TPSMEA Orchestra All State Concert and Clinic 2026
We are pleased to announce the upcoming date for the All-State Orchestra clinic and concert starting on Thursday January 29-31, 2026 in Richardson, Texas.
The program will feature two contrasting and demanding works for string orchestra:
Suite for Strings by Leoš Janáček,
Dabke by Kareem Roustom
The concert will be on Saturday January 31st, 2026 at 2:30 PM at the Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts located at 2351 Performance Drive Richardson, Texas 75082
Announcing 2026 & 2027 TPSMEA All-State Orchestra Clinicians
Dear TPSMEA Orchestra Directors,
We are thrilled to announce the clinicians for the upcoming TPSMEA All-State Orchestra events for 2026 and 2027. Each of these esteemed conductors brings a wealth of experience, artistry, and educational excellence to our organization, and we are confident they will provide meaningful musical experience to our students.
2026 TPSMEA All-State Orchestra Clinician: Dr. Michelle Perrin Blair
Dr. Michelle Perrin Blair is an American Prize-winning conductor, educator, and entrepreneur dedicated to making orchestral music vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking. She currently serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the New Texas Symphony Orchestra (NTSO), where she engages diverse ensembles and audiences in symphony, musical theatre, and new-music repertoire.
A proud native Texan, Dr. Blair holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts in orchestral conducting from the University of Houston Moores School of Music, a Master of Music in conducting from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a Bachelor of Music in violin performance from Southwestern University.
In the educational sphere, Dr. Blair is a seasoned clinician who works with youth orchestras and school programs across Texas. She appears regularly as Principal Guest Conductor for the American Festival for the Arts.
Beyond the podium, she is the founder of the downtown Carrollton studio Lark Music Loft, where music-makers of all ages gather to learn, perform, and build musical communities.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Blair as our 2026 TPSMEA All-State Orchestra clinician. Her combination of high artistic standards, devotion to education, and commitment to community aligns beautifully with the mission of our All-State program. As our student musicians prepare for this opportunity, they will benefit from Dr. Blair’s expertise in orchestra, her inspiring energy, and her vision for ensemble artistry.
2027 TPSMEA All-State Orchestra Clinician: Jennifer Drake
Jennifer Drake is a conductor, violist, teacher, and camp director based in Boise, Idaho. She serves as the Music Director for the Serenata Orchestra and the Boise Philharmonic Youth Orchestras.
In addition to conducting work, Ms. Drake is a music education and outreach champion. She founded Idaho Viola Camp and is co-artistic director of the Idaho Orchestra Institute, combining high-level instruction with immersive outdoor experiences.
Ms. Drake is also the principal violist of the Boise Baroque Orchestra and plays with the Boise Philharmonic. Her international chamber music career includes appearances at the International Viola Congress in Iceland and the Bass Clarinet Convention in the Netherlands. Her energy and charisma make her an engaging and inspiring leader for young musicians.