Directors

About the Directors

Carrie Andrews

In her 12th year of teaching, Carrie is the Orchestra Director of Jordan High School. Carrie strongly believes that all students should have access to the arts, regardless of their financial status and advocates for funding to make that possible. In addition to her teaching duties, Carrie is currently serving as the chair of the Eastern Regional Orchestra Clinic and been the lead orchestra teacher of Durham for the past 7 years. She has been a guest clinician throughout NC and Virginia as well as adjudicated Orchestra Assessments in Virginia. She was recognized as the NCMEA Orchestra Director of the Year in 2021. Outside of teaching, Carrie loves cooking, spending time outdoors, and spending time with her partner Katie and their 4 kids.

Joey Walker

A graduate of East Carolina University (BM and MM), Mr. Walker has been teaching in North Carolina schools for 17 years, most recently at Durham School of the Arts for the past 6 years. Prior to moving to Durham, Walker taught in Onslow County for 10 years, where he was recognized as Southwest Middle School teacher of the year. Orchestras under his direction receive consistently high ratings at adjudicated events, and Mr. Walker was recognized as the 2019 NCMEA Orchestra Director of the Year. Mr. Walker is regularly invited as a guest clinician for events across North Carolina, and he currently serves as the North Carolina Music Educators Association's Orchestra Section President.

Kayla Meeks

Kayla Meek is a middle and high school orchestra teacher at Durham School of the Arts. Prior to moving to Durham, Kayla worked in Guilford County Schools for 3 years teaching grades 5-8. Meek holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from UNC Greensboro where they graduated with honors.

Kayla’s passion for music began at the age of 7 after beginning piano lessons. Shortly thereafter, Kayla began learning the violin in 4th grade through Fairfax County Public Schools. They remained invested in school orchestras through their entire education, and were inspired to teach orchestra by their middle and high school teacher, Anne Rupert. Privately, Kayla studied violin with Lynne Denig and Marjorie Bagley.

As well as their job at Durham School of the Arts, Kayla is an active member of the Chapel Hill Philharmonia where they play Violin I. When Kayla isn’t working they enjoy spending time with their 2 cats, 2 dogs, and family.

Cailin Clarke

Cailin Clarke, Orchestra Director at Durham School of the Arts, began playing cello at 9 and never stopped. After graduating with a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Appalachian State University, she began teaching in Durham, where she grew up. She is passionate about making music accessible and exciting for all students, as well as finding ways to engage musically with the local community. In her free time, Cailin enjoys listening to live music, trying new food, and spending time with friends and family in nature.

Sara Moore

Sara Moore earned her Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and Piano Performance from Appalachian State University, and her Master of Music degree in Music Education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Although a piano major, she studied violin from middle school through college and knew that she always wanted to be an orchestra teacher.

Sara began her teaching career in Durham Public Schools in 2000 at Githens Middle School. In 2007 she created the orchestra program at Riverside High School, where she is currently the Orchestra Director. An active member of the American String Teachers Association (ASTA), as well as the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Sara coaches sectionals and substitute conducts at the Duke University String School. She is also an active member of the Durham Association of Educators, where she has developed leadership skills in organizing to defend and transform public schools.

Outside of teaching, Sara enjoys playing and writing non-traditional music with local bands and musicians, as well as gardening, walking, and cooking. She lives in Hillsborough with her husband and many pets.

Sydney Neri is a passionate and dedicated music educator in her first year of teaching. Sydney holds a Bachelor of Music Education from East Carolina University, where she specialized in instrumental music education. She teaches both middle and high school and has expertise in string and wind instrument performance and pedagogy. Known for her patience and dedication to her students, Sydney has been a driving force in helping students develop their musical talents and appreciation for the arts.

Throughout her career, Sydney has been successfully implementing innovative curricula and has organized community and school performances. She is skilled in teaching music theory and history, and in sight reading/singing.

In addition to teaching, Sydney actively participates in NAfME, and regularly attends workshops and conferences to stay at the forefront of music education trends.

Beyond the classroom, Sydney enjoys country dancing and reading. She is committed to nurturing a love for music in her students and empowering them to use their skills to make meaningful contributions to the world.

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