Richard Chelpka
Chamber Orchestra Conductor

Richard L. Chelpka is the District Orchestra Specialist for Mesa Public Schools.  After 32 years of service, Mr. Chelpka has retired from teaching.  He received the 1984 Stanbury Award, for the State of Arizona for excellence in teaching.  In 2003, he received the O. M. Hartsell Excellence in Teaching Music Award.  He has served Arizona as an educator, adjudicator and clinician.  He has been guest conductor for many Honor Orchestras in Arizona and Hawaii.  As a violinist, Mr. Chelpka enjoys performing chamber music with friends and plays with MusicaNova, Symphony of the West Valley, and is Principal Second Violinist of the Symphony of the Southwest.