82. Ben McWhorter, orchestra director at Tates Creek HS in Lexington, KY discusses his unique program including professional chamber music coaching, a peer tutoring program, and more.

Ben McWhorter is the orchestra teacher at Tates Creek High School
in Lexington, Kentucky. Known for his professional, engaging, and
collaborative approach to teaching, Ben’s orchestras have
consistently earned “Distinguished” ratings at district
performance assessments during his 19 year tenure. In 2023, Ben
implemented a middle school mentoring program, with high school
orchestra musicians providing individual instruction to over 50
younger students. This has significantly increased student
achievement at both schools and fostered a strong connection
between the two programs. Ben secured a grant in 2024 to provide
weekly professional chamber music coaching to over 30 of his
students, leading to significant growth in their musicianship and
fostering a strong sense of collaboration and ensemble. Ben is
passionate about the transformative power of string education. He
works to ensure that all students have access to orchestra
instruction and a wide variety of musical experiences to develop
their love of music. An active member of the string education
community, Ben served as President of the Kentucky ASTA from
2012-2014 and as a member of the KMEA String Council from
2008-2012. During his tenure on the KMEA String Council, he
played a key role in developing a new graded string orchestra
list. He is a frequent presenter at state and national
conferences, including the 2024 and upcoming 2025 ASTA
Conferences. Ben holds a B.M. in Music Education from the
University of Louisville and M.M.E. in Music Teacher Education
from The Ohio State University. He also has received specialized
training in the pedagogical practices of George Bornoff. His
professional interests include strengthening music literacy,
implementing learner-centered instruction, and utilizing
effective assessment practices within the instrumental music
classroom. Ben lives in Lexington with his wife, Hillary, their
son Charlie, and their three cats. Ben can be reached at:
Ben.mcwhorter@fayette.kyschools.us --- Please
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