Drawing from 30 years of experience, this clinic highlights essential skills for non-string players to excel in the orchestra classroom. As orchestra programs expand nationwide, their roles remain vital. Too often, the focus is on adequate teaching as rather than achieving excellence. As Jacqueline Dillon Krauss once told me, why just survive in the field when you can thrive?
Perry Holbrook
- Biographical Information
Dr. Holbrook has taught at Walton High School since 2001. Since his arrival, orchestra enrollment has continued to increase from 130 to 325 students. His groups have received eight invitations to perform at The Midwest Clinic (2001, 2005, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2022), have received three invitations to perform at the ASTA National Conference (2009, 2012, 2018), and have performed seven times at the Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conference (2001, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2016, 2022). Dr. Holbrook’s groups have also participated in four European concert tours (2004, 2007, 2015, 2018).
Active as a guest conductor and clinician, Dr. Holbrook was a clinician for the 2021 ASTA National Orchestra Festival. Conducting engagements include the South Carolina All-State Orchestra (2024), Tennessee Mid-state Orchestra (2022), Alabama All State Orchestra (2018); the Sewanee Summer Music Festival (2011, 2012, 2014, 2015); and the Orchestra America Summer Symposium (2006, 2007). Dr. Holbrook has presented clinics at the Midwest Clinic (2006, 2016); the ASTA National Conference (2004, 2009); the Georgia Music Educators Convention (2006, 2010, 2013, 2023); and the Texas Music Educators Convention (2005). In 2007, he was the featured clinician at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, presenting a series of five clinics.
An active published composer, compositions of Dr. Holbrook are being performed around the country. Three of his compositions have been performed at the Midwest Clinic (2023, 2024).