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.

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

Content provided by Dr. Charles Laux. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Dr. Charles Laux or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

5M ago 53:49

MP3•Episode home

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 program, with high school orchestra musicians providing individual instruction to over 50 younger students. This has significantly increased student achievement at both schools and fostered a strong connection between the two programs. Ben secured a grant in 2024 to provide weekly professional chamber music coaching to over 30 of his students, leading to significant growth in their musicianship and fostering a strong sense of collaboration and ensemble.Ben is passionate about the transformative power of string education. He works to ensure that all students have access to orchestra instruction and a wide variety of musical experiences to develop their love of music. An active member of the string education community, Ben served as President of the Kentucky ASTA from 2012-2014 and as a member of the KMEA String Council from 2008-2012. During his tenure on the KMEA String Council, he played a key role in developing a new graded string orchestra list. He is a frequent presenter at state and national conferences, including the 2024 and upcoming 2025 ASTA Conferences.Ben holds a B.M. in Music Education from the University of Louisville and M.M.E. in Music Teacher Education from The Ohio State University. He also has received specialized training in the pedagogical practices of George Bornoff. His professional interests include strengthening music literacy, implementing learner-centered instruction, and utilizing effective assessment practices within the instrumental music classroom.Ben lives in Lexington with his wife, Hillary, their son Charlie, and their three cats.Ben can be reached at: [email protected] follow/like/subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel or browse ideas and resources on my website!Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.netYouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacherPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0zPodcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262-- REFERRAL LINKS --

Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond expectations for more than 30 years. They know the best destinations and most iconic venues for orchestras. Check out the Kaleidoscope Adventures link below for fresh ideas and inspiration – and then let them work their magic! They’ll handle all the details from start to finish so all you have to do is enjoy theexperience!

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.tinyurl.com/youneedabudgetnowDo 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/r22irzcuy7jshi--#TheOrchestraTeacherPodcast #MusicEducation #PodcastForTeachers #OrchestraPodcast #MusicTeacherLife #PodcastForEducators #StringTeacherPodcast #MusicEdPodcast #TeacherPodcast#OrchestraTeacher #StringEducation #OrchestraLife #StringPlayers #StringTeacherLife #OrchestraClass #TeachingStrings #MusicEd #TeachingMusic #StringsMatter

118 episodes

#Podcasting Education #Charles Laux