L. V. Berkner High School Symphony Orchestra

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The Berkner Symphony Orchestra is made up of the top performers from the Berkner Orchestra program and the Mighty Ram Band. Berkner High School has a long history and tradition of full orchestra collaboration between the two programs and even takes two full orchestras to UIL contest each spring. Full Orchestras are rehearsed outside of the school day and each full orchestra is co-conducted by a band and orchestra director. This is the first Midwest appearance by the Berkner Symphony Orchestra. The Orchestra is co-conducted by head Orchestra Director, Craig Needham, and Director of Bands, Jason Schayot.

L. V. Berkner High School Symphony Orchestra

Conductor's Bio

Mr. Needham has been involved with orchestral music since he held his first cello at the age of nine. A two-time All-State orchestra member and graduate of Caprock High School in Amarillo, Texas, Mr. Needham went on to graduate with honors from the University of North Texas with a Bachelors in Music Education. After student teaching with Sharon Veazey in Denton, Tx, Mr. Needham went on to teach at Westwood Jr High in Richardson, Clark High School in Plano, Amarillo High School, and currently as the Head Orchestra director at Berkner High School. An avid performer, Mr. Needham has performed with 9 different professional symphony orchestras, most recently as a member of the Amarillo Symphony Orchestra. As a chamber musician, he has been associated with the Vienna Conspiracy String Quartet for 15 years. In the summer, Mr. Needham teaches at various Orchestra camp around the state. In the Dallas area, Mr. Needham also served as the assistant conductor for the New Conservatory of Dallas and is the Orchestra Conductor at the Heights Baptist Church. Mr. Needham’s groups have consistently won top honors at UIL contest, the Myerson Orchestra Festival, Sandy Lake Orchestra Festival, Greater Southwest Music Festival, and at numerous other festivals. The AHS “Sandie Orchestra” was recognized as the Grand Champion orchestra at Musicfest Orlando and in 2004, they toured Hawaii. The Berkner High School Symphony Orchestra was named the TMEA High School String Honor Orchestra for 2006-2007. In 2003, Mr. Needham was awarded the Marjorie Keller Young Teacher Award, given to him by the Texas chapter of the American String Teachers Association. In 2009, Mr. Needham was selected to be the Star Teacher of the Year for Richardson ISD. Mr. Needham has served in leadership capacities as TMEA Region Chair, UIL Sight Reading committee, president of the Amarillo Youth Symphony board, TMEA Honor Orchestra Committee, the UIL Music Advisory Committee, and the UIL Prescribed Music List Committee. Mr. Needham is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Orchestra Directors Association, Mu Omicron, and the Texas Adjudicators Association. Mr. Needham is a Past President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association and teaches AP Theory. Mr. Needham recently completed a term as the Orchestra Division Vice-President for the Texas Music Educators Association. When he is not teaching, Mr. Needham enjoys playing golf, swimming, and spending time with his wife, Susan, and his two daughters, Kayla and Sydney.