Andrea DeRenzis Strauss, Conductor of Tara Winds has taught elementary, middle, high school, college, and adult-community bands, and has taught at both public and private schools in Georgia. A native of Clarence, New York Dr. Strauss earned both the Bachelor and Master Degrees in Music Education from the University of South Carolina and attained a Ph.D. in Music Education with a minor in Conducting from the University of Southern Mississippi. In addition, Dr. Strauss completed the Educational Leadership Certificate Program at Kennesaw State University.Dr. Strauss recently retired from the Cobb County School District. Prior to this teaching position, she served as Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Shorter University where she made significant contributions to the development of the instrumental music education degree program. At Shorter, Dr. Strauss taught conducting, various instrumental music education methods and pedagogy courses, and directed the marching band, wind ensemble, and chamber orchestra. As former Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology, ensembles under her leadership performed in Australia, Ireland, and China for such events as the Shanghai International Arts Festival. While serving Georgia Tech for sixteen years, the Symphonic Band commissioned numerous works and performed for Southern Division College Band Directors National Association/National Band Association Conferences, and Georgia Music Educators Association In-Service Conferences. In addition to sustaining a teaching career at Georgia Tech, Dr. Strauss served as the Associate Director of the 1992-1996 Atlanta Olympic Band.Specialties: Prior to the appointment of Conductor of Tara Winds, Dr. Strauss served as principal clarinetist for over 20 years in the ensemble. She also served as Assistant Conductor to Tara Winds and the Cobb Wind Symphony, both of which have performed at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, ILL.