Arlene Bennett

Arlene Bennett retired from teaching orchestra in Morgantown, West Virginia for 35 years. She graduated summa cum laude from West Virginia University in 1983, with a Bachelor of Music in Education and received her Masters in Music Education from West Virginia University in 1986. Over the course of her career, Mrs. Bennett has seen her string program grow from 15 students in 1983 to over 100 students today. She has presented sessions at the NAfME National Conference, the NAfME Eastern Division Conference, and the WVMEA Conference numerous times.

Over the years, Mrs. Bennett has worked as lead curriculum consultant for the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra, designing curriculum for the WVSO’s Young People’s Concerts. In the past, she has served as President of the West Virginia String Teachers Association, President of the West Virginia Orchestra Directors Association, and All-State Orchestra Chair. She served on the West Virginia Music Curriculum Refinement Committee, assisting in writing the West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives for Music. She was a Master Trainer for the West Virginia Department of Education, assisting in the implementation of the CSO’s.

In 2008, the West Virginia String Teachers Association named her Classroom Teacher of the Year. She was also named one of the 100 Most Influential People in Morgantown, West Virginia.