Violist Laura O’Konski is the recipient of the Virginia String Teachers Association (VASTA) Award for New Orchestra Teacher of the Year. O’Konski currently serves as the director of orchestra and chorus at Liberty High School in Bealeton, Virginia, and has served as a conductor with the Fauquier County Youth Orchestra since 2015. She currently resides in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with her husband, two dogs and two cats. O’Konski studied with Director of Chamber Music and Professor of Viola and Chamber Music Doris Lederer, Diploma, Curtis Institute of Music, between fall 2016 and spring 2019 while pursuing a Master of Music in Performance.