Alicia McMahan
Woodbridge,VA
Summary
Dynamic Orchestra Director with a proven track record at FCPS, excelling in ensemble recruitment and performance coordination. Expert in instructional planning, fostering significant musical growth and student engagement. Adept at maintaining instruments and cultivating talent, while demonstrating strong leadership and organizational skills to enhance educational experiences.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
Work History
Orchestra Director
Fairfax County Public Schools
Fairfax, Virginia
08.1999 - 10.2024
- Directed HS orchestra at West Potomac from 1999 to 2003, achieving significant musical growth.
- Managed itinerant ES orchestra across 26 elementary schools within FCPS, enhancing student engagement.
- Recruited and retained large string ensembles, fostering talent development in young musicians.
- Prepared and performed diverse grade-appropriate music, ensuring varied educational experiences.
- Coordinated communication with school administration and parents to align objectives.
- Organized teaching schedules annually, optimizing instructional time for all orchestras.
- Maintained inventory of instruments, ensuring accessibility and readiness for each performance.
Band and Orchestra Director
Arlington County Public Schools
Arlington, Virginia
09.1994 - 06.1999
- Coordinated rehearsal and performance schedules to maximize efficiency and attendance.
- Conducted rehearsals, providing instruction and feedback to enhance musicianship skills.
- Developed tailored lesson plans for individual students to improve performance quality.
- Organized auditions to recruit talented musicians for band and orchestra.
- Directed performances at concerts, festivals, competitions, and special events.
- Researched and selected repertoire based on skill levels and available sheet music.
- Maintained instruments and equipment in optimal condition for performances.
- Implemented fundraising activities to support music programs.
Education
Master of Music - English Horn Performance
The Juilliard School
New York, NY12-1993
Bachelor of Music Education - Performers Certificate
Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD05-1991
Skills
- Music direction and conducting
- Ensemble recruitment and management
- Instructional planning and education programming
- Performance coordination and event planning
- Instrument maintenance and care
- Student engagement and goal setting
- Rehearsal management and scheduling flexibility
- Time management and organization
- Repertoire selection and sight reading
- Leadership skills and team collaboration
Timeline
Orchestra Director
Fairfax County Public Schools
08.1999 - 10.2024
Band and Orchestra Director
Arlington County Public Schools
09.1994 - 06.1999
Master of Music - English Horn Performance
The Juilliard School
Bachelor of Music Education - Performers Certificate
Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University