Best Classroom Composers Podcasts (2025)

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Gubernatorial elections, Linguistics: the newest academic department, and Ian Rosenzweig’s opinion— Friday, Nov. 7 3:27

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Today, we take you inside the results of New Jersey’s gubernatorial election, cover the vote to make linguistics its own academic department, and finish out with an interview with Ian Rosenzweig ‘29.By The Daily Princetonian

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Outlook for the upcoming Men’s Basketball season, Spring 2026 course offerings, and Princeton Women’s Soccer’s Ivy League Championship victory — Thursday, Nov. 6 5:53

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Today, we take a look at the outlook for the upcoming Men’s Basketball season, the focus of the newly released Spring 2026 courses, and Women’s Soccer’s back-to-back Ivy League Championship win.By The Daily Princetonian

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Opinionated: AI and the Classroom 23:22

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By The Daily Princetonian

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Election Day Polls at the Princeton Public Schools Administration Offices and a Graduate Student Composers’ Performance — Wednesday, Nov. 5 9:17

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Today, we take a trip to the midterm elections polls at the Princeton Public Schools Administration Offices and listen to the Princeton Sound Kitchen’s Tuesday night performance of new music by graduate student composers.By The Daily Princetonian

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120. Leadership, Repertoire, and the Modern Conductor — Insights from Dr. Nathaniel Parker (KSU) 59:44

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In this episode, The Orchestra Teacher Podcast host Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Dr. Nathaniel (“Nat”) Parker, Director of Orchestral Studies at Kennesaw State University and Artistic and Executive Director of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO). Dr. Parker shares his journey from a “reformed bassoonist” to a collegiate conductor, offering de…

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Students Prepare for Course Selection, Princeton Honors Kevin Gover ’78 and Terence Tao ’96, and the University Revises Block 32 Dining Plan — Tuesday, Nov. 4 3:36

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Today, we talk to students about course selection, cover the newest recipients of Princeton’s top alumni honors, and look at the University’s revision of its new Block 32 dining plan.By The Daily Princetonian

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Students canvass for Mikie Sherill, professors Talk NJ election, and SNAP benefits lapse nationwide — Monday, Nov. 3 6:01

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Today, we take you inside student-led canvassing efforts, professor predictions on the imminent New Jersey election, and the expiration of SNAP benefits across the country.By The Daily Princetonian

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A Tour of the Princeton University Art Museum, Rhodes Scholar for Jordan, and New Discovery AI Technology to the NJ AI Hub — Friday, Oct. 31 5:19

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Today, we hear from Head News Editor Victoria Davies on her private tour of the Princeton University Art Museum ahead of today’s Grand Opening, learn about the Rhodes Scholarship for Jordan, and finish out with New Jersey AI Hub’s new Discovery AI technology.By The Daily Princetonian

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Caden Pierce Sits out Senior Basketball Season, Don’t Harvard Our Princeton Campaign, and PPS Phone Usage Policy— Thursday, Oct. 30r: For The Daily Princetonian, I’m Aanya Kasera. You’re listening to Daybreak ... 5:41

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Today, we take a look at senior Caden Pierce’s decision to sit out his final basketball season, explore the Don’t Harvard Our Princeton campaign, and dive into the Princeton Public Schools debate on phone policy.By The Daily Princetonian

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Ciattarelli May End New Jersey Immigrant Trust Directive, an Opinion on Riding New Jersey Transit, and Princeton Women’s Field Hockey Wins Again — Wednesday, Oct. 29 5:21

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Today, we take you inside the future of New Jersey’s Immigrant Trust Directive, hear an opinion on why Princeton students should ride New Jersey Transit, and finish out with the women’s field hockey team’s eight-game win streak.By The Daily Princetonian

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Princeton Students’ Halloweekend Plans, Newly Dedicated Spaces in Prospect House, and the Tigers’ Homecoming Football Game — Tuesday, Oct. 28 3:42

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Today, we take you inside students’ Halloweekend plans, look at the newly dedicated spaces in Prospect House, which just recently completed renovations, and check out the Princeton Tigers’ performance at the homecoming game against Harvard Crimson.By The Daily Princetonian

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The Princeton University Art Museum’s Student Preview and Early Voting in New Jersey — Monday, Oct. 20 5:08

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Today, we take you inside the Princeton University Art Museum’s early student preview and the beginning of early voting for the gubernatorial race in New Jersey.By The Daily Princetonian

