Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends

Hal Leonard, the world's largest sheet music and music education publisher, and music innovators Muse Group, launch MuseClass, an assignment, grading, and music content platform set to transform instrumental teaching (grade 6-12) in the U.S. MuseClass allows music educators and band directors to share, collect, and grade assignments on an easy-to-use platform, which also contains a curated library of educational content. Students receive assignments through the MuseClass app (available on iOS, Android & Chromebook), and can submit their progress as video or audio recordings, or upload worksheets.  One notable MuseClass feature is AutoGrade, the AI-powered practice tool. This pioneering technology listens to a student's performance and provides immediate feedback on timing and pitch, even for polyphonic instruments like piano or guitar. The tool can inspire students to repeat their practice sessions, or a teacher can set an AutoGrade challenge as an assignment. At launch, MuseClass includes free digital content from Hal Leonard's iconic Essential Elements, the gold-standard curriculum for bands and strings in the U.S. now available in concert with next-generation digital tools for the first time. The content library is set to rapidly expand in the coming school year with pedagogical scores and method books drawn from Hal Leonard's exclusively licensed, premium arrangements — current titles span everything from Taylor Swift and The Beatles to John Williams and Disney soundtracks. Teachers can also compose their own exercises or worksheets with MuseScore Studio, Muse Group's award-winning, intuitive notation software. The platform is completely free for all schools until August 1 2025 and will continue to be developed with close feedback from music educators. In year two, MuseClass remains free for teachers, with a $15.99 annual cost per student and custom offerings for school districts. MuseClass marks the first major release since Hal Leonard joined digital-content and technology leader Muse Group last year, with a shared vision to provide unparalleled access to the best resources to music makers worldwide. The new MuseClass reworks a Muse Group prototype, which is transformed with the addition of Hal Leonard's content catalog and unparalleled 70 years of experience collaborating with U.S. educators. The AutoGrade tool within MuseClass is the next step in the evolution of Muse Group's machine learning listening technology. In September 2023, the iPad app StaffPad launched ‘Piano Capture,' a feature that hears real piano performances and converts them into readable sheet music — technology recently spotlighted in Apple's M4 chiplaunch. In January 2024, the same capability was deployed in Ultimate Guitar's Practice Mode, extending this breakthrough technology to millions of digital music makers. Now in MuseClass' AutoGrade, a whole generation of young learners can enjoy the benefits of practicing and improving instrumental skills with AI-guidance. In the future, the MuseClass feature set and content library is set to expand based on the evolving needs of U.S. teachers — including print offerings for band leaders and Google Classroom integration. MuseClass software for Kindergarten to Grade 6 educators and for regions outside the U.S. is also coming soon.  MuseClass is available now, and completely free to get started in 2024. ‍

