Time:
Thursday
December, 17, 2026
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Location:
W190
Category
High School String Orchestra
Performer Details
Performer Bio Synopsis
The High School Symphony Orchestra is the premier auditioned ensemble and has consistently earned superior ratings performing VBODA grade level VI repertoire at VBODA Assessment as a full and string orchestra. Students learn a variety of ensemble, musicianship and personal performance skills in this course while focusing on musical interpretation and expressive performance. This orchestra provides students with a fast-paced and hard-working atmosphere that prepares them for further study of advanced repertoire.
The Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2020 Music For All National Orchestra Festival and also performed at the 2008 and the 2024 VMEA In-service conference.
Lake Braddock Secondary School Symphony Orchestra
Conductor's Bio
Austin Isaac is the high school orchestra director at Lake Braddock Secondary School in Burke, Virginia. Prior to joining Lake Braddock, Austin taught orchestra at both the elementary and secondary levels in both public and private schools in Virginia, in addition to teaching privately. The high school orchestra program has four auditioned ensembles and over 170 students. There is a busy performance schedule throughout the year and students consistently audition into district, regional, and all state honor ensembles.
Austin enjoys writing original music and arrangements for a variety of ensembles, while always keeping the student performer experience as a central part to his writing. He has written works for string orchestra, full orchestra, band, and choir and four of those works have been premiered at the Virginia Music Educator’s Conference. His music has been performed throughout the US and Australia, with multiple pieces being designated as J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice selections. His music has been published with Carl Fischer Publishing, Cane River Music, Zicato Music, Southern Music, TUX People's Music, Dog Smile Music, and Wingert-Jones Publishing, in addition to multiple self-published compositions.
As an educator and conductor, his ensembles have had notable performances. In 2016, the Lake Braddock Middle School Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the VMEA conference, and the Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2020 Music For All National Orchestra Festival, and the 2024 VMEA conference. Austin holds his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University with a concentration in instrumental education, and his master’s degree in education from George Mason University.
He has served as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for honor orchestras and state assessment performances in various regions of Virginia. He is also a member of the artistic staff of The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras, where he conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra and he was the composer in residence for TCSYO for the 2025-2026 season.
Austin lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife Nicole and their two cats Lychee and BK.
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