148. A Legacy of Excellence with Laura Mulligan Thomas

Episode 148 — A Legacy of Excellence with Laura Mulligan ThomasIn this inspiring episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, host Dr. Charles Laux sits down with legendary educator Laura Mulligan Thomas, who led the award‑winning Charlottesville High School Orchestra for forty remarkable years. What began as a program of just eight students grew under her leadership into a nationally recognized powerhouse of 120 musicians—earning consistent superior ratings, performing at the Midwest Clinic, touring Europe five times, and shaping generations of young artists.Laura shares stories from her musical upbringing, the early days of rebuilding the CHSO, and the philosophy that made her program thrive: community, joy, high expectations, and a deep commitment to student growth. She discusses the importance of rhythmic training, creative rehearsal strategies, building a strong low‑string foundation, and cultivating a culture where students feel supported and connected.Listeners will also hear about her extraordinary alumni—now educators, orchestral musicians, and performers — as well as her continued work as a pedagogue, editor, performer, and doctoral student in orchestral conducting.This episode is a masterclass in longevity, passion, and the power of music education to transform lives.— 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#OrchestraTeacherPodcast#LauraMulliganThomas#MusicEducation#StringEducation#OrchestraDirector#CharlottesvilleHSOrchestra#ASTA#VBODA#MusicTeachersOfInstagram#OrchestraLife#Conducting#MusicEdInspires