87. Harrison Cook discusses his program at Kennesaw Mountain High School

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast – Special Guest Harrison
Cook


In this episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome
Harrison Cook, Director of Orchestras at
Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County, Georgia. Now in his
ninth year of teaching, Harrison brings a unique perspective to
the classroom, having transitioned from a full-time career as a
professional cellist to an award-winning educator.





Join us as we dive into his journey—from performing with
world-renowned ensembles like the Atlanta Symphony abd
the Atlanta Opera to leading outstanding school
orchestras that consistently earn superior ratings at
LGPE. Harrison shares insights on cello
pedagogy, effective teaching strategies, and the intersection of
performance and education.





We’ll also explore his experiences performing in over 10
countries, and his success in mentoring
students who have gone on to prestigious conservatories.
Whether you’re a seasoned educator, a new teacher, or a musician
looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable
takeaways!





Tune in and be inspired by Harrison’s story of passion,
performance, and pedagogy!





#OrchestraTeacher #MusicEducation #HarrisonCook #Orchestra #Cello
#MusicPedagogy


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Harrison is currently the Director of Orchestras at Kennesaw
Mountain High School in Cobb County, Georgia. He is currently in
his ninth year of teaching, after having a full career as a
professional musician. He has previously directed orchestras as
Simpson Middle School and Sprayberry High School, all within Cobb
County. His orchestras have consistently scored superior rating
at LGPE. He has had the honor of presenting sessions on cello
pedagogy, and has performed as a soloist with several orchestras
and choirs at the annual Georgia Music educators Association
conference.





Harrison received his BA from Georgia State University and his
Masters in Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon University for cello
performance. He has played in various professional ensembles
including the Atlanta Symphony, Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet,
Greenville Symphony, and many others. As a performer, Harrison
has had the opportunity to play around the world in over 10
countries, including performances in Italy, Monaco, and a solo
tour in China. In addition to his symphonic work, Harrison is an
active member of the Atlanta music scene, doing studio work for
films, games, and performing artists. Harrison has a robust
private studio, with students consistently performing at All
State and Honor Orchestra, attending summer institutes such as
Brevard, Franklin Pond, Suwanee, and Interlochen, as well as
universities such as Peabody Conservatory, Indiana University,
Cincinnati Conservatory, and the Cleveland Institute of Music.





-- REFERRAL LINKS --


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