Richardson Area Orchestra Directors
Sara Long is in her seventh year as the Richardson High School Head Orchestra Director. Previously the Parkhill Junior High Orchestra Director, Mrs. Long's orchestra students have won such outstanding honors as UIL Sweepstakes 2003-05 and were named 2004-05 State Honor Orchestra Finalists by TMEA. Mrs. Long earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Houston as a Summa Cum Laude graduate, and a Master of Music from Northwestern University. In addition to her teaching experience, she has been a cellist with the Texas All-State Orchestra, Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, Interlochen World Youth Symphony, University of Houston Symphony Orchestra, and Richardson Symphony Orchestra. Mrs. Long is a former cello student of Jim Higgins of Richardson, Laszlo Varga, cello professor at the University of Houston, and Christopher Adkins, principal cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra. She is a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA),Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA), and American String Teachers Association (ASTA). During her hours away from work, Mrs. Long enjoys genealogical research, web design, and most of all, spending time with her husband, Daniel.
Catherine Wiechmann is the Associate Director at Richardson High School and the Assistant Director at West Junior High. Originally from Austin, she earned her Bachelors in Music Education at the University of North Texas. She has been a violinist in the University of North Texas Symphony, Chamber and Repertoire Orchestras. Prior to her studies at UNT, Mrs. Wiechmann participated in the Austin Chamber Music Center as well as played in the Austin Philharmonic Orchestra. She is a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA), and American String Teachers Association (ASTA). Outside of work, Mrs. Wiechmann enjoys her time reading books and playing with her two dogs that she and her husband have raised together.
Jamie Romo is the Westwood Junior High Orchestra Director. Prior to teaching in Texas, Mrs. Romo taught Orchestra (grades 6-12) in Oklahoma. Her former orchestra students performed in such exciting places as the Oklahoma State Capitol, at The Winter Park Music Festival in Colorado, at The Galveston Isle Orchestra Festival, and at The Disneyworld Music Festival in Orlando, Florida. Mrs. Romo earned a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she received a violin scholarship to perform with the University Orchestra and studied with Dr. Roger Strong. She holds a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. She has performed with community orchestras, performed in many musicals and operas, and played violin in a professional quartet. Additionally, Mrs. Romo owned and operated Romo's Music Studio where she taught Suzuki String Classes, Kindermusik Classes, and vocal performing ensembles. Mrs. Romo is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA), and American String Teachers Association (ASTA).
Ericka Pack is the Assistant Director at Westwood Junior High. Before coming to Westwood she taught a private studio of cello, violin, and viola students. Mrs. Pack earned a Bachelor Degree in Music Education from Sam Houston State University. While at Sam Houston, she was a cellist with the SHSU Symphony for four years and participated in the Eastern European Tour in 2004 and the China Tour in 2007. She is a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), and a member of Texas Classroom Teachers Association. When Mrs. Pack is not working she enjoys spending time with her family and husband, Brian, riding motorcycles, and working on crafts and scrapbooking.
Angela Sledge is the Richardson West Junior High School Orchestra Director. Originally from Abilene, Ms. Sledge earned a Bachelor of Music Education from Stephen F. Austin State University as a Summa Cum Laude graduate. In addition to her teaching experience at various summer camps, she has been a violinist and flutist with the Stephen F. Austin Wind Ensemble, Orchestra of the Pines, and Chamber Orchestra. Ms. Sledge is a former violin student of Isador Saslav. In addition to being a violinist, Ms. Sledge is also a flutist and has performed in many symphonies, orchestras, and ensembles. She is a former flute student of Sydney Carlson, Diane Boyd Schultz, and Mary Karen Clardy. She is a member of Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Orchestra Directors Association (TODA), and American String Teachers Association (ASTA).