The orchestra staff in CCSD181 collectively have 50+ years of teaching experience. All teachers have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Music Education. All teachers still actively play their main instrument in an orchestra or as a free-lance musician. Mary Mandel and Gretchen Pearson Nerad are violinists, Sara McNamara is a violist, and Meghann Talbot is a harpist. We all found a home in orchestra and playing our instruments when we were growing up. We are so happy to provide your student with the skills and opportunities they need to become lifelong musicians.