Leigh Parry-Benedict has taught music in the public schools for the past 27 years, 25 of which have been with the Syracuse City School District. She is currently teaching orchestra at Nottingham High School, Salem Hyde Elementary School, and Dr. Weeks Elementary school and directs the Syracuse Modern Orchestra. Ms. Parry-Benedict is an active member of the American StringsTeachers Association and serves on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is also the NYSSMA Zone 3 Sr. High Area All State Orchestra chairperson, Society for New Music School Liaison, and the OCMEA String Committee chairperson. Leigh Parry-Benedict believes in teaching every child to love music and add beauty to the world through performance on orchestral string instruments.