Our Directors
Austin Isaac
High School Orchestra Director
Email: ADIsaac@fcps.edu | Phone: (703) 426-1074
Austin Isaac is the high school orchestra director at Lake Braddock Secondary School since 2015. Prior to joining Lake Braddock, Austin taught orchestra at both the elementary and secondary levels in both public and private schools in Virginia, in addition to teaching privately.
Under his direction, the Lake Braddock Middle School Chamber Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2016 annual VMEA In-Service Conference and the Lake Braddock Symphony Orchestra was invited to perform at the 2020 Music For All National Orchestra Festival. Austin holds his bachelor’s degree from James Madison University with a concentration in instrumental education, and his master’s degree in education from George Mason University.
He has served as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for honor orchestras and state assessment performances in various regions of Virginia. He is also a member of the artistic staff of The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras, where he conducts the Philharmonic Orchestra. As a member of VBODA, Austin has served in various roles, including as a member of the Orchestra State Grading Committee and as a regional orchestra representative. He is currently the chairman of the orchestra sight reading committee for VBODA.
Austin enjoys writing original music and arrangements for a variety of ensembles. He has written works for string orchestra, full orchestra, band, and choir. His compositions have been featured as J.W. Pepper’s Editor’s Choice selections and have been published with Carl Fischer Publishing, Cane River Music, Zicato Music and Wingert-Jones Publishing, in addition to multiple self-published compositions. Austin lives in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife Nicole and their two cats Lychee and BK.
Diana Chou
Middle School Orchestra Director
Email: DLChou@fcps.edu | Phone: (703) 426-6383
Diana Chou is a music educator, cellist, and conductor. She has been a music educator since 2008, and has taught for Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) since 2013. She currently teaches Middle School Orchestra at Lake Braddock Secondary School, and is co-department chair of the Performing Arts Department. In addition, she is the Artistic Director of The Capitol Symphonic Youth Orchestras (TCSYO), as well as Conductor of the String Ensemble. Mrs. Chou is an active guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, and has worked with Middle School All County Orchestras in Virginia and New York.
Mrs. Chou is a freelance cellist in the Washington D.C. area and has performed concerti with the Manassas Symphony Orchestra, Fairfax Chamber Players, Orchard Park Symphony Orchestra, and the Friends and Family Orchestra.
She has organized many events for the Lake Braddock Pyramid, including Strings Extravaganza, Solo Spotlight, and Area Orchestra. She was the Secretary and Event Coordinator for the Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education (FACE) and worked to create musical opportunities for all students. Mrs. Chou enjoys curriculum development, and has worked on projects for FCPS and the Virginia Department of Education. She has been a mentor to many first-year orchestra teachers and has hosted several student teachers.
Before moving to Virginia, she taught elementary and middle school orchestra for the Ithaca City School District, and was also the Artistic Director and Conductor of the Ithaca Community Orchestra. She served as Vice President of the Seneca Tompkins Music Educators Association and was the Chairperson for All County and Area All State festivals. In 2013 she was named a Music Educator Grammy Award Quarter Finalist.
She holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Ithaca College, a Master of Music in Conducting from Houghton University, and is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Orchestral Conducting from George Mason University with Dr. Soo Han.
Rachael Greenman
Middle School Orchestra Assistant
Email: RAGreenman@fcps.edu | Phone: (703) 426-6383
Rachael Greenman serves as Assistant Orchestra Director for Laurel Ridge Elementary School, Fairview Elementary School, and Lake Braddock Secondary School. She is dedicated to fostering musical growth, creativity, and a lifelong appreciation for music in students of all ages. Through a student-centered approach, she strives to create an engaging and supportive learning environment where every student can develop both their musical skills and confidence.
Ms. Greenman earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music with a concentration in Conducting from the College of William & Mary and her Master of Arts in Music Education from Belmont University. A classically trained violist, she also performs on the Viper, a seven-string electric violin that reflects her interest in blending traditional string performance with contemporary styles. Her academic training and diverse performance experiences provide a strong foundation for her work as both an educator and conductor.
Now in her fourth year of teaching, Ms. Greenman began her career in Nashville, Tennessee, where she taught orchestra at Croft Middle Design Center. Since joining Fairfax County Public Schools, she has taught at Sandburg Middle School, Aldrin Elementary School, Herndon Elementary School, Union Mill Elementary School, Eagle View Elementary School, Katherine Johnson Middle School, and Rocky Run Middle School. These experiences have allowed her to work with students across a wide range of ages and skill levels, helping young musicians build strong fundamentals and a love of ensemble performance.
In addition to her classroom teaching experience, Ms. Greenman has been actively involved in music enrichment programs for many years. She attended and later taught at the Mark Wood Rock Orchestra Camp for twelve years, gaining valuable experience in contemporary string performance and innovative music education. She has also served as a teacher for Arcola Summer in the Arts Camp, where she helped students explore and develop their artistic talents through collaborative and creative musical experiences.
Ms. Greenman is passionate about helping students discover the joy of making music together. She believes that participation in orchestra cultivates not only musical excellence but also teamwork, perseverance, and self-expression—skills that benefit students both inside and outside the classroom.