122. Building Belonging Through Team-Teaching Magic: A Conversation with Daryl Silberman & Matthew White

Episode #122 — The Orchestra Teacher Podcast


Guests: Daryl Silberman & Matthew White,
Orchestra Directors at Scullen Middle School (Naperville, IL)





In this energizing episode, Dr. Charles Laux welcomes the
incredible teaching duo Daryl Silberman and Matthew
White, who have transformed the Scullen Middle School
orchestra program through collaboration, creativity, and a deep
commitment to student belonging.





Daryl and Matt share how their unique team-teaching model brings
out the best in both teachers and students—using humor, trust,
and complementary strengths to create a vibrant, inclusive
learning environment. They discuss:





Building a positive classroom culture


Their “Habits of Mind” system that fosters kindness and
responsibility


Creating a space where every student sees themselves represented


Improvisation, electric strings, and developing creativity


Monthly “Be Curious,” “Do Something,” and “You Belong” calendars


Special grade-level projects and identity-based music learning


Innovative room setup (yes…they cut the backs off their chairs!)


Grant writing, technology integration, and using AI for teaching


The importance of trust, collaboration, and modeling artistic
growth





Whether you team-teach or work solo, this episode is packed with
ideas you can bring into your own orchestra room—insights that
will inspire your teaching and nurture student connection.





Connect with Daryl and Matthew


Daryl: darylsmusic@gmail.com


Matthew: mdblu1@gmail.com


https://www.instagram.com/scullenorchestra/





Resources:


https://www.daryls.com


https://sites.google.com/ipsd.org/mrwscullenorchestra/home





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#OrchestraTeaching #StringEducation #TeamTeaching
#MiddleSchoolOrchestra #MusicEd #MusicTeachers
#OrchestraDirectors #StringPedagogy #CreativeTeaching
#InclusiveTeaching #MusicClassroomCulture #ElectricStrings
#ImprovisationInMusic #ScullenMiddleSchool #NapervilleSchools
#StudentBelonging #HabitsOfMind #MusicEdLife #TeacherInspiration
#EdTechInMusic #MusicEdPodcast #StringTeachers #OrchestraLife
#MusicEdCommunity





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Resources and more information at ⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