New Junior Philharmonic Director
The Erie Junior Philharmonic is delighted to welcome beloved music educator Jerry Anderson as its new Music Director, effective immediately.
Anderson has been teaching music in the Millcreek Township School District for 35 years. During that time, he has taught at the elementary, middle and high school levels. At McDowell High School, his orchestra students consistently placed in the PMEA All-State orchestra as well as the NAfME All-East and National Honors Orchestra. Anderson is a graduate of Mercyhurst College, where he studied under Robert Dolwick and James DeSano. He lives in Millcreek with his wife Sharon. Sharon and his son Austin are both alumni of the Junior Philharmonic.
“I am extremely honored and excited to be chosen to lead the Erie Junior Philharmonic into the future. The historic legacy of this orchestra speaks for itself and I look forward to sharing my passion for music and teaching to provide our students with the highest quality musical experience.”
Anderson receiving the Golden Apple Teacher Award in 2017.
The Erie Junior Philharmonic, in existence since 1947, is one of the longest-running youth orchestras in the country. With entry level programs for string and wind students in addition to upper-level ensembles, the Junior Philharmonic offers world-class training for students of all ages and ability levels. Graduates are now playing in orchestras such as the New York Philharmonic, the Columbus Symphony, the Erie Philharmonic and many other ensembles across the country.
The ensemble traditionally offers weekly rehearsals at Strong Vincent Middle School, with sectional coaching, advanced chamber ensembles for members of the string, brass, woodwind and percussion sections of the orchestra. Performance opportunities include annual winter and spring concerts, a tour of schools, ensemble performances, an annual concerto competition and a performance with the Erie Philharmonic on stage at the historic Warner Theatre.
The Erie Junior Philharmonic is under the umbrella of the Erie Philharmonic and its mission to enrich, entertain and educate.