Teacher
“I really enjoyed being in your class, and I always looked forward to playing in your orchestra class. Throughout these two years, you have really helped me expand my skills on my instrument and I really appreciate you!” – South East Orchestra Student
“These have not been the easiest years…but your patience, role modeling, and friendship have been very much appreciated by him and by us.” – South East Orchestra Parent
Lisa Horst Schrock is the newly appointed Director of Orchestras at Vel Phillips Memorial High School in Madison, Wisconsin. She is also the former Director of Orchestras at South East Junior High in Iowa City, IA.
ICCSD Junior High
Orchestra Festival
The South East Orchestras perform in the annual Iowa City Community School District Junior High Orchestra Festival. Both Lisa’s orchestras consistently receive top ratings. Lisa is currently the district coordinator for this festival, and as such works closely with faculty and conductors at the University of Iowa School of Music.
Annual Chicago Symphony Orchestra Trip
The South East 8th Grade Orchestra students take an annual trip to Chicago to attend a concert by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center. During her tenure, Lisa has secured grant and private funding sources so that all students can participate, regardless of socioeconomic status. Along with seeing the orchestra perform, students also take tours of the William Harris Lee & Co. Violin Shop. When the CSO was on strike in the spring of 2019, Lisa adapted the plans and organized a private concert given by a quintet of CSO musicians, scheduled a visit with musicians in the picket line outside Symphony Center, and invited the American Studies teacher into orchestra class to provide context on labor unions, worker’s rights, and the musician’s labor strike.
Guest Artist Program
At South East Lisa has initiated a guest artist program. Guest artists both instruct and perform for South East students annually. Orchestra students have the opportunity to learn from and be inspired by many diverse musicians. Guest artists have included:
Red Cedar Chamber Music, Ying Quartet, Elias String Quartet, 4Spiel (Chicago-based Eclectic String Ensemble), Dr. William LaRue Jones (Conductor), Seth Parker Woods (Cellist), Dr. Moises Molina (Cellist & Conductor), Dr. Alex Pershounin (Bassist), Dr. Tyler Hendrickson (Violist), Simon Zerpa (Conductor), Samuel Stapleton (Conductor)
Annual South East Orchestra Camp
Lisa created and runs the South East Orchestra Camp which takes place each summer right before the school year begins. Incoming 7th & 8th grade students work on musical repertoire, technique and team building. The camp provides incoming 7th graders with an opportunity to make friends before starting at a brand new school. Orchestra students from City High School lead sectional rehearsals and all students perform a brief concert for family and friends at the end of the camp. The camp is free for all orchestra students to attend.
Elementary Tour
Each spring, the South East 8th Grade Orchestra travels to district elementary schools and performs a short concert. For elementary students who will attend South East Junior High this concert also serves to recruit students to the orchestra program.
Collaborative Concerts
The South East and City High School Orchestras produce one concert together annually. Lisa collaborates with City High Orchestra Director Megan Stucky-Swanson to prepare works that South East & City High students can perform together, thus also serving as recruitment for the City High School Orchestra Program.