Artistic Staff

Philharmonic Conductor/Artistic Director

Mark Nelson has been a conductor/educator for over 30 yrs. He has become known nationally and internationally through performances at the Midwest Clinic, Music Educator’s National Conventions, National Band Association Conferences, College Band Directors National Conferences and the American School Band Directors Association’s National Convention. Mr. Nelson is sought after as a conductor, clinician and adjudicator nationwide. Upon hearing the Satellite Wind Ensemble, James Keene, Conductor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, exclaimed Mark Nelson “is a master musician and teacher. He is dedicated and has the courage of conviction with programming literature that is extremely sophisticated musically,”  and that he exhibits “wonderful interpretation!”  He has received the “Oliver Hobbs Award” for outstanding contributions to bands in the State of Florida, from a unanimous vote of his peers. For the past 26 years he  has taught at Satellite High School where he conducts the Symphonic Orchestra, Wind Ensemble and “0” Hour Jazz Ensemble.  Maestro Nelson is also a guest conductor and featured soloist for the Space Coast Pops Orchestra.  He is currently completing his doctoral work at Boston University.

Symphony Orchestra Conductor

Ian Schwindt is music director at Titusville High School. He earned his undergraduate degree at Wichita State University and his Master’s degree at Florida State University. Mr. Schwindt chairs the Brevard County Music Leadership Team and FBA All-State Committee, and serves on the Brevard Music Advisory Board, the FMEA Convention Board and the Florida Music Sunshine State Standards Writing committee. His awards include FMEA Emerging Leader, National Band Association Citation for Excellence, the first annual FBA Tom Bishop award for remarkable positive impact on a program, and Titusville High Teacher of the Year. Mr. Schwindt is a clinician, adjudicator, freelance trombone player and conductor.

String Ensemble Conductor

Linda Woodrich has directed the String Ensemble since 2003 and has been teaching in Brevard County since 2001. Mrs. Woodrich studied under Arthur Pranno and received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Florida Southern College. She is currently orchestra director at Kennedy Middle School as well as a string consultant in the area.
Mrs. Woodrich has a passion for teaching orchestra, especially to young musicians.  Her goal as director is to provide students with a positive and high-quality experience in performing music, which she believes is an important cornerstone to developing a student’s musicianship for his or her entire life, whether as a professional player, a hobbyist, or simply a lifelong lover of music.
Originally from Australia, Mrs. Woodrich is married to a native Floridian and together they have four wonderful children.