Jun 17, 2019
Lori Schwartz Reichl has parlayed her experience as a successful band director in Pennsylvania and Maryland into a remarkable portfolio career that includes being an author, clinician, adjudicator, conductor, and speaker.
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Lori Schwartz Reichl (b. 1978) is a champion of mentorship and motivation in music education. Lori actively serves as an adjudicator, clinician, conductor, private instructor, speaker, and writer. Lori is the author of the “Tools for Educators” series entitled “Key Changes: Refreshing Your Music Program” published monthly in the teacher's edition of In Tune Monthly Magazine where she provides resources to enhance the music classroom and rehearsal space. Her articles are also featured each month as part of the National Association for Music Education’s (NAfME) Music in a Minuet Blog. In addition, her publications have appeared in the Maryland Music Educator Journal (MMEA) and The Woman Conductor Journal for Women Band Directors International (WBDI). Lori also serves as a journalist for Teaching Music Magazine. In Maryland, Lori serves as the artistic and executive director of the Regional Repertory Wind Ensemble, coordinator of Howard County's Secondary Solo & Ensemble Festival, conductor of Howard County's Middle School Honor Band, and the Maryland state chair for Women Band Directors International (WBDI).
Lori began her career in 2001 as band director of Daniel Boone Area Middle School in Berks County, PA, where she received the Superintendent's Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2006 she moved to Maryland and began her work with Title I Schools. As band director of Oakland Mills Middle School, Lori was a finalist for the Howard County Teacher of the Year and Parents for School Music Educator of the Year Awards. Under her baton, the Oakland Mills Bands received consecutive superior ratings at county, state, and regional adjudications, an Honorary Resolution from the Howard County Council, and performed as the featured middle school band at the 2014 Maryland Music Educators Conference. From 2014 to 2015 Lori served as band director for Thomas Viaduct Middle School, Howard County’s newest secondary school, where she was asked to create the music program. In its opening year, the band received superior ratings at county and regional festivals and was invited to perform at the state band festival.
Lori has served as a high school band director for American Music Abroad from 2006 to 2010, creator and conductor of the Howard County Middle School Honor Band from 2009 to 2015, conductor of the Howard County Middle School Gifted and Talented Band in 2016 and 2017, and supervisor of music education interns for Towson University in 2017 and 2018. As an avid presenter at conferences, professional development sessions, and universities, she serves as a resource for building community, developing effective classroom management techniques and rehearsal routines, and motivating diverse learners. Lori enjoys serving as a consultant for school music programs and is currently working on several collaborative projects in music education.
Lori received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University and Master of Music Education from Lebanon Valley College. She received her Administrator I Certification through McDaniel College. Lori is a saxophone player who resides near Baltimore, Maryland with her husband, daughter, and son.