120. Leadership, Repertoire, and the Modern Conductor — Insights from Dr. Nathaniel Parker (KSU)

In this episode, The Orchestra Teacher Podcast host Dr.
Charles Laux welcomes Dr. Nathaniel (“Nat”)
Parker, Director of Orchestral Studies at
Kennesaw State University and Artistic and
Executive Director of the Georgia Youth Symphony
Orchestras (GYSO).


Dr. Parker shares his journey from a “reformed bassoonist” to a
collegiate conductor, offering deep insights into teaching,
programming, and leadership in orchestral education. The
conversation explores how KSU’s music program continues to grow,
the exciting developments within GYSO, and the importance of
thoughtful repertoire selection, youth mentorship, and
professional balance.





Listeners will gain practical advice and inspiration on topics
such as:


Effective rehearsal strategies and student engagement


Building strong youth orchestra programs


Programming for growth and diversity in repertoire


The evolving role of conductors and ensemble leadership





Dr. Parker also discusses his work in commissioning new pieces,
the upcoming 20th anniversary of GYSO, and the value of
cultivating independent, self-motivated students and musicians.





#TheOrchestraTeacher #OrchestraEducation #MusicEducation
#DrCharlesLaux #DrNathanielParker #KennesawStateUniversity
#YouthOrchestra #GYSO #OrchestraTeacherPodcast
#OrchestraConducting #StringEducation #MusicTeachers
#ConductingEducation #OrchestraRehearsal #MusicPedagogy





— BIOGRAPHY —


A talented and versatile musician, Nathaniel F. Parker has
conducted professional orchestras in the United States, Peru,
Russia, Poland, England, and the Czech Republic. Equally at home
working with professionals and training future generations of
musicians, Dr. Parker is Director of Orchestral Studies and
Associate Professor of Music at the Kennesaw State University
Bailey School of Music. Concurrent appointments include the
positions of Associate Conductor of the Georgia Symphony
Orchestra, the Dr. Bobbie Bailey Artistic Director of the Georgia
Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO), and Music Director and
Conductor of the GYSO Symphony. Parker’s work as a conductor,
scholar, and educator has been recognized by the New World
Symphony (FL), Tanglewood Music Center, the American Prize, the
College Music Society (CMS), the American String Teachers
Association (ASTA) and the College Orchestra Directors
Association (CODA), among others. He is also the recipient of a
Citation of Excellence in Teaching from the Pennsylvania Music
Educators Association. Parker earned graduate degrees in
orchestral conducting from Michigan State University (DMA) and
Bowling Green State University (MM). He also earned a BM in
Bassoon Performance, magna cum laude, from Arizona State
University. His mentors and teachers include Raphael Jiménez,
Leon Gregorian, Stephen Osmond, and Emily Freeman Brown
(conducting), and Jeffrey Lyman and Catherine Lewis (bassoon).


https://facultyweb.kennesaw.edu/nparke22/index.php


KSU Bailey School of Music:
https://www.kennesaw.edu/arts/academics/music/index.php


KSU Summer Orchestra Directors Symposium:
https://www.kennesaw.edu/arts/academics/music/community-programs/clinics-workshops/summer-orchestra-directors-symposium.php


Georgia Symphony Orchestra: https://www.georgiasymphony.org/


Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestras (GYSO):
https://www.georgiasymphony.org/gyso/





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