Rachel Handlin (LSM 1986-87) is currently Assistant Concertmaster of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra, frequent substitute with Milwaukee Ballet Orchestra, and a violin instructor and String program Director at Music Academy in Rockford (25+ years). Rachel received her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Violin Performance from Northern Illinois University, where she studied with Pierre Menard and other members of the Vermeer Quartet. Rachel has completed Suzuki Violin training for books 1-10, is a member of the SAA, MTNA, and ASTA. Rachel was recognized as Illinois' outstanding studio teacher by ASTA in 2010. Rachel's performing group (Measure 5) and her private violin students were selected to perform at the National Biennial Suzuki Conference in Minneapolis, MN. Under Rachel's direction, Measure 5 has also toured Japan, Iceland, Alaska, the Grand Canyon, and San Antonio. Rachel recently toured with the Rockford Symphony String Quartet, introducing their "Many Moods of Music" educational program to 2500 local public and private school students in the Rockford area.

Previously Rachel has been a member of Chicago Sinfonietta, Milwaukee Ballet, Wichita Symphony, Midwest Mozart Festival, Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra, and has played Broadway in Chicago productions including Sweet Charity, Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies, Lion King, and The King and I. Currently Rachel serves on the boards of Music Academy and the Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center. Rachel is thrilled to be at LSM with her husband (Mike), and daughter (Aria). Rachel, her brother Daryl, and daughter Aria have all attended LSM, as have many of her private violin students.