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Men’s soccer goes 0-0 with Bryant, Associated Press Report Finds Decrease in Black Enrollment at Elite Colleges, and an Interview with Christopher Quire ’28 — Friday, Oct. 24 4:10

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Today, we cover the highly anticipated Princeton men’s soccer match against Bryant on Tuesday, take you inside an AP report on the decrease in Black enrollment at elite colleges, and finish out with an interview from Christopher Quire '28 on his experience with the decreased enrollment.By The Daily Princetonian

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Eisgruber Defends Campus Free Speech, PPS Board of Education Forum, and Princeton Bucket List — Thursday, Oct. 23 5:01

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Today, we take a look at Princeton bucket list ideas before graduating, explore University President Christopher Eisgruber’s recent discussion on free speech and censorship, and the Princeton Public Schools Board of Education forum.By The Daily Princetonian

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A Day of the Dead Celebration and Princeton Women’s Field Hockey Victory Against Monmouth University — Wednesday, Oct. 22 5:07

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Today, we take you inside Princeton’s Day of the Dead Event, and cover Princeton Women’s Field Hockey victory against Monmouth University.By The Daily Princetonian

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Princeton University Art Museum Tour, Professor Michael Skinnider Recognized as 2025 Packard Foundation Fellow, and Canvas Outage — Tuesday, Oct. 21 2:52

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Today, we cover Professor Michael Skinnider’s recognition as a 2025 Packard Foundation Fellow, and look at the impact of the Canvas outage on students.By The Daily Princetonian

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University DEI efforts unchanged, “No Kings” in Princeton, and the Tigers’ football victory over Brown — Monday, Oct. 20 4:07

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Today, we take you inside Princeton’s diversity and inclusion efforts, No Kings protests across New Jersey and the Tigers’ victory over Brown in football.By The Daily Princetonian

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119. Developing Young Bassists by Mastering the Mindset and Mechanics for Audition Success Featuring Darren Sacks 1:01:24

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In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Darren Sacks, one of Greater Boston’s leading double bass educators, to discuss how young bassists can transform their playing and mindset to reach new levels of success. Sacks shares his journey from discovering the double bass on a high school field trip to building…

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Princeton’s 2027 SAT/ACT Requirement, CampusRec’s Financial Support for Club Sports, and Fall Break Plans — Friday, Oct. 10 4:29

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Today, we take you inside Princeton’s 2027 SAT/ACT requirement, cover CampusRec’s support for club sports fees and finish out by hearing what students have planned for fall breakBy The Daily Princetonian

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National Custodians Day feat. Jillian Zhang, Graduate Alumna Mary Brunkow wins Nobel Prize, and Delays at Newark Airport — Wednesday, Oct. 8 4:16

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Today, we take you inside a feature on National Custodians Day, cover Princeton graduate alumna Mary Brunkow’s Nobel Prize, and finish out with the continued effects of the government shutdown on air travel at Newark Airport and across the country.By The Daily Princetonian

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Faculty Appointments, Princeton’s Faculty and Salaries ft. Data Writer Arnav Ratna, and the Government Shutdown’s Impact on Tri-State Airports — Friday, Oct. 3 4:24

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Today, we cover the recent appointment of six new faculty members, learn more about Princeton’s faculty and salaries with Data writer Arnav Ratna, and finish out with updates on the government shutdown’s impact on Tri-State airports.By The Daily Princetonian

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A close-up with two independent diners and an opinion from a third — Thursday, Oct. 2 8:16

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Today, we take a special look at independent diners’ reactions to the meal plan overhaul scheduled for the next academic year.By The Daily Princetonian

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Reinstated Research Grants, Princeton Sports Updates, and President Eisgruber’s New Book — Wednesday, Oct. 1 5:42

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Today, we cover the reinstated research grants, Princeton Women’s Field Hockey victory against Maryland, and finish out hearing from Associate News Editor Cynthia Torres on President Eisgruber’s new book.By The Daily Princetonian

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Professor Udi Ofer’s Lecture on Criminal Justice Reform, Date Drop Expectations, and the End of the Independent Dining Option — Tuesday, Sept. 30 6:17

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Today, we take you inside Professor Udi Ofer’s lecture on criminal justice reform, Princeton students’ feelings on the night before Date Drop, and the new Fall 2026 meal plans.By The Daily Princetonian

