History

History of the Leestown Middle School Orchestra Program

The Leestown Middle School Orchestra program, under the direction of Nathan Wilson and Sarah Conrow, has experienced tremendous growth and achieved significant recognition at both the state and national levels since 2007.

Major Performances and National Recognition

• The Leestown Orchestra has consistently been recognized for its high standards of performance and excellence.

2025 - Best Overall, Music in the Parks, Kentucky Kingdom. This is a day-long festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually.

2025 - Best Overall Orchestra and Best 6th Grade Ensemble. Acclaim Music Festival, Lexingon, KY. A school music festival at Malibu Jacks, where students perform and celebrate.

2024 - Best Overall, Music in the Parks, King's Island. This is a day-long festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually.

2024 - Selected to Perform at the ASTA National Orchestra Festival. Leestown placed Third among orchestras nationwide selected to compete in this national competition. Louisville, KY

2024 - First Place - Best Overall - Acclaim Music Festival, Lexingon, KY. A school music festival at Malibu Jacks, where students perform and celebrate.

2023 - Best Overall, Music in the Parks, Kentucky Kingdom. This is a day-long festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually.

2023 - First Place - Best Overall - Acclaim Music Festival, Lexingon, KY. A school music festival at Malibu Jacks, where students perform and celebrate.

2023 - Combined 7th and 8th Grade Orchestras (over 80 students) performed at the KMEA State Conference after a series of weather-related cancellations. Louisville, KY

2019 - Collaborative Performance with the Berea College Concert Choir. The 8th grade class and select 7th graders rehearsed and performed W.A. Mozart's Ave Verum Corpus with Dr. Stephen Bolster. Berea College, KY

2018 - Selected to Perform at the KMEA State Conference. The combined 7th and 8th Grade Orchestras performed at the Palace Theater. This was a significant and memorable honor for the students, families, and school. Louisville, KY

2017 - Best Overall, Music in the Parks, King's Island. This is a day-long festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually.

2016 - Best Overall, Music in the Parks, King's Island. This is a day-long festival for student choral, orchestral, and band ensembles, held annually.

Educator Clinics and Professional Development

Mr. Wilson has been repeatedly invited to present professional clinics at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) State Conference, showcasing Leestown's innovative teaching strategies to educators across the state.

2021 - Virtual Performance - Delivered a YouTube performance for the KMEA State Conference.

2020 - "Turn Up the Heat in the Warm-Up: Using YouTube, Audacity, and Other Apps to Create Engaging Activities" The 8th grade class demonstrated creative warm-ups and drills using popular music accompaniment.

2017 - "Creating a Positive Climate in the Rehearsal Room" The 8th grade class demonstrated classroom management and rehearsal scenarios.

Program Growth and Culture

When Mr. Wilson began teaching in 2007, the program consisted of 33 students. Today, the program is a vibrant part of the school, enrolling over 150 students across five orchestra classes, demonstrating outstanding commitment and achievement from a student body of over 1100.

The success of the orchestra program is built on a culture where students feel valued and know that hard work leads to success. Students have achieved both individually and as large ensembles in KMEA assessments, and many graduates successfully continue their musical studies in high school. The growth and achievements reflect a life-changing experience for the students, families, and Mr. Wilson.