Scott Laird, a native of Indiana, PA, is on the faculty of The North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics where he is Fine Arts Coordinator and Instructor of Music. He earned his B.S. in Music Education and his M.A. in Violin Performance from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.  He has been an active string educator, clinician, and conductor for over 30 years and his orchestras have been recognized for their superior and musically mature performances. Laird is in demand as a guest conductor, has conducted many honors orchestras throughout the United States, and has presented at numerous regional and national conferences.  In recent years, he has conducted the Vermont, Georgia, Florida, Maryland, South Carolina, Colorado, Florida, and Indiana All State Orchestras and at Interlochen Summer Arts Camp.   Laird is the recipient of the 2015 NCSSM Excellence in Teaching Award.  He earned his National Board Certification in 2004 and re-certified in 2013. He has served as President of the NC Chapter of the American String Teachers Association and Chair of the NCMEA Orchestra Section. He has chaired ASTA’s National Committee on School Orchestras and Strings and was Co-Chair of ASTA’s 2013 National Solo Competition. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors for KidZNotes, an El Sistema USA program in Durham, NC.  Laird is an active performer on acoustic and electric violins and is known for his ability to lead and perform in both the classical and improvisatory arena.   In addition, Laird serves as a sponsored artist and educational specialist for D’Addario Bowed Strings, Coda Bows, and NS Design Electric Violins.