147. From College Leader to First-Year Teacher with Olivia Durrence episode artwork

EPISODE · Jun 19, 2026 · 31 MIN

147. From College Leader to First-Year Teacher with Olivia Durrence

from The Orchestra Teacher Podcast · host Dr. Charles Laux

Episode 147: From College Leader to First-Year Teacher with Olivia DurrenceIn Episode 147 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr. Charles Laux sits down with recent University of Georgia graduate Olivia Durrence to discuss leadership, service, string teaching, and the transition from college student to first-year orchestra director.Olivia recently graduated Summa Cum Laude from UGA with a degree in Music Education, a minor in Educational Psychology, and an ESOL certificate. During her undergraduate career, she served as President of the UGA ASTA Chapter, helped revive the organization on campus, taught with the UGA String Project, conducted educational research, and gained valuable classroom experience through substitute teaching and student teaching in Gwinnett County.In this conversation, Olivia shares:Her journey from piano and violin student to passionate cellistLessons learned from exceptional music teachers and mentorsReviving the UGA ASTA chapter and developing leadership skillsTeaching with the UGA String ProjectOrganizing and preparing students for a performance at the GMEA In-Service ConferenceResearch on music education and language acquisitionNavigating the job search as a first-year teacherTrusting your instincts when evaluating teaching opportunitiesPreparing to begin her career at Lilburn Middle SchoolOlivia’s story is a reminder that leadership, service, and professional involvement can begin long before graduation. Her enthusiasm, dedication, and commitment to students offer inspiration for both future and veteran music educators.Whether you’re a preservice teacher, mentor, or experienced educator, you’ll find valuable insights in this conversation about growth, opportunity, and finding your place in the profession.#OrchestraTeacherPodcast #StringEducation #MusicEducation #ASTA #OrchestraTeacher #FutureMusicEducator #MusicTeacherLife #UGA #StringProject #Orchestra #MusicLeadership #TeacherGrowth #OliviaDurrence #MusicEducator— YouTube Link — https://youtu.be/dKIOd8_UlNA— SPONSORS AND REFERRAL 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.comWant 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 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.⁠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

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 19, 2026

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147. From College Leader to First-Year Teacher with Olivia Durrence

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