81. Tom Chen talks about his program at Carmel High School, selecting repertoire, working with younger high school orchestras, and more.

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

Thomas Chen is Director of Orchestras at Carmel High School in Carmel, Indiana. Under his direction, the Carmel High School Symphony Orchestra earned regular appearances at the Indiana State School Music Association State High School Concert Finals, produced a recording of Dvorak Symphony No. 9, and performed at The Midwest Clinic in 2019 and 2024. Chen previously held the position of Assistant Director at Dobie High School in Houston, Texas, where he helped lead five orchestras to earn Superior ratings at UIL Concert and Sight Reading. In addition to public school teaching, Chen is Associate Conductor with the Indianapolis Youth Orchestra’s Symphony Orchestra. Chen has performed as a guest conductor with the Purdue University Philharmonic and Symphony Orchestras, Carmel Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Wesleyan University Summer Music Camp, and Wright State University Fall Strings Festival. Chen earned his Bachelor of Music Education from DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, where he studied viola with Dr. Nicole Brockmann. While completing his studies, he earned opportunities to perform in masterclasses with the American String Quartet and Joan Tower. Chen is a proud member of the American String Teachers Association and National Association for Music Education. He currently serves as Orchestra Division Chair with the Indiana Music Education Association and President-Elect with the Indiana Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. ---- Please follow/like/subscribe to the podcast and YouTube channel or browse ideas and resources on my website! Website: http://www.orchestrateacher.net YouTube Channel: http://youtube.com/theorchestrateacher Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5pvAWs3uftZ5FJ2KyZYU0z Podcast on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/id1489358262 ---- Referral Links: Looking for things on Amazon? Use my referral link: https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk Do you keep a monthly budget? If not, try You Need a Budget! It’s a great app/website that helps keep your finances on track. tinyurl.com/youneedabudgetnow Do you have cable? Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV! It works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and more! https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi