Beyond the Measure: A Podcast for Music Educators

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In our final episode of Season 2, we are beyond thrilled to have Brenda Justice, former choir director at Rouse High School, as our final guest - Christian's high school choir director! Brenda shares her experience in creating a culture that made a difference in the lives of countless students, as well as the true purpose of any educator: helping a student feel seen and at home.Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Connect with Brenda: brendacjustice@gmail.comWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In this episode, Kara tells us about the growth she has experienced in the past year as an educator. One of the biggest areas has been a mindset-shift in focusing on what you need to grow, and not what others think!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In this episode, Cody Hutcheson, Composer and Assistant Professor of Piano at Howard Payne University, joins us to discuss the variety of experiences he has had in the music profession and how each of them have benefited his understanding of music. This is also a great discussion about how each of us should work to diversify our own skillsets in music!Connect with Cody! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hutchesonmusic/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXN005VF-m4mEeVYgKn909QFollow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In this episode, Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, joins us to discuss multiple techniques for improving your choir's tone and the importance of understanding the physical workings of your instrument - whether it's your voice or something else!Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Connect with Dr. Cathlina!Website: https://www.franciscathlina.com/Email: franciscathlina@gmail.comYour Voice: An Inside View 3 (Vocal Pedagogy Book): https://www.amazon.com/Your-Voice-Inside-View-3rd/dp/1733506012Follow the University of Memphis Choral ProgramWebsite: https://www.memphis.edu/music/ensembles/university-singers.phpPerformance Recordings: https://www.franciscathlina.com/performancesFollow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In our first-ever "solo" episode, Christian explains the process of commissioning composers - having a composer write a brand new piece of music for your ensemble to premiere to the world! He also talks about how commissioning can be an educational experience for students, and the different ways composers try to make the experience as financial affordable as possible.Want to commission Christian? Book a call with him!Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!Our first guest of 2025 is Mr. Bryce Gage, choir director at Marble Falls High School! Having worked at a 4A program for many years now, Bryce gives us all the examples of what he did to grow what was a tiny choral program into a group that is performing at TMEA this year! He also emphasizes the importance of developing strong musical tone in ANY ensemble, and how it contributed to the strength of his group.Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!Mrs. Diane Harper joins us on the podcast to talk about her experience in the classroom, and how she dealt with the many obstacles she faced. Now a retired orchestra director, Diane provides insight as to how teachers (especially new teachers) can stay strong and keep moving forward during a time when teachers are not getting the support that they need.Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Connect with Diane: diane.harper6260@outlook.comFollow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!This week, we have Dr. Chris Rosborough, Director of Choral Activities at Howard Payne University joins us on the show to discuss how Lessons and Carols services can fit into any church's holiday schedule. We also talk about the necessity to innovate in a variety of circumstances - including only having a small number of musicians in your ensemble.Download the show notes for this episode HERE.TCDA 2024 "We're Not in Cambridge Anymore" Resource Folder (courtesy of Chris Rosborough and Travis Lowery): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12sxwtIH9pQCvCGUiz1PoH2DlERnD-sz1Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store!Connect with the HPU Choir:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hpuchoirs1/Wesbite: https://www.hputx.edu/academics/schools/school-of-music-fine-arts/school-of-music-fine-arts-departments/department-music/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In the second part of our interview with HSU Cowboy Band Director Jay Lester, we learn about the different traditions the he incorporates in his band - and how traditions in your own ensemble can bring a greater sense of community to the group.Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store! Connect with the Hardin-Simmons "World Famous" Cowboy Band!Website: https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/the-hsu-difference/hsu-traditions/cowboy-band/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twf_cowboy_band/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!This week, former Fine Arts Director of Abilene ISD Jay Lester joins us to discuss the many roles that an administrator plays in music education. He also shows the key things that admin looks for when hiring, as well what you should and should not do during a music teacher job interview!Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store! Connect with the Hardin-Simmons "World Famous" Cowboy Band!Website: https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/the-hsu-difference/hsu-traditions/cowboy-band/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twf_cowboy_band/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!We had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Loyd Hawthorne to learn how he impacted the lives of countless students over the course of his career. From conducting all-state choirs to traveling across the state of Texas to recruit for his program, Dr. Hawthorne tells us the secret to making a difference in the lives of students: Intentionality.Are you an HSU Choir Alumni? Sign up for the 2024 Homecoming Alumni Choir!https://connectnow.hsutx.edu/register/HC24AlumniChoirAbout Dr. Loyd Hawthorne: https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/dr-loyd-hawthorne/Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store! Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!In the second part of our interview with Mary Jane Phillips, we learn the story behind her ensembles' successes - and how great tone quality in her groups was the foundation of that success. She also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how her "SOS" and "Choir Hacks" materials came to be - as well as a glimpse of what's currently in the works!Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Browse Kara's TPT Store! Connect with Mary Jane Phillips on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjane.selfphillipsCheck out "Choir Hacks!"Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/choir-hacks-by-mary-jane-phillipsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562501451587SOS: Simplifying Our Sight Reading: https://www.brileemusic.com/blb009-sos-3a-simplifying-our-sight-reading.htmlMaking Sight Reading Fun: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Sight-Reading-Fun-Students/dp/1495057232Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!We are excited to welcome Mary Jane Phillips onto the show, who is a well-known mentor for choir directors across the country and co-author of the SOS sight-reading books. She is also the creator of “Choir Hacks,” her TPT store materials. Mary Jane joins us to discuss how to manage the middle school classroom and handle the many obstacles that can arise, from class behavior to unsupportive admin! This episode is a must-listen regardless of the ensemble you teach.Download the show notes for this episode HERE.Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Connect with Mary Jane Phillips on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maryjane.selfphillipsCheck out "Choir Hacks!"Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/choir-hacks-by-mary-jane-phillipsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562501451587SOS: Simplifying Our Sight Reading: https://www.brileemusic.com/blb009-sos-3a-simplifying-our-sight-reading.htmlMaking Sight Reading Fun: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Sight-Reading-Fun-Students/dp/1495057232Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!Welcome to the first episode of Beyond the Measure - Season 2!Many of us get so caught up in creating music that we forget that we are actually creating leaders. Student leadership and connection is the foundation of everything else we do in the classroom, and our success as a group depends on it. The goal, therefore, is to make the group greater than the sum of its parts. Teaching the music is easy, but having the students work well together is hard. So how do we do it?We are so excited to welcome our very first guest of the season, Mr. Mike Lunney, who is a retired band director that now spends his time mentoring music teachers. In this episode, Mike emphasizes the importance of connecting students together regardless of background, and how it makes the difference between "average" and "extraordinary."Download the show notes for this episode HERE. Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!Connect with Mike on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mike.lunney.9Listen to the "Ask Mike" podcast: https://ntunemusic.com/askmike/N-Tune Music: https://ntunemusic.com/Culture Code, by Daniel Coyle: https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Code-Secrets-Highly-Successful/dp/0804176981/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=Atomic Habits, by James Clear: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Welcome to end of "Season 1" of Beyond the Measure! Our final guest is Tanatchaya (Tanya) Chanphanitpornkit, who is the orchestra director of many different ensembles, including the Crescendo Orchestra at the New York Youth Symphony. We discuss with Tanya the significance that honesty and vulnerability can hold in earning the trust of students - from elementary age-levels all the way to the best of the best!SHOW NOTES:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-65SH4diGl1IeeW8aXWV5ByzPV_I2Z7o/view?usp=sharingConnect with Tanya!Email: tchanphanitpornkit@nyys.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bass.icallytanya/Learn More:New York Youth Symphony: https://www.nyys.org/Girls Who Conduct: https://girlswhoconduct.org/Manhattan School of Music: https://www.msmnyc.edu/faculty/tanatchaya-chanphanitpornkit/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

