Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra
for grades 6 through 8
A Message from WMCO Music Director Martin Garfield-Levine:
Martin Garfield-Levine is proud to join as the new Music Director of the Washington Metropolitan Concert Orchestra! He is a dedicated educator with ten years of teaching to his name, and a commitment to bringing arts education to all learners with no exceptions. He is the Director of Orchestras at Twain Middle School in Alexandria, where he consistently leads his ensembles to success with Superior and Excellent ratings at state assessments, first places at competitions, and strong musical connections in the community.
Martin grew up in Colorado, starting the violin when he was eight years old. He participated in school ensembles and community orchestras similar to the WMCO throughout his childhood, which inspired a lifelong love of music and a drive to teach music himself. He graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Colorado in 2014, and received his Masters in Arts Management in 2022. His thesis focused on methods to equitably assess music learning with students from different socioeconomic areas. He uses his degrees to create equitable, inclusive, and accessible arts spaces for students to explore and learn with no barriers. He has taught all levels of music, from kindergarten general music to high school full orchestral groups.
In addition to his work in the classroom and on the podium, Martin is an active musician in the Washington DC area. He performs as a solo musician, substitutes in professional orchestras, and is a member of two touring bands. While well versed in classical repertoire, he is an expert fiddle player, specializing in Irish and Scottish traditions and performs regularly as the featured musician at festivals and events. He fully believes that there is too much music in the world to focus fully on just one type, and works to program music that grows the technique of his students, while opening up their minds to traditions and cultures all over the world.
Martin grew up in Colorado, starting the violin when he was eight years old. He participated in school ensembles and community orchestras similar to the WMCO throughout his childhood, which inspired a lifelong love of music and a drive to teach music himself. He graduated with a Bachelors in Music Education from the University of Colorado in 2014, and received his Masters in Arts Management in 2022. His thesis focused on methods to equitably assess music learning with students from different socioeconomic areas. He uses his degrees to create equitable, inclusive, and accessible arts spaces for students to explore and learn with no barriers. He has taught all levels of music, from kindergarten general music to high school full orchestral groups.
In addition to his work in the classroom and on the podium, Martin is an active musician in the Washington DC area. He performs as a solo musician, substitutes in professional orchestras, and is a member of two touring bands. While well versed in classical repertoire, he is an expert fiddle player, specializing in Irish and Scottish traditions and performs regularly as the featured musician at festivals and events. He fully believes that there is too much music in the world to focus fully on just one type, and works to program music that grows the technique of his students, while opening up their minds to traditions and cultures all over the world.
