109. Frank Lestina talks about his Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation, Rehearsal Insights, and more!

Episode 109 – Frank Lestina: Viola App, Repertoire Adaptation,
and Rehearsal InsightsIn this episode of The Orchestra Teacher
Podcast, we sit down with veteran educator and conductor Frank
Lestina, who shares a wide range of insights from his rich career
in music education. Topics include the innovative “Vln2Vla” viola
learning app, which helps violinists transition to viola, and
adapting repertoire through platforms like ArrangeMe to meet
students where they are. Frank discusses his Mahler 3
arrangement, his first published work, and the process behind
creating meaningful educational repertoire.We also dive into
rehearsal priorities, with a focus on rhythm, pulse, and
intonation, and how these foundations support musical growth.
Frank shares his experiences leading the Midwest Clinic’s New
Music Reading Sessions, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look
at this influential event. Finally, we explore the impact of
international student travel, including performance tours to
Europe and beyond.This episode is packed with practical advice,
inspiration, and stories from the podium—don’t miss it!—
BIOGRAPHY —Frank Lestina received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music
Education from Roosevelt University and his Master’s Degree in
Administration from the University of Illinois. Mr. Lestina
started his teaching career in Danville, Illinois where he taught
orchestra at Southview Middle School and Danville High School. In
1986, Mr. Lestina accepted the Orchestra Director position at
Libertyville High School, Libertyville, Illinois. The Symphony
Orchestra was invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic in 1991
and again in 1996. In addition, the LHS Orchestras traveled
extensively, including three tours to Europe. In the fall of
2000, Mr. Lestina accepted the position of Fine Arts Supervisor
and Orchestra Director at the new school in District 128, Vernon
Hills High School, where the string enrollment eventually grew to
150 students in three orchestras. Mr. Lestina retired from Vernon
Hills High School in June of 2013 and currently serves as adjunct
faculty in Music Education at DePaul University and VanderCook
College of Music in Chicago. In addition, Mr. Lestina currently
serves on the Advisory Board of The Midwest Clinic and moderates
the New Music Reading Session for Orchestra. Mr. Lestina is very
active as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator and has
served as guest conductor for many of the ILMEA District
Orchestras at both the Middle School and High School levels. Mr.
Lestina conducted the ILMEA All-State Orchestra for the 2014
Conference in Peoria, Illinois. In May of 2018, Mr. Lestina was
awarded an honorary Doctorate from VanderCook College of Music
for his contributions to music education.Learn more about Frank,
the Vln2Vla app, and more at https://franklestina.com/— REFERRAL
LINKS —Ready to shake up your next orchestra trip? Kaleidoscope
Adventures has been planning performance travel beyond
expectations for more than 30 years.
⁠https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-orchestra-teacher-podcast/⁠Looking
for things on Amazon?  Use my referral
link:⁠https://amzn.to/3RkfRLk⁠Do you keep a monthly budget? 
If not, try You Need a Budget!  It’s a great app/website
that helps keep your finances on
track.⁠https://tinyurl.com/TheOrchestraTeacherYNAB⁠Do you have
cable?  Cut the cord and check out YouTube TV!  It
works on mobile, Smart TVs, the web and
more!⁠https://tv.youtube.com/referral/r22irzcuy7jshi⁠Resources
and more information at
⁠www.orchestrateacher.net⁠#TheOrchestraTeacherPodcast
#MusicEducation #PodcastForTeachers #OrchestraPodcast
#MusicTeacherLife #PodcastForEducators #StringTeacherPodcast
#MusicEdPodcast #TeacherPodcast#OrchestraTeacher #StringEducation
#OrchestraLife #StringPlayers #StringTeacherLife #OrchestraClass
#TeachingStrings #MusicEd #TeachingMusic #StringsMatter
#ViolinPedagogy #violinteaching #violateaching