We've all heard that there is much more beneath the "tip of the iceberg" when it comes to conducting, but what does that actually look like? And what best practices can we do as conductors to grow as music educators?This week, Dr. Andrew Kim of the New York Youth Symphony and Conducting Institute joins us to share his story of how he became a conductor and what we can do to cultivate a life of powerful music-making and fulfillment.SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ICM8EJruDq1M52sP7vYlUwCLD79WURzh/view?usp=sharingConnect with Dr. Kim!Website: https://www.andrewkimconductor.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j_andrewkim/Learn More:New York Youth Symphony: https://www.nyys.org/The Conducting Institute: https://conductinginstitute.org/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Being in a profession like music education comes with a lot of scrutiny. This can cause a lot of stress on us and make us afraid to be truly vulnerable - and not just with other people, but with ourselves. It's important to take time to look in the mirror and ask ourselves “What am I struggling with in the classroom?” and “What steps can I take to get better at it?”Mrs. Andrea Cruz, Choir Director at Caprock High School in Amarillo, Texas, joins us on this week's episode to discuss how music directors can learn to look in the mirror and ask the honest questions.SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1azjQL66FCwVzardOjSJ_MZ-9jZjwgI4G/view?usp=sharingConnect with the CHS Choir!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caprockHSchoir/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caprockhschoir/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This week, Brandon Farren, head choral director at Canyon High School, joins us to discuss how directors can maintain a healthy tone in their ensemble - both from a musical perspective and from the students' perspective. SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1468XcuhWT5jiQCHHpJdW78hMZn0Nn5r6/view?usp=sharingConnect with the Canyon High School Choir!Website: https://sites.google.com/canyonisd.net/canyonhighschoolchoir/home?authuser=0Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canyonhstxchoir/High Plains Choral Society: https://www.highplainschoralsociety.org/homeWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this episode, Grammy Award-winner Stephen Cox joins us to discuss how the current systems in the music education field will make an impact on the future of our profession. What are we doing now that is working? What's not working? And what changes need to happen soon before more turn away from the profession?SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ntm0huDiTyYeJFD2oRfOjnpjXo6i0Lhd/view?usp=sharing Connect with Stephen!Website: https://stephentcox.com/#:~:text=Biography,TX%20as%20of%20fall%202022.YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@StephenIsSleepingInInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephenissleepingin/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082545140307Learn more about the Grammy Music Educator Award and nominate someone! https://grammymuseum.org/education/music-educator-award/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This is the second part of our interview with Dr. Frank Eychaner, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Arkansas. Frank discusses ways that music educators can continue to renew themselves and take the right steps toward staying mentally and physically healthy.SHOW NOTES:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YN5d9JsMyLhfWAAqFzbLtsp9GTcaozJH/view?usp=sharingConnect with Frank and the UCA ChoirsEmail: feychaner@uca.eduWebsite: https://uca.edu/music/choir/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicUCA/Listen to the UTPB choir perform "Shockachi!"https://youtu.be/EcRDWBJQjR0?si=vt4plizcEzLCYgrFWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Enjoy the first part of our interview with Dr. Frank Eychaner, who is the Director of Choral Activities at the University of Central Arkansas. In this episode, Frank talks about how music directors can have mental and emotional sustainability in our jobs - even after years and years of experience (and therefore, exhaustion). This is a great episode for those who are unsure if they want to keep pursuing music education!SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IHliqPmNLftoHMYK_yTstM-HIsoMflo6/view?usp=sharingConnect with Frank and the UCA ChoirsEmail: feychaner@uca.eduWebsite: https://uca.edu/music/choir/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicUCA/Listen to the UTPB choir perform "Shockachi!"https://youtu.be/EcRDWBJQjR0?si=vt4plizcEzLCYgrFWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This week, we welcome Jason Jones to the podcast, who is the band director at Central High School in San Angelo, Texas. Jason has much experience in both large and small music programs, and he tells us about what sort of differences you can find between the two - and whether that should make a difference in how you teach.SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KMzj1P-EVMzbwiWo6gwIkd2XJSIyxxlz/view?usp=sharingConnect with Jason and the Central High School Band:Email: jason.jones@saisd.orgFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/mightybobcatband/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chsmightybobcatband/?hl=enWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In the second part of our interview with the New Canaan High School Choir Director, Sarah Gleason provides simple ways that student leaders can help influence others to be all-on-board with the purpose of success for an ensemble.SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WngpME66TLeCUqdxHdoRWwNJv_j8o1Xw/view?usp=sharing Connect with the NCHS Choir!Website: https://newcanaanhighschoolchoir.weebly.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nchschoir/?hl=enFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/New-Canaan-High-School-Choirs/100068815668420/Listen to the NCHS Choir perform "Shockachi!"https://youtu.be/ddyF3nrK5QoWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This is the first part of our two-part interview with Sarah Gleason, Choral Director of the New Canaan High School Choir. In this episode, Sarah stresses the importance of community in an ensemble as the foundation of success in all other areas and how giving up control to the students in certain aspects of the class can help encourage them to grow - as a group and as individuals.SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OUa-_zzvPjiLxFZXJcsgVvw0A7PDkwJL/view?usp=drive_linkConnect with the NCHS Choir!Website: https://newcanaanhighschoolchoir.weebly.