast correspondent Lochie Antoniazzi out into the field to see what the world has to offer his tastebuds. This week, a journey into Collingwood's Colombian quarter... Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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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. 48:11

2M ago48:11

48:11

In episode 94 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are honored to welcome the esteemed Georgia Lambros Ekonomou. With an impressive career spanning decades, Georgia has made a profound impact on string education in Georgia and beyond. As the former director of orchestras at the Paideia School and the Lovett School, she has led ensembles to national…

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FULL SHOW | "We were pursued by a dead whale" 1:06:32

2M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

Hannah from Talk On Your Fork joins Harper to answer this week's big questions: how long is too long to claim back something from your old sharehouse? Do wombat snatchers have a right to be in Australia? And who's the latest international superstar to team up with The Wiggles? We're live every Friday on SYN from 8-10am 📻 Stay in the loop @GetCereal…

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INTERVIEW | The RVMES' new single knocked us over 8:19

2M ago8:19

8:19

For years now, The RVMES have been sending us sound tsunamis from across the Tasman. And guess what? They've just hit us with a new track that's made some serious waves at Get Cereal HQ. Lead singer Edwin Judd joins us from Auckland to talk about this energetic, deeply personal ode to their departing guitarist. Get those headphones on and listen to…

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THE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | Next-level nasi 4:41

2M ago4:41

4:41

Every Friday on Get Cereal, we send breakfast correspondent Lochie Antoniazzi out into the field to see what the world has to offer his tastebuds. This week, a Southeast Asian staple that packs one killer ingredient... Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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93. An insightful conversation with Dr. Mark Laycock on mentorship, music education, orchestral leadership, conducting and more 42:33

2M ago42:33

42:33

🎻 Episode #93 – A Lifetime of Orchestral Excellence with Dr. Mark Laycock 🎶 In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are honored to welcome Dr. Mark Laycock, Professor of Music at Wichita State University, where he holds the Ann Walenta Faculty of Distinction Endowed Professorship. As Director of Orchestras and Coordinator of Strings, D…

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FULL SHOW | Our most pleasurable show yet 45:31

2M ago45:31

45:31

What is the most satisfying method of transportation? Why do so many of the crew on A Complete Unknown have quirky names? And how many different multilingual tracks can we squeeze into one show? Harper Pestinger is joined by... um... no one*. But the show goes on and the good times keep rolling, so feast your ears on this and enjoy your long weeken…

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Sponsorship Announcement - Kaleidoscope Adventures! 1:10

2M ago1:10

1:10

I am proud to announce that The Orchestra Teacher Podcast is now sponsored by Kaleidoscope Adventures! As a leader in the student travel industry for 30+ years, Kaleidoscope Adventures exceeds expectations for student and performance group travel.Learn more at https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast…

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THE CRUNCH | Lovers' edition 19:14

2M ago19:14

19:14

In Harper's quiz this Valentine's week, we're getting all loved up. How did Lawson and Lachie handle the Crunch? Tune in to find out. Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By SYN Media

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92. Inspiring Excellence in Music Education with Stephen Lawrence-Carroll 41:32

2M ago41:32

41:32

🎻 Episode #92 – Inspiring Excellence in Music Education with Stephen Lawrence-Carroll 🎶 In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Stephen Lawrence-Carroll, an esteemed music educator and Director of Orchestral and Music Theory Activities at North Atlanta High School in Atlanta, GA. As the Fine and Performing Arts …

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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 31:09

3M ago31:09

31:09

Episode #91: Fiddling in the Classroom with Kiana June Weber In this exciting episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome Kiana June Weber—renowned American-Irish fiddler, educator, and entrepreneur—to discuss her inspiring journey and how teachers can incorporate fiddling into the classroom. A visionary educator and thought leader, Kiana …

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90. Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration Between Band and Orchestra Directors with Susan Abell & Nick Blue 56:23

3M ago56:23

56:23

Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration Between Band and Orchestra Directors In this special episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome two outstanding music educators, Susan Abell and Nick Blue, to discuss the importance of building a collaborative and supportive relationship between band and orchestra directors. Far too often, band an…

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THE CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST | Voracious for Vegemite 4:30

3M ago4:30

4:30

Every Friday on Get Cereal, we send breakfast correspondent Lochie Antoniazzi out into the field to see what the world has to offer his tastebuds. This week, we're putting a different twist on an old familiar... Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN and catch all of our tunes on THE JAM See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

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89. Jessie Fuchs, Orchestra Director at Kell HS, in Marietta, GA, discusses an upcoming presentation at the ASTA national conference. 27:45

