Tedford earns Orchestra Director of the Year nod

Grove City College Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Orchestral Activities Dr. Jeffrey Tedford ’00 is the Pennsylvania-Delaware String Teachers Association (PADESTA) Orchestra Director of the Year Award.

The annual award goes to a PADESTA member who demonstrates outstanding achievement as an orchestra teacher and conductor that results in the advancement of the nominee’s program. 

PADESTA President Dr. Melinda Perttu presented the award, and noted that Tedford nearly doubled the size of the College orchestra and also led the group in an outstanding 2012 performance at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s conference in Erie, Pa., which was the first ever PMEA performance for the Grove City College Orchestra. The Chamber Orchestra and String Quartet maintain an active schedule under Tedford, representing the College throughout the state, including performances as preconcert music for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. 

Tedford also advocates for string education throughout the east coast, both as a guest conductor and writer for PMEA publications. He also serves on the executive board for PADESTA and is the string content representative for PMEA. In addition to his curricular work, Tedford worked with the Showcase Series and Music Department administration to bring David Kim, concertmaster of the Philadelphia Orchestra, to campus during the fall of 2016 to work with music students.

“In the last six years we have commissioned several composers to write new works for the orchestra while continuing to perform standard orchestral repertoire. I also remain committed to providing conducting opportunities to young conductors as they explore and develop their craft,” said Tedford.

Tedford is the director of the Symphonic and Chamber Orchestras. He teaches string methods and conducting classes, works with chamber ensembles, observes student teachers and coordinates all auditions for the Department of Music. He received his undergraduate degree in music education from Grove City College, his masters in conducting from Carnegie Mellon University, and his doctorate in music education from Shenandoah University.

For more on the Department of Music at Grove City College, visit www.gcc.edu/music.