Susan S. Starrett

Susan S. Starrett was born in Erie, Pennsylvania, and later moved with herfamily to Illinois, where her father was lead architect on the New Addition to the University of Illinois Student Union. A gifted string musician from an early age, Mrs. Starrett studied with Elmer Szepessy, Paul Rolland, Roman Totenberg, and Anthony DeVroye. While a student at Peoria Central High School, she served twice as Concertmaster of the Illinois All-State Orchestra and as a soloist with the Peoria Symphony. Susan graduated with honors in music and conducting from the University of Illinois, where she also distinguished herself as an accomplished tennis player by reaching the National tournament finals and later as a 28-time National Champion as an adult.

Starrett began her teaching career as Orchestra Director at Wauwatosa High School in Wisconsin and then moved back to Illinois as Orchestra Director for Proviso East and West High Schools. She was then formally invited to conduct the Dal-Hi Youth Symphony Orchestra in Dallas, Texas and under her leadership, the program quickly gained national distinction. At the same time, Susan’s orchestra at Bryan Adams High School in Dallas was named the Music Educators National Conference (MENC) National Honors Orchestra and was therefore, selected to open the 1970 MENC National Convention in Chicago, Illinois.

Mrs. Starrett returned to Illinois in 1970, founded the Fox Valley Youth Symphony, and in 1991, became Director of the Orchestra Program at York Township High School in Elmhurst. In 1995, York was named the MENC National Honors Orchestra and opened the 1995 MENC National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Throughout her 63-year career, Mrs. Starrett has maintained a distinguished private studio with more than 200 of her students having earned selection to Illinois All-State Orchestras, including 23 who served as Principal or Concertmaster. Her many honors include Teacher of the Year at Proviso High Schools, Conductor of the Illinois All-State Orchestra in Dijon, France, Orchestra Director of the Year in Texas and Illinois, Elgin Youth Symphony Teacher of the Year, Concertmaster for the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and a member of the Waukesha and Fort Worth Symphonies. For 25 years, Susan S. Starrett has served as President of the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame and in 2008, the University of Illinois established a scholarship endowment in her name to support violin performance and music education students – an enduring tribute to a career defined by visionary leadership, excellence, and lasting influence.