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Cory Zilisch is the Director of Orchestras at Westport Middle School in Louisville, Kentucky. He has taught orchestra in the city of Louisville for 7 years. During Cory's tenure at Westport Middle School since 2014, the orchestra program has grown by over 400%  (From 45 to 200+ members).

 

Mr. Zilisch has been a pioneer in the area of string education. Under his direction, the Westport Orchestra boasts one of the first middle school "Electric Orchestra" programs. Mr. Zilisch has propelled the Westport Orchestra into the 21st century using state of the art instruments and technology. The "Rock N' Warhawks" electric orchestra is a unique performing ensemble that utilizes electric instruments, choreography and improvisation. The electric group performs very often in many community events and functions. Mr. Zilisch has presented sessions on technology in the music classroom at the JCPS music teacher's in-services, American String Teacher's Association National Conference, University of Louisville, University of Michigan, University of Delaware and the  KMEA State Conference. Mr. Zilisch is also a faculty member of the Ohio State University String Teacher Workshop since 2019. Mr. Zilisch has also received numerous awards including a recent selection as a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. Mr. Zilisch was also selected as the Kentucky Music Educators Association 2017 state Middle school teacher of the year. Mr. Zilisch also serves on the American String Teachers National Conference Clinic selection committee.