About Us
Our program is comprised of orchestras from Albemarle HS and Journey MS and previously included Lakeside MS. Our schools are part of Albemarle County Public Schools in beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia, and have been directed by Carrie Finnegan for 23 years. The orchestras are committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment to serve students in playing bowed orchestral instruments and making a variety of music together. Albemarle Orchestras is committed to a high standard of musicianship and a sense of community by its members.
The Albemarle Orchestras are proud to boast the following achievements:
-
Superior ratings at district assessments since 2007
-
First Place and Superior Ratings at twenty national competitions
-
2011 and 2016 Cruise Festival Grand Championships
-
Albemarle High School String Ensemble performance at the 2011 VMEA Conference
-
Albemarle High School music program recognized by VMEA as one of eight Virginia schools that
has earned the Blue Ribbon award for 18 years -
2025 VBODA Honor Orchestra
Director of Orchestras, Carrie Finnegan is a dedicated music educator with a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from James Madison University, a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and Instructional Technology from the University of Virginia, and a Certificate in School Management and Leadership from Harvard University. With over 23 years of experience as the Director of Orchestras at Albemarle High School and Journey Middle School in Albemarle County, Ms. Finnegan has significantly expanded the orchestra program from a modest enrollment of 36 students to more than 250 students. During her tenure, Albemarle High School has been recognized as a VMEA Blue Ribbon School for 18 consecutive years.
Originally from Woodbridge, Virginia, Ms. Finnegan began playing violin in her middle school orchestra, which instilled her passion for school orchestra and music education. She was a member and vice president of the award-winning orchestras at Woodbridge High School under the tutelage of Mr. Bud Hearne and a member and orchestra librarian of the Youth Orchestras of Prince William.
Outside of the classroom, Ms. Finnegan’s commitment to service is evident in her role as the VBODA Orchestra Representative since 2012, along with her participation on various committees including the VMEA Conference Planning Committee. She has also collaborated with the Virginia Department of Education on numerous projects, developing and editing valuable resources for educators throughout the commonwealth. One of her most cherished projects was the groundbreaking collaboration in 2019 between VMEA, VDOE, and VCU, where she took the lead in planning and facilitating the Orchestra Directors’ Institute. Her extensive contributions to music education have been recognized with several accolades, such as the 2020 JMU Outstanding Music Educator Award, the 2021 VBODA Philip J. Fuller Service Award, the 2022 Canady Fellowship from UVA, and her 2024 selection in SBO+ Magazine featuring 50 Music Teachers Who Make a Difference.
Aside from a busy work and family life, she enjoys adjudication and guest conducting opportunities. Ms. Finnegan is a mother to two young men, both of whom grew up as musicians in the AHS orchestras.