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nchschoir/?hl=enFacebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/New-Canaan-High-School-Choirs/100068815668420/Listen to the NCHS Choir perform "Shockachi!"https://youtu.be/ddyF3nrK5QoWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Dr. Jeff Goolsby, Director of Choral Activities at Abilene Christian University, joins us to discuss how he came to be a choir director and how he takes many different avenues to create a unique concert experience. We no longer live in an age where being expected to sit down, “shut up,” and listen to live music is appealing to the average audience member. This does not mean that we should abandon the traditional concert experience, but we must be open to opportunities of innovation in order to appeal to individuals unfamiliar with the art. SHOW NOTES: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bU_9C1tznDscT9KSJeaaN_L4diO72ptW/view?usp=sharingFollow the ACU Choir on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/acuchoirs/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/AcuChoirs/Learn more about the ACU School of Music: https://acu.edu/academics/arts-humanities-social-sciences/music/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This week, we have Dr. Troy Robertson, head choral director at Tarleton State University, join us on the show! Troy has worked with many different choirs across the country and tells us what he believes are the most important foundations of any ensemble: Community, Excellence, and Beauty.Follow the Tarleton Choir Program:Website: https://www.tarleton.edu/finearts/music/vocal/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tarletonchoralprogram/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/TarletonChoralProgram/Connect with Troy:Website: https://www.troydrobertson.com/Email: robertson@tarleton.eduDr. Troy Robertson is the Director of Choirs at Tarleton State University and the conductor of the Cross Timbers Civic Chorale. He is the founder of ChorAmor. Before coming to Tarleton, Dr. Robertson taught at Ithaca College and served for several years as choral director at East Gaston High School in North Carolina. He is a composer whose works are published with Hinshaw Music, Santa Barbara Music Press, Colla Voce, and Music Spoke.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this week's episode, we have the privilege of talking to Miguel Harth-Bedoya, conductor of the Baylor University Symphony Orchestra and Director of Orchestral Studies.  With many years of experience conducting orchestras all around the world, Miguel tells us about what the ultimate goal of a conductor should be, and his methods on preparing scores and working with ensembles.Connect with Miguel Harth-Bedoya!Website: https://www.miguelharth-bedoya.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miguelharthbedoya/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MiguelHarthBedoyaTwitter: https://twitter.com/MHarthBedoyaYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxDtynJwmcgudZPu9hkFWDgBaylor University School of Music: https://www.baylor.edu/music/The Conducting Institute: https://conductinginstitute.org/Miguel Harth-Bedoya is the Director of Orchestral Studies at Baylor University. He is the former music director of the Norwegian Radio Orchestra, Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra (New Zealand), and New York Youth Symphony. He graduated from the Curtis Institute of Music and the Juilliard School. Miguel has conducted worldwide, including the New York Philharmonic, Chicago Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra, Philadelphia Orchestra, Munich Philharmonic, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony, and the Sydney Symphony, among others. He is also the Founder of The Conducting Institute in Ft. Worth, Texas.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This week, we sit down with composer Luke McMillan, who is very well-known for creating accessible marching shows for small school band programs. Luke tells us how he came to become a full-time composer and the strategies he uses to be a resource to band directors and other music educators across the country.Connect with Luke:Website: https://lukemcmillanmusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lukemcmillan/?hl=enFacebook: https://es-la.facebook.com/lukemcmillanmusic/Luke McMillan is a composer, arranger, and designer for the marching arts. Luke has been writing music professionally since 2005 and has composed and arranged full-time since 2015. Luke's music is regularly heard at numerous competitive circuits, including BOA, USBands, and multiple local and state-sanctioned events across the country. Luke's music has been played by several state marching band finalists and medalists around the country and has been described as achievable and fun for the performers, and entertaining and engaging for the audience.Before becoming a full-time composer/arranger, Luke was as a band director for 11 years at Wylie High School in Abilene, TX. During his time at Wylie, Luke designed the shows for and co-taught the Wylie “Pure Gold” Marching Band, which advanced to the state marching contest several times playing his music. Luke also directed the Symphonic Band which earned consistent sweepstakes awards, and the Wylie High School Jazz Band, which earned “Best in Class” awards for most jazz festivals they attended.Luke is a 2003 graduate of The University of North Texas holding a Bachelor of Music degree. While attending UNT, he played in the marching band, concert band, and nationally recognized jazz lab bands. Luke lives and works in his hometown of Abilene, TX.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Darcy Radcliffe, former orchestra director at Abilene and Cooper High Schools, created a new type of string orchestra ensemble called Revolution Strings. After experiencing many incredible successes with the group, she has joined us on this week's episode to give insight as to how she created it, what steps she took to generate interest, and how other music directors can find creative new ways to increase interest in performing music.Follow Darcy social media:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085921145160Check out Revolution Strings!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revostrings/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revostrings/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/revostrings?lang=enApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/revolution-strings/1239966311Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ZF9khohh1wLaeWgTUV6r6?si=L6ma3wN8RWuFEy5gHU7pnAWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

