Directors

Dr. Brian Verdi has directed the John P. Stevens High School Orchestra in Edison, NJ for over 20 years. Under his leadership, the program has more than tripled in size and now includes multiple ensembles, including two chamber orchestras, a concert orchestra, freshman orchestra, full orchestras, and small ensembles. He earned degrees from Teachers College, Columbia University (Ed.M, Ed.D), New York University (M.A.), and Montclair State University (B.A.).

His ensembles have received state, regional, and national awards, including performances at the NAfME All-Eastern Division Conference and collaborations with the Catholic University of America Symphony at the Italian Embassy in Washington, D.C. Dr. Verdi is a certified Suzuki teacher, having completed all books at the School for Strings in NYC under Louise Behrend, and active freelancer on violin and viola. 

Dr. Verdi has published in journals such as Arts Education Policy Review, Music Educators Journal, Teaching Music and American String Teacher Journal. He served as State President of ASTA NJ from 2020 to 2022 and presents at NJMEA conferences, teacher professional development, rehearsal strategies, and pedagogy.

Mr. Justin Lee (M.M. Rutgers University, B.A. Montclair State University) is the assistant orchestra director and lower strings specialist at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, NJ where he joined the faculty three years ago. He is an active substitute on Broadway shows performing "Caroline or Change '' at Studio 54 RoundAbout Theater, the new Off Broadway Show "Camp" at Theater Row, and has appeared on two episodes of "Mozart In the Jungle '' on Amazon Prime. In the fall of 2021, Justin performed the US Premiere of The Jeff Beal concerto for 6 string electric bass and double bass. He is currently a member of the New York City-based Chelsea Symphony, The New Jersey Capital Philharmonic, MRB Jazz Project, Bob Page Jazz Trio, co-owner of Allemande Ensembles, LLC, and has over 19 years of public school teaching experience.