Lake Braddock Secondary School Symphony Orchestra

Performer Details

Performer Bio Synopsis

The High School Symphony Orchestra is the premier auditioned ensemble of the Lake Braddock orchestra program and has consistently earned superior ratings performing VBODA grade level VI repertoire at VBODA Assessment as a full and string orchestra. Symphony Orchestra regularly performs various recruitment concerts throughout the year for elementary students in the Lake Braddock pyramid and members of this ensemble consistently participate in district orchestra, regional orchestra, and all-state orchestra. This orchestra provides students with a fast-paced and hard-working atmosphere where they learn a variety of ensemble, musicianship, and personal performance skills. This experience prepares them for lifelong musicianship. The Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2020 Music For All National Orchestra Festival and at the 2008 and the 2024 VMEA In-service conferences. Students in their senior year have an annual concerto competition for the spring concert where the finalists are accompanied by the full symphony orchestra.

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.