For music educators, the constant task of having to observe, evaluate, and improve is imperative for having a successful experience for students. However, this habit, paired with the overwhelming amount of tasks needed to be done each week can lead to huge amounts of stress. In this episode, Dr. Jon Kraemer, Head Band Director at Abilene High School, joins us to discuss how band directors handle the extensive planning process required from season to season while maintaining a healthy mindset.Connect with the Abilene High School Band!Website: http://www.eagleband.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abilenehighband/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abilenehighband/?hl=enWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

We are very excited to bring our first guest with an orchestral background onto the show! Mrs. Allison King is the orchestra director at L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, Texas. Allison brings a variety of insight for directors finding their first gigs, teaching string orchestra, and coordinating with other directors to create a full orchestra experience for students.Check out the L.D. Bell Orchestra's website: https://www.ldbellorchestra.com/Follow the L.D. Bell Orchestra on Social Media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKMBibiEDH8IqrZ4-O1wy-QFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/ldbellhsorchestraTwitter: https://twitter.com/ldbhsorchestraWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

It can be hard leading a rehearsal when your students don't have the motivation to try in your classroom. In this week's episode, we discuss different ways you can incentivize your students to come to class with an attitude and expectation of success and responsibility.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list?https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

One of the hardest aspects of teaching for many people is disciplining students while keeping them engaged and enjoying the class as a whole. In this episode, Mr. Reece Kingcade, Head Choral Director at Cooper High School, joins us to discuss how disciplining students in the makes a difference for an entire school year. We also talk about the unique opportunity the music classroom setting brings for earning students' respect and involving them in leadership positions.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Dr. Jeffrey Cottrell is the Associate Dean of the School of Music at Hardin-Simmons University. He is also the director of the HSU Jazz Band, a private instructor of low brass, a performer, and composer. In this week's episode, he joins us to discuss his journey through many different aspects of the music field - from performing in bands, to teaching private lessons and jazz ensembles, to handling administrative duties.To learn more about the Hardin-Simmons University School of Music, visit:https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/schools-colleges/college-liberal-arts/music-opportunities/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

As the school year begins, we wanted to simply share with you all some words of encouragement. Please take them to heart as you begin and continue throughout the school year, and remember that what do matters. What you do changes lives. And therefore, what you do changes the world.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

As the new school year begins, we wanted to share 12 tools that can help you in your everyday tasks in the music classroom. Most of these are either free or very cheap and can make a big difference!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailingsPinstripe tape for making a staff on your whiteboard:https://www.amazon.com/Audab-Pinstripe-Whiteboard-Pinstriping-Graphic/dp/B088LPKDWP/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=vinyl+pinstripe+tape&qid=1659823354&sr=8-7

Everybody knows it: Middle Schoolers are quite the adventure to work with in any classroom, but especially in a musical setting. Lyndsey Ransford, Head Choral Director at Craig Middle School, joins us on this week's episode to talk about the best ways to work with middle school students, how to get them to participate, how to motivate them to do their best work, and ultimately create a culture of safety and support for them!Follow the Craig Middle School choir on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/craigmiddleschoolchoir/?hl=enWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

