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This week, we're thrilled to be chatting with Patrick O'Connell, a music educator and conductor located in Massachusetts. We had a great conversation about his role as a music educator, balancing a career in music with the vocation of marriage and family life, and being a witness to the faith – even when it's difficult. Patrick's got a lot of great wisdom to share, and we had an awesome time recording this episode!

What we're listening to:
Cecilia: "Miracle of Miracles" from Fiddler on the Roof
Tara: Thy Strong Word
Patrick: The High Kings

Patrick's bio: Since completing his undergraduate and graduate music studies, at Ithaca College and Yale University respectively, Patrick O’Connell has enjoyed an active musical life in the Capital and Tri-State Region of Vermont, New York and Massachusetts. Patrick has an active performing schedule with the Berkshire Symphony, Glens Falls Symphony Orchestras, Berkshire Opera Festival. He has performed with the Albany Symphony, Vermont Symphony, Boston Chamber Orchestra, Capital Repertory Theatre, Proctor's Theater, and Williamstown Theatre Festival. In addition, Patrick is an enthusiastic music educator who believes music is an essential aspect of a well-rounded education and the living of a full life for all people, regardless of age. In fact, he has worked with students of all ages who desire to make music a priority in their life. Patrick has had the privilege of teaching elementary string orchestra for 10 years in New York State, directing the wind ensemble at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts, coaching sectionals with the Empire State Youth Orchestra, and teaching music at the collegiate level (College of Saint Rose, Union College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Ithaca College Summer Music Academy). He currently teaches middle and high school orchestra at Mount Greylock School in Williamstown, MA. He is also the director of the Southern Vermont Sinfonia, a youth/community ensemble which welcomes students of all ages, from elementary through retirement age.