128. Trust, Belonging, and Excellence in School Orchestras with Jonathan Glawe, Pioneer HS

In this episode #128 of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Dr.
Charles Laux is joined by Jonathan Glawe, Director of Orchestras
at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a powerful
conversation about leadership, culture, and sustainability in
orchestra programs.





Jonathan shares his path from growing up in Waterloo, Iowa, to
leading one of the nation’s most respected high school orchestra
programs. Along the way, he opens up about impostor syndrome,
professional pressure, and a life-altering health crisis that
forced him to rethink how orchestra teachers balance excellence
with well-being.





This episode goes far beyond trophies and performances. Jonathan
breaks down how he builds trust, belonging, and accountability in
his program through intentional culture-building, rotating
seating, student leadership committees, and servant leadership
principles. He explains why investing in people—not just
rehearsal time—leads to stronger musical results and healthier
classrooms.





You’ll also hear about:


• Rotating seating and redefining “first chair” culture


• Creating buy-in without fear or competition


• Designing orchestra experiences instead of chasing rankings


• Supporting students through “maintain days” and mentorship
systems


• Programming underrepresented composers with student input


• Leading at a high level without burning out





Whether you’re a new orchestra teacher or a veteran educator
navigating long-term sustainability, this episode offers
practical strategies and mindset shifts you can apply
immediately.





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