As Education Director, Laura will be responsible for the creation, implementation and management of a broad range of educational and community engagement programs. She will work closely with the New Haven community recruiting Youth Orchestra members, gathering input for in-school programs, and managing the annual Young People’s Concerts.
“We are delighted to be welcome Laura as Director of our education programs,” said Education Committee Chair, Gordon Ambach. “She comes with an excellent background in music education and outstanding leadership experience. We look forward to Laura’s leadership in realizing our objectives for increased student appreciation of their American musical heritage and expanded opportunities to hear and play orchestral music.”
Laura, formerly Education and Outreach Director for the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, was born and raised in the thumb of Michigan before attending the Interlochen Arts Academy as a voice major. She holds a B.A. in Music (Voice) from the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music. After graduation, she spent an interim year at the Cathedral Choir School of Metropolitan Detroit as Marketing and Development Associate, Assistant Conductor, Vocal Coach, and Soprano Section Leader. Laura spent 2008-11 with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra overseeing education programs in area schools and developing a community concert series across Southeastern Michigan, serving an annual audience of over 35,000. She now lives in Wooster Square with her husband and they maintain an active performance schedule as church musicians.
“I look forward to collaborating with the musicians, board, and staff to deepen and strengthen the educational work of the NHSO,” said Laura. “I am eager to meet those involved in other arts organizations and to meet each music teacher in the New Haven Public Schools, and the surrounding communities, to hear about their programs, successes, needs, and hopes for their programs and their relationship with their NHSO.”
Teachers, arts administrators, and parents are encouraged to contact Laura with questions about or suggestions for the NHSO’s education programs at 203.865.0831, ext. 13 or ladam@NewHavenSymphony.org.