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A first look at the Princeton Art Museum’s exhibits, Terrace Club’s Art Market, and the Release of Mikie Sherill’s Unredacted Military Records — Monday, Sept. 29 4:52

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Today, we take you inside the Princeton Art Museum’s First Exhibits, the semesterly art market at Terrace Club, and the release of Mikie Sherill’s unredacted military service records.By The Daily Princetonian

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“Big O” Orgasm Workshop, 2026–2027 Academic Year Changes, and Princeton Town Council Announcements — Friday, Sep. 26 4:45

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Today, we take you inside yesterday’s “Big O” workshop, cover changes to the academic calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, and finish out with updates from Wednesday’s Princeton Town Council meeting.By The Daily Princetonian

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118. Repertoire, Routines, and Fresh Perspectives with Abby Miles, Dublin City Schools (OH) 48:46

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118. Repertoire, Routines, and Fresh Perspectives with Abby Miles, Dublin City Schools (OH) In this episode, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Abby Miles, orchestra director at Eversole Run Middle School in Dublin City Schools, Ohio. Abby shares her journey from studying music education at Baldwin Wallace University to teaching 5th–12th grade in Perrysburg…

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The Launch of NASA’s Princeton-led IMAP, USG’s Budget Cut Updates, and The Frosh Survey ft. Vince Etherton — Wednesday, Sept. 24 4:51

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Today, we discuss the launch of a Princeton-led NASA mission, cover updates about budget cuts from the USG meeting, and finish with a look at the Frosh Survey with Vince Etherton. Launch Broadcast: https://plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-video/three-new-missions-launch-to-track-space-weather/By The Daily Princetonian

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The opening New Jersey gubernatorial debate, Autumn Equinox at Forbes, and a canceled Heritage Foundation lecture — Monday, Sept. 22 5:31

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Today, we take you inside the first New Jersey gubernatorial debate, a fall equinox celebration in the Forbes Garden, and the abrupt cancellation of a Heritage Foundation lecture on campus.By The Daily Princetonian

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Inside the Investigation with Raphi Gold - Sunday, Sept. 22 14:50

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Today, we take you inside the investigation with Raphi Gold, Head Features Editor for the ‘Prince’, who spent the past 18 months investigating care for students undergoing mental health crises at Princeton.By The Daily Princetonian

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SCRAP Lab Composting Operations Reduced, Fall Bicker, and French Theatre at Princeton — Friday, Sep. 19 6:20

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Today, we take you inside reduced campus composting operations, cover fall bicker, and finish out with a look at Princeton’s thriving French theatre scene.By The Daily Princetonian

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117. Composing Beyond Limits, Inspiring Musicians with Brian Balmages 47:44

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117. Composing Beyond Limits, Inspiring Musicians with Brian Balmages In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes world-renowned composer and conductor Brian Balmages. Known for his powerful and versatile works for orchestra, band, and chamber ensembles, Balmages’ music has been performed everywhere from Carnegie Hal…

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Murray Dodge’s New Opening Hours, National Voter Registration Day, and Opinions on Free Speech feat. Charlie Yale and Siyeon Lee— Wednesday, Sept. 17 6:14

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Today, we cover the changes to Murray Dodge Cafe’s open hours, discuss Charlie Yale and Siyeon Lee’s opinion article, and finish out by covering National Voter Registration Day.By The Daily Princetonian

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Performative Male Contest, Princeton Field Hockey Defeats Rutgers, and Nadine Menendez’s Prison Sentence — Monday, Sept. 15 4:36

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Today, we take you inside Princeton’s performative male contest, women’s field hockey’s 1-0 victory against Rutgers, and Nadine Menendez’s arrest.By The Daily Princetonian

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116. Directing, Composing, Inspiring: A Conversation with Dr. Perry Holbrook 42:56

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Episode 116 – Directing, Composing, Inspiring: A Conversation with Dr. Perry Holbrook In 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 …

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Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson’s visit to Princeton, Student Employment Changes Amidst Budget Cuts, and Weekend Plans — Friday, Sept. 12 4:02

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Today, we take you inside Justice Kentanji Brown Jackson’s visit to Princeton, cover changes to student employment amidst budget cuts, and hear about Princetonians’ weekend plans.By The Daily Princetonian