Jim was raised in Winnipeg, Manitoba and graduated from Silver Heights Collegiate in 1984. That same year his quintet won top high school combo in Canada and he was selected lead tenor in the Canadian High School All Star Jazz Ensemble. His school band directors were Wilfred Jones and Jim Mackay. In June 1986, he was profiled in DOWNBEAT magazine as a young musician deserving of wider recognition. Mair graduated from the University of Mary (Bismarck, North Dakota) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education (1988) and the University of Missouri at Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dancewith a Master of Arts degree in music (1990). He studied with Scott Prebys and Loran Eckroth at U-Mary from 1984 to 1988, Mike Parkinson Gary Foster and Tim Timmons at UMKC from 1988 to 1990 and did additional studies at the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop with Dave Holland. Kenny Wheeler and Pat Labarbera in 1988. He is a two-time full fellowship recipient at the Aspen Music Festival in 1989 and 1990. Jim was Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental and Jazz Studies at Kansas City Kansas Community College from 1999-2023. In December 2014, his college big band performed at the 30th annual Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba. He also serves as the Artistic Director/Founder of The Kansas City Jazz Alliance (501c3), The Kansas City High School and Middle School Jazz All Stars program and is the producer of The Kansas City Jazz Summit which includes the annual Basically Basie Competition. From 2003 to 2010 he served as the Artistic Director/Conductor for The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (501c3), a performance organization that he co-founded. Jim is a co-founder of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival. Mair has also served on the faculty at the College of Southern Idaho, the International Music Camp, and the Charlie Parker Academy of the Arts. In addition, he has served as a staff writer for the Saxophone Journal and since 1992 has served as an artist/clinician for the Selmer Instrument Company. Mair has conducted the North Dakota, South Dakota (twice) and Idaho All-State Jazz Ensembles (twice) and the Kansas City All District Jazz Band (six times). While teaching in Idaho from 1995 to 1999 his radio show "Table Down Front" was broadcast across the northwest on NPR affiliates. His performance credits include appearances at the Havana, Cuba Jazz Festival, New York City JVC Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, IAJE Convention, JEN Convention, Carnegie Recital Hall, Birdland and Showman's Cafe in New York City and the Duchin Room in Sun Valley, Idaho. In 1999, Mair was honored by the Governor of Idaho for his outstanding contributions to the Arts. He received the same recognition from the state of Kansas in 2010. In the spring of 2013 Mair received the Henry Louis Teaching Excellence Award from KCKCC as faculty member of the year. In early 2014, he was awarded the League for Innovation John & Suanne Roueche Teaching Excellence Award. In 2015, he was awarded an Honorary degree from the University of West London's, (England) London College of Music for his contributions to jazz education both in North America and in the United Kingdom. Additional accolades include Alumnus of the Year at both of the universities that he attended. University of Mary in 1995 and in 2017 the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Also in 2017 The Kansas City Jazz Alliance formed by Mair and his wife received Jazz Distinction recognition in a concert celebration at the Johnny Pacheco Latin Music and Jazz Festival at Lehman College (SUNY) in the Bronx, New York. In 2021, the annual 4 day Kansas City Jazz Summit was selected as "Best of Kansas City" for local businesses and in 2022 the readers of JAM magazine voted Jim, Kansas City's Favorite Saxophonist. Mair serves on the advisory board for the Metheny Family Music Foundation and the Burnett Family Foundation. Jim has on multiple occasions performed as a soloist, the Star Spangled Banner and O Canada at NCAA college and professional sporting events including for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Monarchs home games. Retiring from 28 years of college teaching in July 2023, the academic year 2023-2024 found Mair serving as an Artist in Residence at Fort Richmond Collegiate in his hometown of Winnipeg, Canada directing the jazz bands and teaching three sections of beginning band. In the fall of 2024 Jim will join the full-time music staff at St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS where he will serve as Assistant Director of Bands and Jazz Specialist.  

John Armato is a Senior Partner and Creative Strategist for Fleishman Hillard, a Global PR and Marketing Agency.  John was a percussionist in his high school band and over 40 years later, music is still a vital part of his life.  In addition to his professional career, John still performs, has recorded and produced his own album, "The Drummer Loves Ballads" and has a jazz radio show, "The A List with John Armato" that can be found at:   https://easyjazzradio.com/the-a-list-with-john-armato/  

Professor John Whitwell, who retired as professor of music and director of MSU Bands, has distinguished himself in the field of music as an educator, clinician, conductor, adjudicator, and author. He earned an associate degree from Rochester College (formerly known as Michigan Christian College), a bachelor's degree in music education from Abilene Christian University, and a master of music degree from the University of Michigan. Professor Whitwell began his teaching career in 1965 and held positions as a music teacher, director of bands, and music department chairperson at public schools in Jackson and Ann Arbor. Before joining MSU in 1993, he taught at Stephen F. Austin State University and Abilene Christian University. During his time as director of bands at Michigan State, Professor Whitwell served as chairperson of the conducting area. As a lecturer, guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, he participated in hundreds of music conferences, state and national music association meetings, workshops, festivals, and music competitions throughout the United States and elsewhere, including England, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and Mexico. He joined the board of the Midwest Clinic, one of the world's largest instrumental music conferences, in 1997. His writings have appeared in several music journals and other publications. He is a tireless supporter of the MSU Alumni Band Association and has worked with that organization to commission new works for band. He received MSU's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2003 and the Paul Varg Alumni Award for Faculty from the College of Arts and Letters in 2004.  

A dear friend of Charlie's returns to the program after a couple of years.  Together in Fargo, North Dakota for the Raging Red Band Festival, Charlie caught up with John a couple of weeks after the event to catch up on life and talk about all things band.

Steve Peterson, Director of Bands (Retired) at the University of Illinois shares his journey from learning the piano to ending up leading one of the most prestigious band programs in the country.  Steve has not forgotten his roots, nor those who served as mentors throughout his education and career.  This is a conversation you will not want to miss.

