Centering Students in the Orchestra Classroom
In Episode 94 of Pass the Baton, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with high school orchestra director and ASTA President-Elect Corie Benton for an inspiring conversation about student-centered teaching and building a classroom culture rooted in care, agency, and joy. Corie shares how her teaching philosophy shifted in recent years—from chasing accolades to prioritizing holistic student experiences—emphasizing the importance of creating an environment where all students feel seen, valued, and empowered.
Listeners will hear how Corie builds student leadership through orchestra councils, incorporates student voice in repertoire and performance decisions, and designs inclusive opportunities like senior solos and peer mentorship. She also shares practical examples of how she fosters ownership and connection in daily routines, from student-led warmups to meaningful classroom traditions. Whether you’re a new or veteran educator, this episode is full of small, actionable ideas that can make a big impact in your own teaching.
Listen to the full interview:
Here are some key takeaways from Episode 94:
- Student Ownership: Giving students leadership roles and musical choices fosters engagement, ownership, and a sense of classroom community.
- Holistic Teaching: A student-centered approach goes beyond music, supporting students emotionally, socially, and academically every day.
- Energy Matters: Your energy as a teacher sets the tone—model positivity and presence to create a welcoming, responsive space.
- Inclusive Traditions: Creating opportunities like senior solos and orchestra council builds lasting memories and celebrates each student’s unique contributions.
- End-of-Day Boundaries: Setting a personal work cutoff helps maintain balance, reduce stress, and sustain long-term teaching passion.
Links from this episode:
- Join the Coffee Club
- Support Pass the Baton
- Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
- Instagram – @PasstheBatonMusicEd
Coffee Club Members: be sure to check out the bonus material available for this episode! Not a member? Join today → Pass the Baton Coffee Club
Ready for more?
You can check out the full interview on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. Or you can listen right here, on Spotify Podcasts!
You might also enjoy these other episodes:
- Episode 62 – The Kids Come First: Student Ownership in Ensembles, featuring Kathleen Jacoby
- Episode 90 – Throw Away the Rubric: Ungrading the Music Room, featuring Chris Gleason
- Episode 77 – Inspiring Young Musicians: Passion and Purpose in Music Education, featuring Stephen Cox
- Episode 85 – Fostering Lifelong Learning through Reflective Partnerships, featuring Merlin Thompson