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New Student Demographic Stats and Elizabeth Tsurkov’s Release — Wednesday, Sept. 10 5:20

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Today, we chat about the University’s newly released demographic statistics, and finish out with the release of graduate Student Elizabeth Tsurkov.By The Daily Princetonian

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Sounds of Fall Lawnparties 2025 — Monday, Sep. 8 5:43

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Today, we take you inside yesterday’s lawnparties to kick off the 2025-2026 school year.By The Daily Princetonian

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115. Building Community & Legacy with Dr. Gail Barnes, Professor Emerita at the University of South Carolina 41:16

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Episode 115 – Building Community & Legacy with Dr. Gail Barnes In this inspiring episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, host Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Dr. Gail Barnes, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Music Education and former Director of the USC String Project. With a career spanning public school teaching, university leadership, groun…

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Greg Arzoomanian on the Ataturk Professorship, A Chat with a Freshman First Honor Prize Winner, and A New Jersey Program Supporting Children of Incarcerated Parents — Friday, September 5 4:59

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Today, we discuss the University’s Atatürk Professorship with Greg Arzoomanian ’79, a New Jersey program offering academic and career support to the children of incarcerated parents, and finish out with a chat with Freshman First Honor Prize winner Andrei Dragomir.By The Daily Princetonian

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FDOC and the End of BP’s Funding for the Carbon Mitigation Initiative— Wednesday, Sept. 3 4:50

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Today, we take you inside USG’s First Day of Classes Event, and cover the end of BP’s funding for the Carbon Mitigation Initiative.By The Daily Princetonian

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114. Marc Kaufman discusses his background and tenure as a band director and his transition to teaching middle school orchestra 1:17:30

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Episode 114 – The Orchestra Teacher Podcast featuring Marc Kaufman In this episode, we welcome H. Marc Kaufman, orchestra director at Lovinggood Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia. After a several successful decades teaching band, Marc made the transition to strings. His previous collaborative work with full symphony orchestra and chorus concert…

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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. 47:44

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Episode 113 – Building a Thriving Middle School Orchestra with Ashley Culley In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Charles talks with Ashley Culley, director of orchestras at Dodgen Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia. Over her 25-year career — 19 of them at Dodgen — Ashley has grown her program from 190 to over 380 students while ser…

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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. 53:19

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🎙 The Orchestra Teacher Podcast — Episode 112: Clay McKinney, author of TheCello.online and full-time middle school director, discusses some cello tip & tricks, his teaching, and more. In Episode 112 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the passionate and innovative Clay McKinney, director of orchestras at Parkway Central Mid…

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111. Taniesha Pooser discusses her journey from into an administration role and her initiative, RecolorEd.org 51:43

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In Episode 111 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the dynamic and inspiring Taniesha Pooser — assistant principal at the Gwinnett School for Math, Science, and Technology, founder of Recolor.Ed, and veteran orchestra educator. With over 15 years of classroom experience, multiple accolades (including 2022 Gwinnett County Mid…

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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. 40:51

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🎙 The Orchestra Teacher Podcast — Episode 110: Sadie Uhing – From Trumpet to Strings: A Young Educator’s Journey In Episode 110 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with Sadie Uhing, a rising star in the world of string education. Currently in her second year of teaching, Sadie shares her inspiring and unconventional path fr…

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109. Frank Lestina talks about his Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, Rehearsal Insights, and more! 53:20

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Episode 109 – Frank Lestina: Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, and Rehearsal InsightsIn this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we sit down with veteran educator and conductor Frank Lestina, who shares a wide range of insights from his rich career in music education. Topics include the innovative “Vln2Vla” viola learning app, which helps vio…

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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. 25:20

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Welcome to a special episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, where string educators share their creative ideas, tips, and teaching tools with listeners. Episode 108 kicks off this exciting new series with a contribution from David Cho, an elementary string specialist from Prince William County, Virginia. David introduces his innovative “bow tapes…

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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. 50:22

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In Episode 107 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, host Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Mac Mayer, orchestra director at Whitaker Middle School in Keizer, Oregon, for an insightful conversation about teaching strings across different regions and levels. With 22 years of experience spanning Ohio, Georgia, Kansas, and Oregon, Mac shares his journey in string…

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106. Practical, hands-on cello pedagogy with Harrison Cook. Facilitating scale fingerings, shifting, and extensions, oh my! 20:22

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