In this episode, The Orchestra Teacher Podcast host Dr. Charles Laux welcomes Dr. Nathaniel (“Nat”) Parker, Director of Orchestral Studies at Kennesaw State University and Artistic and Executive Director of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO).
Dr. Parker shares his journey from a “reformed bassoonist” to a collegiate conductor, offering deep insights into teaching, programming, and leadership in orchestral education. The conversation explores how KSU’s music program continues to grow, the exciting developments within GYSO, and the importance of thoughtful repertoire selection, youth mentorship, and professional balance.
Listeners will gain practical advice and inspiration on topics such as:
🎵 Effective rehearsal strategies and student engagement
🎵 Building strong youth orchestra programs
🎵 Programming for growth and diversity in repertoire
🎵 The evolving role of conductors and ensemble leadership
Dr. Parker also discusses his work in commissioning new pieces, the upcoming 20th anniversary of GYSO, and the value of cultivating independent, self-motivated students and musicians.
#TheOrchestraTeacher #OrchestraEducation #MusicEducation #DrCharlesLaux #DrNathanielParker #KennesawStateUniversity #YouthOrchestra #GYSO #OrchestraTeacherPodcast #OrchestraConducting #StringEducation #MusicTeachers #ConductingEducation #OrchestraRehearsal #MusicPedagogy
— BIOGRAPHY —
A talented and versatile musician, Nathaniel F. Parker has conducted professional orchestras in the United States, Peru, Russia, Poland, England, and the Czech Republic. Equally at home working with professionals and training future generations of musicians, Dr. Parker is Director of Orchestral Studies and Associate Professor of Music at the Kennesaw State University Bailey School of Music. Concurrent appointments include the positions of Associate Conductor of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra, the Dr. Bobbie Bailey Artistic Director of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO), and Music Director and Conductor of the GYSO Symphony. Parker’s work as a conductor, scholar, and educator has been recognized by the New World Symphony (FL), Tanglewood Music Center, the American Prize, the College Music Society (CMS), the American String Teachers Association (ASTA) and the College Orchestra Directors Association (CODA), among others. He is also the recipient of a Citation of Excellence in Teaching from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association. Parker earned graduate degrees in orchestral conducting from Michigan State University (DMA) and Bowling Green State University (MM). He also earned a BM in Bassoon Performance, magna cum laude, from Arizona State University. His mentors and teachers include Raphael Jiménez, Leon Gregorian, Stephen Osmond, and Emily Freeman Brown (conducting), and Jeffrey Lyman and Catherine Lewis (bassoon).
https://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/nparke22/index.php
KSU Bailey School of Music: https://www.kennesaw.edu/arts/academics/music/index.php
KSU Summer Orchestra Directors Symposium: https://www.kennesaw.edu/arts/academics/music/community-programs/clinics-workshops/summer-orchestra-directors-symposium.php
Georgia Symphony Orchestra: https://www.georgiasymphony.org/
Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO): https://www.georgiasymphony.org/gyso/
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