3M ago27:45

27:45

In this special episode, hosts Charles Laux and Jessica Fuchs dive into their upcoming presentation at the ASTA National Conference:Compare, Contrast, Collaborate: Perspectives from Early and Late Career Experiences. Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of orchestra education through the lens of both new and seasoned educators. We’ll discus…

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FULL SHOW | "Let the kids put the sauce on their doughnuts" 1:11:30

3M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

What five liquids should you choose to have available on tap out of your fingers? Where did Lachie dig up his crazy, tricorne pirate hat? And which little country is trying to buy the state of California? Lachie Worsnop, Lawson Pegler and Harper Pestinger - with a special contribution from Lochie Antoniazzi - gather 'round SYN's breakfast table to …

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THE CRUNCH | Songonyms 10:42

3M ago10:42

10:42

In Harper's quiz this week, we heard classic song lyrics with an added tricky twist. How did Adam and Lachie handle the Crunch? Tune in to find out. Stay in the loop @GetCerealSYN See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By SYN Media

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88. Amy Clement and Sarah Ball discuss their careers and decades of co-teaching at North Gwinnett Middle School 36:45

3M ago36:45

36:45

Amy Clement has taught orchestra in Gwinnett County since 1997. She is currently in her 16th year as one of the orchestra directors at North Gwinnett Middle School. Orchestras under the direction of Ms. Clement have consistently received superior ratings at Large Group Performance Evaluation and her students also participate in solo/ensemble, count…

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FULL SHOW | "Most definitely not juice" 1:15:07

3M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

Prayers? 𝗔𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. Doubters? 𝗦𝗶𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱. Cereal? 𝗚𝗼𝘁. SYN's brekky flagship is back and back big, as Lachie Worsnop, Harper Pestinger and Housemates host Adam Farrugia bring their bowls to Get Cereal for the first time in 2025. NUTRITIONAL NOTICE: This episode may contain traces of Melbourne border debate, alliterative athlete names and quirkily re-w…

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87. Harrison Cook discusses his program at Kennesaw Mountain High School 34:23

3M ago34:23

34:23

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Special Guest Harrison Cook 🎻 In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome Harrison Cook, Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County, Georgia. Now in his ninth year of teaching, Harrison brings a unique perspective to the classroom, having transitioned from a full-time care…

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86. Building an Orchestra Legacy: Insights from Angela Harman of OrchestraClassroom.com 28:25

4M ago28:25

28:25

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, I have a conversation with Angela Harman, a dynamic music educator and leader in the string education community. Angela teaches orchestra in Utah’s Nebo School District, where her dedication and passion have grown her program to include over 360 students daily. Angela is also the founder of Orchestr…

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85. A Conversation with Christine Gero, Orchestra Director at Roosevelt HS in Seattle, WA 58:42

4M ago58:42

58:42

In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Christine E. Gero, an accomplished conductor, violinist, and music educator. 🎧 Tune in to learn more about Ms. Gero’s unique path, her experiences as a violinist and educator, and her thoughts on keeping orchestra education vibrant and relevant in today’s world. Don’t miss th…

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84. Advancing String Education: A Conversation with Dr. David Pope 34:36

4M ago34:36

34:36

David Pope serves an Associate Professor of Music Education at Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts. In addition, he is also a senior conductor and camp director for the Baldwin Wallace University String Orchestra Camp and serves as a string clinician for Alfred Music. As an active adjudicator and clinician, he has conducted…

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Trailer for Episodes 84, 85, & 86 - Weekend of January 24, 2025 1:21

4M ago1:21

1:21

Weekend Preview!! Some fantastic episodes coming this weekend! A trifecta of greatness -- college, high school, and middle school specialists!! Friday is Dr. David Pope from Baldwin Wallace University. Saturday I have Christine Gero who is orchestra director in Seattle, Washington. Then on Sunday is the incredible Angela Harman, Orchestra Director …

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83. David Doke discusses his career, his incredible school orchestra trips, some repertoire, and his transition to retirement 45:33

4M ago45:33

45:33

David Doke is a dedicated and accomplished music educator with over 30 years of experience in orchestra program development and conducting. He spent his teaching career in the Cobb County (GA) School System, where he holds the notable achievement of founding two high school orchestra programs. His teaching journey began in 1994 as the founding dire…

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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. 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

Ben McWhorter is the orchestra teacher at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for his professional, engaging, and collaborative approach to teaching, Ben’s orchestras have consistently earned “Distinguished” ratings at district performance assessments during his 19 year tenure. In 2023, Ben implemented a middle school mentoring pr…

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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. 56:22

4M ago56:22

56:22

Thomas Chen is Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Under his direction, the Carmel High School Symphony Orchestra earned regular appearances at the Indiana State School Music Association State High School Concert Finals, produced a recording of Dvorak Symphony No. 9, and performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2019 and 2024.…

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