NC Music Educator Winter 2024

O
rchestra
Joseph Walker, Chair
Jennifer Frisina
Jennifer Frisina is a long time music
educator. She retired from a full career in
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in 2012,
after 30 years of teaching strings at both the
elementary and middle school levels. She
frequently mentored new music teachers and
student teachers, taught the new arts teacher
orientation class for 10 years, ran the CMS
Honors Orchestra auditions for 15 years, and
served on numerous committees for curriculum development and
common core planning.
The Orchestra Section had an energizing conference in
November. It was wonderful to see so many of you, and to learn
and grow together in the many fantastic sessions. A big thank
you to Veronica Biscocho for so capably managing N.C. Honors
Orchestra. Her poise and organization were key to a great
experience for both students and teachers. Before the NCHO
performance on Sunday, the Orchestra Section recognized Emily
Braun and Amanda Colson as our Teachers of the Year, and
inducted our newest Hall of Fame recipients, James Dellinger and
Jennifer Frisina.
Best wishes to all of the teachers of the Orchestra Section as we
welcome 2024!
Teacher of the Year
Eastern Region – Emily Braun
Emily Braun received her Bachelor of
Music in education from UNC Greensboro
in 2005, graduating summa cum laude. Since
then, she has taught general and vocal music,
piano lab, and orchestra in Moore County
Schools. In 2009, she earned her National
Board Certification in early and middle music
from the National Board for Professional
Teaching Standards and was then recertified
in 2018. She has served as the Jr. Eastern Regional Orchestra clinic
chair since 2018 and has students consistently earn spots in the
orchestra. This is her 13 th year teaching middle grades strings at
West Pine Middle, where she was named the 2022 – 2023 Teacher
of the Year.
Western Region – Amanda Colson
Amanda Colson is a 2008 alumna of
Appalachian State University, having earned
her Bachelor of Music in music education.
Throughout her educational journey, she has
had the privilege of studying under esteemed
music educators; their invaluable guidance
has profoundly shaped her pedagogical
approach and expertise.
Colson’s professional growth has been
further enriched by her husband, Hoy Colson, who was her
colleague at Burns High School for seven years of her career.
She has taught 6 – 12 grade string orchestra for 15 years, and
currently serves as the string orchestra director at Burns Middle
School in Lawndale, a position she has held since 2019. Previously,
Colson taught in New Hanover County Schools, before moving
to Cleveland County Schools in 2011. Her ensembles have
consistently received superior and excellent ratings at both state
and local assessments.
Beyond her classroom instruction, she has taken on leadership
roles as a clinician for honors ensembles and summer camps
across North Carolina and Tennessee. With twelve years dedicated
to rural education, she is passionately committed to advocating
for and serving music students and educators from rural and
traditionally underserved regions.
Hall of Fame/Lifetime Achievement
James Dellinger
James Dellinger retired after 45 years as a
teacher in North Carolina public schools and
universities. He received both his bachelor’s
and master’s degrees in music education
from Appalachian State University. Prior to
retirement, he served as the orchestra director
at Hickory High School, where his ensembles
received 27 consecutive superior ratings at
adjudicated events.
Dellinger is proud to have initiated orchestra programs in
Shelby and Hickory, and also developed and directed music
ensembles at NC State University, as well as expanding string
education and orchestra programs at Appalachian State University.
A violinist and violist, he has performed with the Roanoke,
Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Salisbury and Western
Piedmont Symphony Orchestras, and the Tassini String Quartet.
Dellinger has served as a guest clinician and conductor across
North Carolina, as well as conducting a performance in Carnegie
Hall. He served NCMEA as an event chair and a past president of
the Orchestra Section, as well as serving as choir director for many
churches across North Carolina.
Her orchestras often received superior ratings at the MPAs. She
collaborated with both the Charlotte Symphony and the Arts and
Science Council over a five year period to have a local composer
work with her students. After leaving Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools, Frisina taught for nine years at Charlotte Country Day
Middle School, retiring in 2021. She continues to volunteer in
local schools directing cello sectionals.
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