Dr. Rick Fleming, Director of Bands at SUNY's - Buffalo State University campus talks about his beginnings as a trombone player, and the steps that led him to his current position.  Rick also shares a wonderful question posed by his Ph.D. conducting professor, Dr. James Croft.  

Dr. Andrea DeRenzis Strauss is Conductor of the Tara Winds and is the retired Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  An accomplished musician and conductor alike, Andrea Strauss holds the Women Band Directors International Scroll of Excellence among the many honor and awards she has received throughout her career.

Dr. Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University highlights his journey from growing up in Glascow, Montana to becoming Director of Bands at NDSU.  We chat about some of the issues directors face when preparing a group for a festival performance, repertoire being performed and a whole lot more.

Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends returns thanks to a blizzard that cancelled day one of the Raging Red Band Festival, in Fargo, North Dakota.   In an effort to provide some information to the directors who didn't get a chance to participate, along with the general listening audience, you will hear this, the first of a six-part podcast featuring the administrators of the festival as well as the clinicians who were at the event.  Today's podcast features Bill Law, Assistant Director of Fine Arts and North Dakota State University and John Warren, Festival Director.  Future podcasts will feature Dr. Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University, Andrea DeRenzis Strauss who directs the Tara Winds in Georgia, Steve Peterson, retired Director of Bands at the University of Illinois, Rick Fleming, Director of Bands at SUNY - Buffalo State University, Buffalo, NY and John Climer, retired Director of Bands from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.  

Retired Colonel Thomas Palmatier shares what drew him to join the military and reflects on his more than 37 years in the United States Army where he served in a wide array of assignments including Leader and Commander of the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own."  Since retirement, Palmatier has kept very active and has recently been named Editor of School Band and Orchestra Magazine.

Tom Merrill spent the first 10 years of his career as a band director and the past 20 years in the festival and travel business.  Tom provides great insights and information if you are considering traveling with your group.

It all started when his junior high school band director told his dad that he thought Ted would make a great band director.  Who knew that 50 plus years later he would have degrees in music education, music performance and law. With experience in the music industry, Ted Piechocinski is now director of one of the finest college music business programs in the nation and author of a comprehensive book:  The Music Industry - Where Creativity Meets Business.  

With over 600 titles to his credit, Jay Bocook is one of America's finest and most trusted band composers and arrangers.  From his days as a student with the Largo (FL) Band of Gold to returning to his Alma Mater, Furman University as Director of Bands, Jay's story is one of hard work, discipline and determination.

Dr. Ken Dye shares his journey from a student in California to becoming the Director of Bands at the University of Notre Dame.  Dr. Dye talks about the role the band plays in preparing his students for their life after college.

Les Taylor and Charlie have a conversation on the importance of listening to music and the need to create dedicated time to help expand our musical palettes.  

John Armato makes his second visit to the podcast to talk about all that went into his CD, The Drummer Loves Ballads.  It's a fascinating story, one you will enjoy.   Dr. Heidi Kay Begay and Dr. Garrett Hope share what to expect with the Ultimate Music Business Summit coming up January 6 - 8, 2022.  

Paul Murtha served as Chief Arranger for "Pershing's Own," The United States Army Band from 2001 to 2016.  Today, he continues writing and has over 600 published works to his credit.  Since his first theory class with his high school band director, Paul Murtha shares an interesting journey that has led him to become a national treasure in the band arranging world.

As a little kid, Mike Lawson loved to sing.  Then a friend's father changed his life by teaching him his first four guitar chords.  His love for music grew but he only had a limited path in traditional school music ensembles. Mike dropped out of high school and started playing in bands.  Today, as publisher of SBO, Jazz Ed, Choral Director and MME Magazines, Mike hopes to provide content to help teachers inspire students to succeed in music, school and life.

George Hattendorf, retired director of bands at Mountain Ridge High School, Phoenix, AZ talks about his 47 plus year career and offers that band directors have two choices....stand on the sideline and complain or get involved and be a part of the change.  George chose the latter for all the right reasons and in doing so, offered his students lifetime experiences.  

In part 2 of our conversation, Greg Bimm, Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School talks concert band, score study, the importance of the impact on our actions and decisions on everyone else and so much more.

Greg Bimm is in his 44th year at Marian Catholic High School where he has developed a nationally recognized program.  In part one of this two part podcast, Greg talks about how his father laid the groundwork for his work ethic and commitment, the influence his high school band director had on him, how student teaching helped put things into perspective and how he has worked to develop the Marian Catholic Band program.  

