Isaac E. Young Middle School Orchestra Teacher Ms. Margaret Chan was in the spotlight recently, having presented to fellow music educators and served as a featured conductor at the New York State School Music Association Winter Conference.
As a member of NYSSMA’s Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Representation Committee, Chan was asked to share her expertise on ways to close the gap for students who cannot afford private music lessons. Her presentation, “Bornoff for All: Differentiation & Equity in Orchestra,” drew on George Bornoff’s group strings approach.
Chan demonstrated how Bornoff’s methods for teaching strings embed differentiation, promote deeper understanding, and foster student choice, ensuring equitable opportunities for all learners. She co-presented with Ossining UFSD orchestra teacher Mahum Qureshi, highlighting collaborative efforts among Westchester music educators.
She was also featured as a conductor during a strings reading session, as she is on the board of the New York State chapter of the American String Teachers Association.