Directors Circle

Dr. Andrea Brown is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. At UM, Dr. Brown conducts several ensembles including the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble and the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band.    Topics include: - Andrea discusses her experiences working as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Michigan and making the transition to leading ensembles at the University of Maryland  - Designing shows for marching band - Promoting diversity of gender in the field of music education   Links:  Andrea’s UM page: https://music.umd.edu/directory/andrea-brown UM Bands: https://music.umd.edu/ensembles/bands   Bio:  Dr. Andrea E. Brown was appointed the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland in 2018. In this position she conducts the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble and serves as the Director of Athletic Bands in which she leads the “Mighty Sound of Maryland” and all aspects of the athletic band program. Brown is formerly a member of the conducting faculty at the University of Michigan where she served as the assistant director of bands. In this position, she was the conductor of the Campus Bands and director of the Campus Band Chamber Ensembles, associate director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, director of the Men's Basketball Band, guest conductor with the Symphony Band and Concert Band, taught conducting, and was a faculty sponsor of a College of Engineering Multidisciplinary Design Project team researching conducting pedagogy technology. Previously Brown was the director of orchestra and assistant director of bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta where she also led research in conducting pedagogy technology and was a member of the Oxford Program faculty. She is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the US, Europe, and Asia.    Brown completed a DMA in instrumental conducting at UNC Greensboro where she was a student of John Locke and Kevin Geraldi. While at UNCG, she was named Outstanding Teaching Assistant and was both guest conductor and principal horn on UNCG Wind Ensemble's fireworks! and finish line! CDs released on the Equilibrium label. Brown has also had several rehearsal guides published in the popular GIA Publications series, "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" and has presented at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Music For All Summer Symposium, the Yamaha Bläserklasse in Schlitz, Germany, the International Computer Music Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the College Music Society International Conference in Sydney, Australia, and multiple times at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference.   A proponent of inclusion and equity issues in the music profession, Brown is a frequent guest speaker on these topics. She currently serves on the CBDNA Gender and Ethnic Minority Committee, and as a member of the recently formed Drum Corps International Women’s In Step Committee. Brown is also the founder of “Women Rising to the Podium” - an online group of 2300 members supporting and celebrating women band directors. She also serves the chair of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity Graduate Conducting Grant.   Brown currently serves as a brass consultant for Phantom Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. She has been on the brass and conducting instructional staff of the DCI World Champion Phantom Regiment since 2004. Other marching organizations with which she has instructed are the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, Carolina Crown, Kennesaw Mountain High School (GA), Father Ryan High School (TN), and McGavock High School (TN).   As a performer, Brown was a member of the AA Brass Quintet, which won the International Brass Quintet Competition hosted by Fred Mills at the University of Georgia. She performed with the horn sections of the Boston Brass All Stars Big Band, North Carolina Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, and the Brevard Music Center Orchestra. Brown has studied brass performance and pedagogy with Abigail Pack, Jack Masarie, Freddy Martin, J.D. Shaw, Dottie Bennett, Randy Kohlenberg, Richard Steffen, and Ed Bach.   Originally from Milan, Tennessee, she is a graduate of Austin Peay State University where she was named "Outstanding Student in Music." Brown earned a master of music degree in horn performance and a master of music education degree with a cognate in instrumental conducting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. Prior to her position at Georgia Tech, Brown was the assistant director of bands at Austin Peay State University and taught public school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and Dallas, Texas. She is a member of Phi Kappa Phi, Pi Kappa Lambda, and CBDNA. She was awarded the Rose of Honor as a member of Sigma Alpha Iota and is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.    