Dr. Andrew Chybowski, Director of Bands, Pittsburg State University (KS) had his career path set when, at his first elementary band concert, he got to wear sunglasses and the director had a fog machine and laser lights.  Today he works to balance pedagogy and artistry in his teaching and is intent to get students to realize they have a lot more creative control in the music making process.  Great thoughts from a rising star!

"Music is more than playing in a band rehearsal every day."  During the pandemic, Chris and his music teacher colleagues created a series of four-week short courses students could take in addition to their ensembles to learn more about music. He also took an idea from one of his students and developed a summer jazz mentoring program.  Oh, and did I mention his jazz ensemble has received nine invitations to Wynton Marsalis' Essentially Ellington Festival in New York?  There's a lot to unpack during our conversation and it is a good one!

This Indiana boy went to college and ended up teaching with his old high school band director, the legendary Al Castronovo in Chesterton, IN.  While there, Jim met his wife who was from the Netherlands and decided to relocate, becoming the band director at the American School in the Hague.  Jim looks back on a stellar career and his story highlights what it is like to teach band in such a culture-rich country like the Netherlands.

Dan Belongia talks about the impact his band directors had on him throughout his career...beginning with the trombone through earning his doctorate.  His love of repertoire and the importance of having positive energy in rehearsals are things he has learned.  Today, Dan Belongia is driven to pass those traits and more on to his students in his role as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University.

Jerry Hoover and Herb Duncan share a story of how they met. They talk about what kept them together as friends and colleagues for over 50 years and give their thoughts on the profession. This is more than a conversation, this is a Master Class in band directing and being a success. It's a sharing of wisdom acquired over the two careers of two master teachers, two great band directors and two incredible people.

Dr. Karl Sievers shares insights on what he looks for in a student, how students should practice, how to overcome performance anxiety and a whole bunch more.  Pragmatic thoughts and information for teachers and students from one of the best in the business.

After teaching 42 years, Gary Brandes says “I’m not there yet!”  A life-long band director and life-long learner, Gary advises listeners that the only way for us to advance our art form is to continue to grow as musicians, as teachers and as people.  A humble professional, Brandes talks about all who have influenced him and his quest to now, pay it forward.  Sage advice from a master teacher.

Les Taylor shares stories about his life as a musician, teacher, composer, arranger and so much more.  From time he raised his hand in band to the early morning when he was awakened when the car he was riding in flooded out on the way home from a drum corps show.  Les tells great stories, provides insightful thoughts, and offers up lots of laughs in this great conversation

Jeff Conner is back, talking about what's been going on with the Boston Brass, staying connected during the pandemic and what he listens for in a piece of music.  Drew Holmes and Ward Durrett of thepodcastingstore.com share some tips to maximize your virtual experience and how teaching virtually will impact the future.

Dave Knox began as a firefighter and through the unconditional support of his wife made a career change and pursued a degree in music.  His passion for music has never wavered and today is responsible for BandDirector.com a website that is a free and incredible resource for the band profession.  But beyond that, his story is one everyone must hear - regardless of profession.  His mission is to help and to not let anyone ever give up their dreams.  This is truly an inspirational conversation.

Ken Snoeck shares his career path and offers great ideas on what teachers can do to get their programs back on track after the pandemic.  Denny Senseney talks about what kids "get" from being in band.  Great, down-to-earth advice that makes all the difference for directors and programs of all abilities and levels.

Marcellus Brown,  who has been Director of Bands at Boise State University for over 30 years, talks about growing up in Detroit and ending up in Boise, ID.  His message is simple:  "Don't have limitations....then work step by step to grow them (your students) as much as you can."  Sage advice from a Master Teacher.

Saul Friedgood, President of Eastman Music Company, shares his story from growing up in Des Moines, IA, working as an aide to some of our nation's top politicians and how that experience has helped him lead an international company.  His message of listening and making corrections, seizing opportunities as they come along and remembering that all politics is local is so relevant as we look to the future. 

Adam Hill, Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor at Romeoville HS, IL and Director of the Chicago Bulls Drum Line chats with Charlie and Adam's college percussion instructor Kevin Lepper about motivating students and how he keeps all the plates spinning.  A fascinating conversation with a young, energetic teacher who has all his priorities in the right place.

Dr. Tim and Charlie talk about life after Covid and about the 2020 Virtual Midwest Clinic.  Rick Coulter, retired Supervisor of Fine Arts for Williamsport, PA offers practical and proven ways to advocate for your program.

