Heather Orr

Heather Orr currently serves as assistant director of choral activities at Texas A&M University, where she conducts the two new freshmen ensembles, Bella Voce and Legacy Voices. Prior to joining Texas A&M, she completed a distinguished 30-year career in public school education as head choir director and fine arts department chair at Montgomery High School. She earned a Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Heidelberg College, and she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Music Education.

Throughout her career, Orr’s ensembles have consistently achieved the highest levels of recognition, earning UIL Sweepstakes Awards as well as multiple Mark of Excellence Awards from The Foundation for Music Education and The American Prize. During her 24 years at Montgomery High School, she directed nine invited convention choirs, including appearances at the TMEA Convention (2024, 2018, 2010, 2005), the National ACDA Conference (2025, 2021, 2011) and the Southwestern ACDA Conference (2022, 2018). In addition, her choirs were featured in seven Honor Choir performances at the Madrigal Festival in San Antonio and Dallas, as well as at the Celebration of Excellence in Houston.

Her professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including the Texas Choral Directors Association Choral Excellence Award, the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award and the Montgomery County Fine Arts Teacher of the Year Award. She has also twice been named a Grammy Music Educator Semi-Finalist. A respected voice in the field, Orr is frequently engaged as a clinician, adjudicator and conference presenter, with particular expertise in developing tone in treble choirs, effective rehearsal strategies and vertical alignment. Her presentations have been featured at professional development events nationwide and at conferences of TMEA, TCDA, SWACDA and SDMEA.

Education

• Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance, Heidelberg College

• Master of Arts in Vocal Pedagogy, The Ohio State University

Affiliations

• Texas Music Adjudicators Association

• University Interscholastic League