128. Trust, Belonging, and Excellence in School Orchestras with Jonathan Glawe, Pioneer HS

In this episode #128 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux is joined by Jonathan Glawe, Director of Orchestras at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a powerful conversation about leadership, culture, and sustainability in orchestra programs.Jonathan shares his path from growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, to leading one of the nation’s most respected high school orchestra programs. Along the way, he opens up about impostor syndrome, professional pressure, and a life-altering health crisis that forced him to rethink how orchestra teachers balance excellence with well-being.This episode goes far beyond trophies and performances. Jonathan breaks down how he builds trust, belonging, and accountability in his program through intentional culture-building, rotating seating, student leadership committees, and servant leadership principles. He explains why investing in people—not just rehearsal time—leads to stronger musical results and healthier classrooms.You’ll also hear about: • Rotating seating and redefining “first chair” culture • Creating buy-in without fear or competition • Designing orchestra experiences instead of chasing rankings • Supporting students through “maintain days” and mentorship systems • Programming underrepresented composers with student input • Leading at a high level without burning outWhether you’re a new orchestra teacher or a veteran educator navigating long-term sustainability, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts you can apply immediately.— SPONSORS AND AFFILIATE 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/⁠Want to find some classic repertoire or looking for something different and new?  Check out Keiser Productions!https://www.keiserproductions.comLooking for things on Amazon?  Use my affiliate 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