-Austin, Native American Scholar, Cascade Conducting
COACH
Sarah is the founding Artistic Director of the Cascade Conducting Workshop, a weeklong international masterclass held in partnership with Symphony Tacoma which launched in 2018. Serving on the faculty of the Curtis Institute of Music’s Young Artists Summer Program she has often coached the conducting fellows program. She emphasizes the importance of being an accomplished instrumentalist as a critical part of any conductors toolbox.
“Aside from the incredible values I strengthened while I was part of the Cascade Conducting Masterclass back in 2018, the techniques I learned about conducting with a baton, rehearsal techniques, group handling and control are priceless and completely relevant to the development of my musical career. “ – Hector Portillo
Much sought-after as an adjudicator, masterclass teacher, orchestra clinician she values any opportunity to inspire, coach, teach, consult, musicians and artists and support music programs at every level. Formerly the Music Director of Cincinnati Youth Orchestra she regularly conducts as a guest with conservatories and youth orchestras such as the Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra, Curtis Symphony, Yale Philharmonia, South African National Youth Orchestra, Jacobs School of Music and at the Chicago College of Performing Arts.
“Participating in the Cascade Conducting Masterclass was one of the best learning experiences that I have had as a conductor. Having the opportunity to work on concertos, opera, and new music in addition to standard repertoire and to learn from composers, choral conductors, and physical therapists made the Cascade Conducting Masterclass the most complete conducting workshop that I have attended.”
Sarah first began teaching in London while playing professionally, giving private lessons in violin, French horn and piano, and coaching chamber music at the Junior Department of the Guildhall School of Music. She held a three-year position as music professor at Swarthmore College of Music both teaching history, orchestration, ear training, score reading and later became Music Director of the Cincinnati Youth Orchestra training young musicians. Her work with young musicians has led to teaching at all levels, and she regularly supports schools programs and teachers, youth orchestra, young persons competitions.