WVMS teacher chosen to conduct neighboring All-County festival

Warwick Valley Middle School music teacher Tamara Moser earned a distinct honor this year. She was named conductor of the 2024-2025 Ulster County Music Educators Association (UCMEA) Elementary All-County Orchestra! 

“I was surprised, but conducting is part of the music field that I’ve always wanted to pursue,” said Ms. Moser, who was thrilled to be asked. “Education is my first passion, and I’ve been teaching fourth, fifth and sixth grades four 21 years in Warwick, so this is actually a perfect opportunity, and I’m really excited for it!”

Ms. Moser focused intently on conducting while studying music at Roberts Wesleyan University, and assumed the role of student conductor for both the university’s wind ensemble and orchestra. At the middle school, Ms. Moser is part of our district’s star-studded music staff, known for her energy, sense of humor and ability to get students fired up about their instruments. She created select chamber orchestra at the middle school, which has made a name for itself performing at various district ceremonies. Outside of school, Ms. Moser is a cellist with the Greater Newberg Symphony Orchestra and the Northern Dutchess Symphony Orchestra. It was an orchestra-mate of Ms. Moser’s who recommended her for the conductor position!

“I’m really looking forward to meeting more music educators from outside of Orange County and, of course, working with what I know is going to be a creative group of kids,” said Ms. Moser. “Podium work is just another form of teaching, so I think my training in conducting will really be helpful. Even at a young age, these students watch intently and know how to respond to directions like volume changes. I’m hoping that they’re very receptive!”

The UCMEA Elementary All-County Festival will take place in March 2025 at Kingston Middle School, and will feature young musicians in grades four through six from schools across Ulster County. It’s worth noting here, that this year’s Elementary All-County Music Festival for Orange County will be right here in Warwick!

We are also proud to share that Warwick Valley music teacher Keely Blaikner is chair of the OCMEA festival, and that the rehearsals and performances will be held at the high school. Ms. Moser said that planning for both the UCMEA and OCMEA fests are well underway.

“I’ve already been in communication with the [UCMEA] festival chair, and the festival chair is in communication with all of the teachers,” said Ms. Moser, who shared that the All-County program has already been chosen. “Yes, we have the scores! The Ulster music teachers are really excited about it, so I’ll be working all summer to prep, come up with rehearsal ideas. I want to come up with ways to navigate the festival weekend that will energize the group, so we can make some gains and build an even brighter passion for their instrument!”