Ep 169 | How is orchestra the gift that keeps giving?

Is music critical to education? What impact does orchestra have on academic performance? What influence have string musicians in pop culture had on student engagement?Cathy McConnell is the Director of Orchestras for Ransom Middle School and Tate High School. In this episode, she shares stories from her 29 years in music education including recent participation at Stringfest 2025 and explains how orchestra is a path to higher academic performance, scholarships and life skills.Guest: Catherine McConnell [email protected] Florida Department of Education just released district and school grades and we're are beyond thrilled to announce that Escambia County Public Schools has achieved a district grade of ‘A.’  This means that 83% of ECPS schools upheld or exceeded past years’ performances!Learn more about Escambia County School District: https://www.escambiaschools.org/Find additional links: https://www.voicesunitedineducation.com/podcast-episodesHost:  Meredith Hackwith Edwards