123. Gretchen Wyder Zunic: How to Build a Thriving, Student-Centered Orchestra Program

Episode #123 — Gretchen Wyder Zunic: How to Build a
Thriving, Student-Centered Orchestra Program


In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, Charles sits
down with Gretchen Wyder Zunic, Head Orchestra
Director at Upper Arlington High School and a 31-year veteran of
music education. Gretchen shares her inspiring journey from her
early teaching years in Findlay and Hilliard to building a
powerhouse orchestra program in Upper Arlington—now home to
six high school orchestras and rapidly growing
middle-school ensembles.


Gretchen discusses what it takes to create a
student-centered learning environment, how to
program for multiple skill levels, and why today’s teachers must
adapt to changing student needs, administrative structures, and
post-COVID expectations. She dives into her approach to
repertoire selection, developing independent musicianship, and
her creative “music shopping” project that empowers students to
explore and choose meaningful literature.


We also talk about the importance of discipline, responsibility,
and community in orchestra classrooms—and why music education
cultivates skills that benefit students for life. Gretchen opens
up about the differences between middle school and high school
teaching, the reality of modern educational pressures, and her
nomination for the Manilow Music Teacher Award,
which could bring $10,000 in new instruments to her
program. 


Vote for Gretchen here! 
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If you’re a string teacher, orchestra director, or music educator
looking for inspiration and practical ideas, this episode is full
of wisdom, laughter, honesty, and heart.





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— BIOGRAPHY —


Gretchen Wyder Zunic is the Head Orchestra Director at Upper
Arlington High School in Columbus, now in her 31st year of
teaching. She leads six high school orchestras and supports
middle school string programs. Gretchen previously taught in
Hilliard and Findlay City Schools and holds degrees from Bowling
Green State University and The Ohio State University, where she
earned the Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award.


She is the Past-President of the Ohio String Teachers
Association, Co-Chair of the Central Ohio String Festival, an
active OMEA Adjudicator, and serves on the boards of the Youth
Philharmonic of Central Ohio and the Vivo Music Festival. Her
many honors include two Upper Arlington Golden Apple Awards,
Distinguished Alumni recognitions from Princeton City Schools and
BGSU, and being named the 2020 Ohio Teacher of the Year by OSTA.


Her orchestras frequently perform at nationally adjudicated
events and at the OMEA Conference, and she has led student
performances across the U.S., Canada, the Bahamas, and China.
Gretchen is also a sought-after guest conductor and clinician and
performs as a member of the Columbus String Quartet.



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