Valerie Gaffney
Metairie,LA
Summary
Dynamic musician and educator with a proven track record at Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, excelling in ensemble leadership and one-on-one tutoring. Accomplished soloist, recognized by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and Interlochen Center for the Arts. Proven ability to teach, mentor, and inspire younger musicians, direct original theater productions, and contribute to visual art foundations. Solid foundation in neuroscience and research through pre-college study. Skilled in programming, scientific analysis, and public engagement. Committed to bridging the arts and sciences through education.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Soloist
Independent
01.2022 - Current
- Regularly perform solo violin repertoire at the New Orleans French Quarter Festival.
- Selected as a featured soloist for the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's Young Artist Concert after winning their K-8 music competition (2023).
- Performed twice as a featured soloist with the Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra's Symphony at Loyola University after winning their competitions in the Philharmonia (2022) and Symphony (2025) categories.
Guest Conductor
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
01.2025 - Current
- Selected appropriate repertoire for concert performances, highlighting diverse styles and composers.
- Chosen by the band director to lead the concert band by conducting on multiple occasions, communicating artistic vision and interpretation to student musicians.
Band Musician
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
08.2022 - Current
- Serve as oboe section leader for symphonic and concert bands; won regional and state-level competitions.
- Mentor young oboists by teaching fundamentals and technique
- Oboist at Louisiana Music Educators Association's All State Middle School Band.
- Play clarinet in the marching band at football games and Mardi Gras parades.
Orchestra Musician
Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras
08.2017 - Current
- Rehearsed and studied orchestral scores in depth to interpret and perform classical works with accuracy and expression.
- Demonstrated leadership and professionalism as a role model for younger musicians.
- Collaborated closely with guest soloists by providing reliable and musical ensemble support.
- Accepted into the Louisiana Music Educators Association All State Middle School String Orchestra.
- Attended Interlochen Arts Camp's Intermediate Symphony program (2024).
Assistant Music Teacher
Johana's Music Studio
06.2024 - 07.2024
- Provided one-on-one tutoring to help struggling violin students improve their musical understanding and techniques.
- Assisted in organizing and leading music productions, enhancing community engagement and student participation.
Theater Director
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
08.2022 - Current
- Wrote and directed an original play, My Dear Dead Dad, exploring generational trauma and the lasting impact of parental words.
- Coordinated auditions, rehearsals, and production logistics (costumes, props, lighting, and sound design) for 7th/8th grade performers.
Visual Artist
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
08.2022 - Current
- Created original artwork for local exhibitions, including the National WWII Museum and the school's annual haunted house.
- Contributed artistic concepts and designs for school fundraisers and community events.
Volunteer
Sunrise Senior Living
08.2023 - Current
- Performed as part of a woodwind quintet, playing oboe for senior residents during holiday events.
- Gave solo violin performances to provide comfort and entertainment.
Programmer Trainee
Codecademy
01.2025 - Current
- Applied critical thinking and problem-solving skills to programming challenges using Python 3.
- Gained proficiency in programming languages, enhancing versatility in coding environments.
Education
High School Diploma -
Haynes Academy For Advanced Studies
Metairie, LA05.2029
Skills
- Musical performance (violin, oboe, clarinet, voice, piano)
- Ensemble leadership and conducting (string/woodwind ensembles)
- Playwriting and directing
- Visual arts creation for exhibitions and fundraisers
- One-on-one music tutoring
- Experimental design, data collection, and analysis
- Scientific modeling
- Introductory neuroscience
- Programming proficiency in Python 3
- Logical problem-solving and critical thinking in STEM contexts
- Strong time management and organization
- Adaptability in artistic and academic settings
Accomplishments
- Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition in Sinfonia category, 3rd prize (2018)
- GNOYO Concerto Competition in Sinfonia category, 3rd prize (2019)
- Junior Philharmonic Society of New Orleans Young Artists Concerto Competition Winner (2021)
- GNOYO Concerto Competition in Philharmonia category, winner (2022)
- Jefferson Parish Dollars for Scholars Enrichment Scholarship recipient
- Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra's Young Artist Concerto Competition winner (2022)
- Waitlisted at Sphinx Performance Academy Julliard Summer Program
- GNOYO Concerto Competition in Symphony category, 2nd prize
- Golden Key Music Festival USA in age 12-13 category, Super Bronze medal recipient; invited to perform solo at Lincoln Center, New York (2024)
- Performed at Golden Key Festival's Virtual Carnegie Hall (2024)
- Attended Interlochen Arts Camp's Intermediate Symphony Program as 10th chair out of 56 violinists (2024)
- Interlochen Arts Camp Ambassador (2024-2025)
- GNOYO Concerto Competition in Symphony category, winner (2025)
- Arranged orchestration of Vitali's Chaconne in g minor for GNOYO's Mother's Day Concert (2025)
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Guest Conductor
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
01.2025 - Current
Programmer Trainee
Codecademy
01.2025 - Current
Assistant Music Teacher
Johana's Music Studio
06.2024 - 07.2024
Volunteer
Sunrise Senior Living
08.2023 - Current
Band Musician
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
08.2022 - Current
Theater Director
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
08.2022 - Current
Visual Artist
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies
08.2022 - Current
Soloist
Independent
01.2022 - Current
Orchestra Musician
Greater New Orleans Youth Orchestras
08.2017 - Current
High School Diploma -
Haynes Academy For Advanced Studies
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