Spotlight on GTMF’s Musician Residencies: A Q&A with TCSD Teacher Collin Binko

As part of the Grand Teton Music Festival’s year-round commitment to music education, our musician residencies bring world-class artists directly into local classrooms. GTMF musicians recently spent time in October 2025 working side-by-side with high school students — coaching sectionals, leading rehearsals, and sharing insights from their professional careers — and are now back again for the first two weeks of March 2026. We asked Jackson Hole High School’s music director, Collin Binko, to reflect on the residency experience and what it has meant for students and the program.

GTMF: What was the most meaningful moment for your students during the GTMF residency?

Collin: The impact of the residency program was two-fold. First, the access to high-level musicians and the technical instrumental knowledge that was shared was incredible. Each student that got to work in one-on-one or small group sessions with the GTMF musicians left sounding like a completely different player. The sound that we create as individuals and as an ensemble completely shifted after the week.

Beyond the pedagogical expertise shared with myself and my students, I think the greater impact was the recognition of the work the students are putting into creating a vibrant music community here in Jackson. As the JHHS music programs have grown, student ownership and drive to continue have expanded. Students felt seen and supported by the greater community as a result of this residency. The support of the community has been fantastic as we create the next generation of musicians and supporters of the arts.

GTMF: How did working with Festival musicians impact your students’ confidence or musical growth?

Collin: The time spent with GTMF musicians dramatically increased students’ confidence. The fact that world-class musicians are willing to take the time to break down aspects of their instrument with our students instilled their confidence and ownership. This was witnessed among developing students as they began to unlock the mystery of their instruments and by my most advanced students as they work to refine and elevate their playing.

GTMF: Were there any “lightbulb moments” you observed during rehearsals or coaching sessions?

Collin: There were countless moments, both in rehearsal and lessons, that lightbulbs switched on for my students and me. As a saxophonist, some of the analogies or “teachingisms” that the string clinicians used were extraordinarily helpful for my own growth as we work to create the most expressive ensemble. The ability to rehearse with the GTMF musicians offered additional insight into ensemble playing and individual playing, resulting in a transformative week.

GTMF: What does it mean for a rural/Western Wyoming school to have access to musicians of this caliber?

Collin: While having taught in Pittsburgh and Boston Public Schools, the access to world-class musicians here in Wyoming is incredible. Our students and community members have access at a greater frequency here in Jackson than they would in almost any major metropolitan area, because of the residency and TCSD/GTMF partnership.

GTMF: How does a residency like this enhance what you’re already building in your classroom?

Collin: It is an affirmation that the work we are doing to cultivate and grow a high-level music program is being seen and supported by those in our community. I truly believe that it takes a village and that music is a tool that can be used to bring people from all backgrounds together. In the public school setting, students from all backgrounds receive access to music and learning. The support from GTMF directly brings students of all walks of life together and elevates them to be the best that they can possibly be.

GTMF: How would you describe the overall impact of the GTMF residency on your program?

Collin: I think this program makes students feel seen and heard. It lets our kids know that there is a community of people who want to see them succeed at the highest level they can. From a technical side, the impact has transformed the sound of our ensembles and our individual players. The self-belief that this has instilled in our students has been transformative. Some of my students will go to a career in music, and some will not, but I hope they will all continue to support this work and community, become the next generation of patrons of the arts, and support the next generation.

Thank you to GTMF and its patrons for supporting TCSD music and for playing an intricate role in stewarding a music community for all in Teton County.