Sean Carlton is a cellist and music educator who grew up in Carrollton and Allen, Texas before attending Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. Sean started his professional career as the director of orchestras for Madison Middle School in Abilene, Texas from 2012 to 2014. Sean then served at Newman Smith High School from 2014 to 2018; first as the Assistant Director of Orchestras, then as the Head Director and Fine Arts Department Chair at Newman Smith.
Sean has led both non-varsity and varsity groups in concerts and evaluations, including a performance of the Seven Lakes High School Symphony Orchestra as the 2020 TMEA Honor Full Orchestra, the Seven Lakes High School Symphony Strings as the 2024 TMEA Honor String Orchestra, numerous Mark of Excellence awards from The Foundation for Music Education, and distinctions from the American Prize in orchestral performance. Sean currently serves as President of the Texas Orchestra Directors Association Board of Directors.
Since the opening of our campus in 2005, the Seven Lakes Orchestras have striven to be a leader in musical performance through innovative programming and performances. We have sought to inspire our audiences and each other through diligent study and performance of the greatest string and symphonic music composed. It is a privilege to continue this legacy of excellence.
The Orchestra Program currently consists of seven String Orchestras and one Symphony Orchestra, with over 260 students enrolled in the program.
The Seven Lakes Orchestras are committed to excellence, earning top honors in local, regional, and state contests while performing at prestigious venues like Meyerson Symphony Hall, Chicago’s Symphony Center, the Hilbert Hall and the World-Famous Carnegie Hall.
Highlights include:
- Regular top-ten placement in TMEA’s Honor Orchestra competition.
- TMEA Honor Full Orchestra in 2016 & 2020.
- Symphony Strings, TMEA Honor String Orchestra in 2024.
- Symphony Orchestra wins The American Prize in 2018, 2021, 2023 and 2024.
- Symphony Orchestra & Sinfonia recognized as Mark of Excellence National Winners by The Foundation for Music Education since 2016.