97. Inspiring the Next Generation: A Conversation with Daniella Valdez of CYSO String Ensembles and Maine West High School in Des Plaines, IL

Episode 97 – Inspiring the Next Generation: A
Conversation with Daniella Valdez





In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we are thrilled
to welcome Daniella Valdez, a dynamic music educator, conductor,
and advocate for orchestral excellence. As the Director of String
Ensembles at the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) and
Director of Orchestras at Maine West High School, Ms. Valdez has
dedicated her career to building strong, successful programs that
inspire young musicians.





Join us as we explore her journey from Texas Tech and
Northwestern University to leading award-winning ensembles in
Illinois and Texas. We’ll discuss her contributions to ASTA at
both state and national levels, and traits that earned her the
recognition as the 2024 Youth Orchestra Conductor of the
Year. 





This episode is packed with insights on music education,
leadership, and creating inclusive, thriving orchestra programs.
Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of today’s most
inspiring orchestra educators!





Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!





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* BIOGRAPHY *


Daniella Valdez is CYSO Director of String Ensembles and conducts
CYSO’s Preparatory Strings and Accelerando Strings ensembles. She
received her musical training at Texas Tech University and
Northwestern University School of Music, where she received her
Bachelor and Master of Music degrees respectively.





In 2011 Ms. Valdez joined the faculty staff at Maine West High
School, in Des Plaines, Illinois, as the Director of Orchestras.
In this capacity she conducts one full orchestra, two string
ensembles and teaches piano classes. Prior to her appointment at
Maine West, Ms. Valdez was an orchestra director in Lewisville,
TX and Highland Park, IL. Her career as a music educator and
conductor has led to developing strong and successful orchestra
programs. Ms. Valdez is an active judge and clinician working
with community schools, festivals and workshops and has written
several publications for music education journals. She is an
active member of the Illinois Educators Association and she sits
on the board of the American String Teachers Association-
Illinois chapter. In addition, she also serves on the ASTA
national board as member-at-large. In addition to her work with
orchestras, she is also active in educating and implementing DEIA
initiatives with organizations and schools. 





Also an accomplished commercial player, she has performed on
stage with Chuck Mangione, Marvin Hamlish, Toni Tennille, and
John Pizzarelli. Daniella lives in Chicago and enjoys traveling,
cooking and being with family and friends.





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