Meet Ms. Lang!

Hi! My name is Catherine Lang and I am the Orchestra Director for both 6th Grade Orchestras, 7th Grade Orchestra, 8th Grade Orchestra, and Chamber Orchestra at Haviland Middle School. I also have the pleasure of working with the 5th Grade District Orchestra students. I have a passion for music and am so incredibly lucky that I am able to share that passion with the students of Hyde Park.

Growing up, my home was always filled with music. While the only music that my parents could create came from the radio, my older brothers were talented musicians who both played clarinet. I loved going to their performances and listening to the band perform but I always had greater enthusiasm for the orchestra performances and I knew that I wanted (needed) to play a stringed instrument. I started playing the violin in 3rd grade, after begging my parents for what seemed like an eternity to begin violin lessons.

Fast forward through many great teachers and conductors that cultivated my love of music and many hours of practice: I attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst for my undergraduate degree, earning a B.M. in Music. After graduating, I moved to the Hudson Valley and was hired by Hyde Park. I completed my masters degree afterwards at the Hartt School of Music at the Univeristy of Harford for my M.M. in Music Education with a focus in Pedagogy.

In my spare time I enjoy teaching private instrument lessons and I continue to actively perform with many orchestras in the Hudson Valley, along with performing in small chamber groups for weddings and social events.

Other fun facts about me are that I am a crazy dog person... I love all dogs, but I especially love my dog, Penny. We enjoy hiking together and exploring trails all over the Dutchess County. I also enjoy cooking and baking (and then eating all of the foods/baked goods) and enjoy spending time with my family.