Eric Tinkler and Dr. Philip Payne of Kansas State University talk about their Not Your Forte podcast designed to help music education majors and young teachers on a variety of subjects.

From how he got the name "Doc" to playing on a bugle without a mouthpiece, Doc Severinsen's career is one built on hard work and an understanding that you just have to do the job...which means, you had better practice and get your act together.   This conversation sheds great light on why Doc is the greatest trumpet artist of all time.  His trumpet artistry and showmanship is only outdone by his humility and his humanity.  The world (and especially the music world) is a better place because of Doc Severinsen.

Timothy Mahr began writing music to impress a girl but that didn't go very well.  Fortunately, he didn't give up writing music and today remains one of the most refreshing voices for the band world.  From composing new music to teaching composition at St. Olaf to directing the band, this conversation sheds insight into the talents he shares with his students and the respect he gives to all who have had a hand in his success.

Alex Kaminsky is Director of Bands at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL.   Alex shares his journey, his mission to prepare great music teachers through his work and why VanderCook is such a special place to learn how to become a music teacher.

Marcia Neel talks about the Music Achievement Council and the First Performance National Day of Celebration.  Cheryl Floyd talks about finding her voice as a teacher and making music a special experience for her students.  

Col. Larry H. Lang grew up in El Paso, TX and played trombone in both a garage rock band and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.  He never dreamed that he would spend 29 years in the United States Air Force and 26 of those as Commander and Conductor of an Air Force Band.  Col. Lang talks about how music brings people together and what advice he would offer our next President.

Reginald Wright grew up in South Carolina and his career path took him to Proviso East High School in suburban Chicago, a few miles west of downtown.  There he created a program that changed lives.  He gave his students a reason to be there and band became the best part of their lives and the reason many of them attended high school.  Reggie is a professional who never made excuses and always saw the glass as half full.  He is a band director who really made a difference.

Elizabeth Jackson Kirchhoff is a high school band director at Eden Prairie HS, MN who epitomizes the joy of being a band director.  With contagious enthusiasm, Liz recalls teaching music in a town of 300 and now a high school of over 3,000.  Though there are many differences, some things don't change regardless of where and who we teach.  This is an inspirational conversation that will make you glad you chose a career in music education.

George Quinlan, Jr. is President of Quinlan and Fabish Music Company in Burr Ridge, IL.  In their 61st year of servicing the needs of band and orchestra directors and their students, Q and F is the crowned-jewel of school band and orchestra dealers.  With 9 locations, 25 road reps and over 50 technicians, they are a vital link in the recruitment and retention process for the schools they serve.  George provides great insights and advice on how your music dealer can help you...especially during these uncertain times.

Donald Stinson is the 5th director in the Joliet (IL) High School Band's 108 year history.  Here is a young man with a passion to influence his students' lives through music and the rich traditions that made Joliet one of America's finest band programs.  Don's story is one of growing up in Joliet with some of the same struggles his students face today, but he refuses to let them be excuses. Don Stinson is a band director who understands the big picture and is determined to let every student enjoy the view.

As Paula Crider quit her high school basketball team she was handed a trumpet and a career in music followed.  After seven days of student teaching she became the school band director.  Paula talks about her days of growing up in Mississippi to becoming director of the University of Texas Longhorn Marching Band.  A past president of the National Band Association and American Bandmasters Association, Paula offers wonderful insights and advice to band directors at all levels.

Growing up the son of a dance band drummer, Michael Daugherty would walk to the library to check out record albums to try and figure out what the jazz greats were playing. From there he got thrown out of band for improvising his timpani parts. Today, he is one of the world's most prolific composers for all musical genres. Michael shares his story in a fascinating conversation that will give you great insight into the mind of this American musical treasure.

Cornelius Young teaches 4-8 band at Green Hedges School in Vienna, VA.  Dr. Richard Miles is the retired Director of Bands at Morehead State University in Kentucky and the man who compiled and edited the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band book series.  Though different stories to tell, there is a common thread these two directors share...they turned the inspiration others gave them into a passion for teaching people to love music. 

Michael Levine, founder of the Dallas Brass, talks about Harmony Bridge, a program where students perform for impacted members of the community.  Diane Koutsulis, the daughter of Greek immigrants shares how winning a brand-new Lincoln Continental at age 2 ½ changed her life and how The Go Go’s We’ve Got the Beat helped pave the way for her to have an incredible career as a high school band director.