Staff and Faculty

Dr. LaSaundra Belcher is a respected conductor, music educator, and arts leader with over 20 years of experience in public schools, higher education, and community music programs. She is the Founder and Executive Director of the Wake Forest Community Youth Orchestra in North Carolina, where she leads initiatives that expand access to high-quality music instruction for students from rural and under-resourced communities. Dr. Belcher is chair of NAfME’s Council for Orchestral Education and serves on the Conducting Committee for the American String Teacher’s Association (ASTA).

Dr. Belcher is a sought-after guest conductor and clinician for All-State and Honors Orchestras across the country, with recent engagements in Montana, Georgia, California, Minnesota, Nevada, North Carolina, and Florida. She is also a featured speaker at major music education conferences, including the Texas Music Educators Association, Michigan Music Conference, Florida Music Educators Association’s Emerging Leaders Program, and NAfME’s Pacific Northwest Conference. In February, Dr. Belcher will serve as an adjudicator for the American String Teachers Association’s prestigious National Orchestra Festival in 2026.

In addition to her national presentations, she provides professional development for music educators, equipping teachers with practical strategies to foster student success, increase engagement, and strengthen music programs. Dr. Belcher teaches at Shenandoah University, where she equips aspiring arts entrepreneurs with the tools to build successful, sustainable businesses. Her work reflects a deep commitment to inspiring joy through music, fostering student growth, and empowering educators to create uplifting, engaging learning experiences for all students.