CAITLIN BARRY

Caitlin Barry is Project Manager and Lead Instructor for the Richmond Symphony’s new Youth Community Strings program, which launched Fall 2023. A violinist and music educator, she brings nearly two decades of teaching experience to her position. Caitlin began playing the violin, learning the Suzuki method, at age five. She received her degree in Music Education from VCU, also completing Suzuki Teacher Training. She started teaching violin privately while in college and has run a successful Suzuki violin studio since. She has also had teaching experiences in both public and private school programs. Caitlin launched a sought-after violin program at Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts from 2015 through 2018. Previously, Caitlin taught Music Together classes for Richmond Public School Preschools, working with nearly 300 children each week.

An active performer, Caitlin performs with RVAStrings, an ensemble composed mostly of string teachers in the Richmond area. She also plays fiddle with her brother, singer-songwriter and frontman for the band AVAIL, Tim Barry. Caitlin’s two daughters are learning to play the violin. Daughter Grace has played in the Richmond Symphony Youth Orchestra Program for the last three years.

ANITA WILLIAMS

Anita Williams (She/They) is a violist, educator, and arts administrator passionate about making arts education more accessible. She holds a BM in viola performance from Shenandoah University where she studied under Doris Lederer. As a performer, Anita is passionate about expanding the classical music canon, and frequently performs with ClassicalRevolutionsRVA. Other performance highlights include studio sessions with DC based Foreign Air and local RVA artists. She also enjoys musical theatre, and has been a member of the pit orchestra for the Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre (SSMT) since 2017.

As a member of the RSSoM team, Williams acts as registrar for all RSSoM programming, coordinates day-of logistics for Discovery Concerts and Open Rehearsals, supports the YOP team, and is co-teacher for the first Youth Community Strings cohort. Prior to joining the RSSoM team, Anita served several positions in administrative capacities for the arts, namely within patron services at SSMT and in education with partnerships with the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy.

Anita continues to be an active educator outside of RSSoM. She particularly enjoys coaching young string ensembles and leading sectionals for middle schools, high schools, and youth orchestras. Anita maintains a private studio of violin and viola students, and strives to make music making a joyful experience while pushing for technical excellence. When not teaching or knee-deep in spreadsheets, she can be found backpacking, rock climbing, and petting as many dogs as possible.