Cory Zilisch is the Director of Orchestras at Westport Middle School in Louisville, Kentucky. He has taught orchestra in the city of Louisville for 7 years. During Cory’s tenure at Westport Middle School since 2014, the orchestra program has grown by over 400% in just two years. (From 45 to 200+members)

Mr. Zilisch has been a pioneer in the area of string education. Under his direction, the Westport Orchestra boasts one of the first middle school “Electric Orchestra” programs. Mr. Zilisch has propelled the Westport Orchestra into the 21st century using state of the art instruments and technology. The “Rock N’ Warhawks” electric orchestra is a unique performing ensemble that utilizes electric instruments, choreography and improvisation. The electric group performs very often in many community events and functions. Mr. Zilisch has presented sessions on technology and contemporary music in the classroom at many Universities, state conferences and national conferences to include the American String Teachers association National conference. Mr. Zilisch is also a faculty member of the Bob Gillespie’s Ohio State String Teachers Workshop.Mr. Zilisch has also received numerous awards including selection as a quarterfinalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award. Mr. Zilisch was also selected as the Kentucky Music Educators Association 2017 state Middle school teacher of the year.