This week, Wendy Weeks, head choral director at Abilene High School, joins us to talk about the importance of having structure in your classroom from day 1, and how it affects the rest of the teaching and learning experience for both you and your students. Follow the Abilene High School choirs on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/abilenehighchoirs/?hl=enWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this week's episode, choral composer and assistant choral director at Abilene High School, Remel Derrick joins us on the podcast to discuss his composition and publishing processes, as well as how it applies to the classroom and our lives overall. This is a great episode for teachers who are just beginning to dip their toes into composition, and likewise for young composers who are just beginning to work on getting their music published and ready for the classroom.Purchase Remel's music on J.W. Pepper:https://www.jwpepper.com/myscore/RemelDerrickFor requesting commissions and other inquiries, contact Remel at summitmusicpublishing@yahoo.comWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Serayah Peters is a private vocal instructor, as well as the director of the a-cappella group BackBeat from Chorus Abilene. She joins us on this week's episode to discuss habits that help us stay grounded throughout our work - to have a foundation - physically, mentally, spiritually, and more. We also talk about how to connect to students and why most issues we face usually come down to our own mindset!Check out Serayah's Vocal Studio: https://www.facebook.com/serayahp.musicAnd check out BackBeat! https://chorusabilene.org/backbeat/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this episode, Director of Music Ministries at First United Methodist Church Stephenville and Assistant Conductor of the Abilene Chamber Singers, Travis Lowery joins us to discuss a variety of topics, including young vs. old and amateur vs. professional ensembles, the benefits of having a performance background, and how to be efficient in rehearsals.Check out the choir at First United Methodist Church:https://www.fumcstephenville.org/For more information about the Abilene Chamber Singers, visit their website:https://www.abilenechambersingers.org/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

If you're a teacher or student, congratulations on getting through the school year! This week, the Fortners reflect on Kara's first full year of teaching, what she did well, and what she could improve upon next year. This is the perfect episode to think about your past year and what you plan to do differently going forward!Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Brady McNeil, Director of Bands at McMurry University, joins us on this week's episode to talk about how he began a new choral program at a large high school, the pros and cons of getting your graduate and doctoral degrees early, and the benefit of teaching a variety of ensembles.Learn more about the McMurry School of Music:https://academics.mcm.edu/music/Follow the McMurry Band on Instagram!https://www.instagram.com/mcmurryuniversitybands/?hl=enWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this episode, Abigail Payne, Executive Director of Chorus Abilene, joins us to discuss the necessity of collaboration within ensembles, schools, and the community. We also talk about doing what's necessary vs. what you want, and how to use circumstantial constrictions as an opportunity for creativity.For more info about Chorus Abilene, contact:info@chorusabilene.org(325) 675-SINGor check them out online!Website: https://chorusabilene.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChorusAbileneTX/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chorusabilene/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/chorusabileneWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Mr. Bill Harden, director of bands at Hardin-Simmons University, tells us about the many different people that made an impact on his career and made it possible for him to be where he is today. We discuss the importance of maintaining relationships with the people around us and how we can use those relationships as an opportunity to learn and grow.Find out more about the "World Famous" Cowboy Band:https://www.cowboybandfoundation.org/Follow the Cowboy Band on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/twf_cowboy_band/?hl=enWant a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this episode, Dr. Bernard Scherr, Professor of Music Theory and Composition at Hardin-Simmons University and McMurry University, joins us to discuss a variety of topics including how to recruit for your ensemble, advice for young composers in the classroom, the fundamentals of music literacy, and how to integrate music theory into your rehearsals.Check out Dr. Scherr's website:https://berniescherrcomposer.com/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Dee Romines, Director of Choral Activities at Hardin-Simmons University, joins us on this episode to discuss his time singing and studying with legendary conductors Don Neuen and Robert Shaw and the some of the biggest lessons he learned during his time with them. We also get to hear his unique perspective on teaching both band and choir, and the differences that he has observed in the culture and teaching technique required for each ensemble.Follow the Hardin-Simmons choir on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hsutxchoir/Learn more about the Hardin-Simmons School of Music:https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/schools-colleges/college-liberal-arts/music-opportunities/Chorus Abilene:https://chorusabilene.org/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this episode, Christian tells his story from growing up with orchestral music to his life-changing experience in choir. He also describes his experience as a music major in college and where he currently is in his journey to compose music full-time.Follow Christian on Social Media!YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4uCb3VCBrkaNpy32rHgO3gInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/christian_fortner_music/?hl=enCheck out Christian's website:https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Kara describes her journey from experiencing the strength, beauty, and community of being in a music ensemble in grade school to her first year of teaching. She also talks about her musical inspirations and the lessons she's learned during her first year.Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

In this episode, Christian and Kara introduce themselves and describe how they met, where they are in their journey right now, and the importance of the relationship between music educators and composers. They also discuss how this podcast came to be, the purpose of it, and what you can expect to get out of it.Welcome to Beyond the Measure!This podcast is sponsored by Christian's business: Christian Fortner Music! Check out his website: https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/ Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings