This session shares a coffee-inspired model for building independent orchestra students through clear systems and daily consistency. The same process for producing a quality cup of coffee is similar to producing a quality orchestra program. When the environment is right, students walk in, sit down, tune, warm up, and begin rehearsing without reminders.
Your clinicians will walk through what this looks like from 6th through 8th grade, using real examples from their classroom. The focus is on simple systems that lead to big results, including students performing from memory and rehearsing without a conductor.
Target Audience
Middle and High School Orchestra
Additional Notes
Clinician Info
Stephen Cook
Krimmel Intermediate
Stephen Cook is in his sixth year as Assistant Director of Orchestras at Krimmel Intermediate in Klein ISD, where he also serves as Fine Arts Department Chair and Intermediate Orchestra Professional Development Facilitator. He was named Krimmel Intermediate’s 2023–24 Teacher of the Year. Previously, he served as Director of Orchestras and Associate Director of Bands at William R. Boone High School in Orlando, Florida from 2014 to 2021, where he grew the orchestra program from 35 to more than 90 students and led the Chamber Strings to the Orlando Philharmonic’s Orchestra of Distinction award.
Mr. Cook holds a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Michigan State University, where he studied clarinet with Caroline Hartig and Theodore Oien, principal of the Detroit Symphony.
Since joining Krimmel Intermediate, the program has continued to grow in size and achievement. The Krimmel Chamber Orchestra was named National Grand Champion at the 2023 ASTA National Orchestra Festival in Orlando, Florida. In 2024, the Krimmel Chamber Orchestra was featured at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic with Grammy-nominated soprano Lindsay Kesselman. His ensembles consistently earn sweepstakes ratings at UIL competitions, and the program has expanded performance opportunities and student leadership across multiple orchestras.
Tiffany Webb
Krimmel Intermediate
Tiffany Webb is the Director of Orchestras at Krimmel Intermediate and is in her seventh year at the school. She is especially proud of the Krimmel Chamber Orchestra, which was named Grand Champion at the 2023 American String Teachers Association Conference in Orlando, Florida. The ensemble also earned a second place finish in the TMEA Honor Full Orchestra Competition. In 2024, the Krimmel Chamber Orchestra performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic as a featured chamber orchestra. She has 17 years of experience as a UIL adjudicator and regularly serves at UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Evaluations and UIL Solo and Ensemble Contests.
Ms. Webb is a graduate of South Houston High School and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University, where she studied cello and performed in the university symphony orchestra.
At Krimmel, her ensembles have earned top honors including sweepstakes awards and national recognition, and she continues to build a strong, consistently high-performing orchestra program.