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Colonel Timothy Holtan. Col. Holtan holds the distinction of being the first officer to command all three of the U.S. Army’s premier bands. Since retiring in 2017, he currently serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Maryland Winds.    Topics include: - Colonel Holtan shares lessons learned from his time in the Army Band  - Differences between studying at the Army School of Music and a four-year university - Selecting repertoire for diverse ensembles  - Motivating musicians in your ensemble   Links:  Maryland Winds: https://marylandwinds.com   Bio:  Colonel Timothy J. Holtan retired in 2017 as the senior military musician in the Department of Defense. Col. Holtan’s final command was as the 10th Leader and Commander of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” He holds the distinction of being the only officer to command all three of the Army’s premier bands, which include the U.S. Army Field Band and the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point. Col. Holtan received numerous military awards and honors during his 28½-year career, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Col. Holtan is a graduate of Bismarck (ND) High School and is a former school music educator in Montana. A clinician for Conn-Selmer, Inc. and Artistic Director of the newly formed professional wind band The Maryland Winds, he is a strong advocate for music education, enjoys substitute teaching, and is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Col. Holtan has presented concerts and clinics in all 50 states, Canada, Japan, the U.S. Virgin Islands and across Europe. In 2000, Col. Holtan was selected for the Army’s “Training with Industry” program. He served as the Director of Operations and Associate Conductor of the Dallas Winds, while concurrently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of North Texas. Col. Holtan holds music education degrees from Montana State University and the University of Montana, and has pursued additional conducting studies with Elizabeth Green, H. Robert Reynolds, John Paynter, Larry Rachleff, Jerry Junkin and Eugene Corporon. Col. Holtan’s ensembles have been seen on many nationally televised broadcasts and diverse stages such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, DAR Constitution Hall, Mormon Tabernacle, Myerson Symphony Center, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, as well as for the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Under his leadership and after a 44-year absence, the West Point Band reestablished a partnership with the New York Philharmonic, which resulted in five Lincoln Center joint concert performances. Col. Holtan also led the West Point Band in the Emmy-nominated “Marina at West Point” PBS television production that has reached over 180 million viewers. Col. Holtan has been honored as Alumnus of the Year by Bismarck State College and was inducted into the Bismarck High School Hall of Fame. Col. Holtan served for twelve years on the National Band Association Board of Directors and has received multiple Citations of Excellence. In 2011, he was the University of Montana’s School of Visual and Performing Arts “Odyssey of the Stars” honoree and was inducted into their Hall of Honor. Col. Holtan holds membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and serves on the Advisory Committee to the Midwest Clinic.  

This episode features my interview with Dr. Peter Boonshaft. Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for Jupiter Brand Instruments and KHS America Academic Alliance, is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. Dr. Boonshaft is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music. Dr. Boonshaft is also a Spokesperson for Alfred Music.     Topics include: - Peter’s inspiration for starting his work as an author with writing “Teaching Music With Passion”  - Creating musical “pearls” in every rehearsal  - Defining and inspiring musical excellence  - Teacher motivation and inspiration   Links:  Boonshaft’s Blog: https://academicalliance.com/boonshafts-blog/   Bio:  Called one of the most exciting and exhilarating voices in music education today, Peter Loel Boonshaft has been invited to speak and conduct in every state in the nation and around the world. Honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education," Dr. Boonshaft is Director of Education for Jupiter Band Instruments, and his weekly “Boonshaft’s Blog" for music educators continues to inspire teachers everywhere. He has received official proclamations from the Governors of five states and a Certificate of Appreciation from former President Ronald Reagan, as well as performing for former President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, and for Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has been awarded membership in Pi Kappa Lambda and Alpha Chi, as well as twice receiving the University of Hartford Regent's Award and that University's Outstanding Music Educator Award. His honors also include being selected three times as a National Endowment for the Arts "Artist in Residence" three times awarded Honorary Life Membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society, receiving the Al G. Wright Award from the Women Band Directors International, and being selected for the Center for Scholarly Research and Academic Excellence at Hofstra University.   He holds Bachelor of Music (Summa Cum Laude), Master of Music Education in Conducting, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Dr. Boonshaft was also awarded a Connecticut General Fellowship for study at the Kodály Musical Training Institute, from which he holds a Certificate. He is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Boonshaft was on the faculty of Moravian College and the University of Hartford. He was Founder and Music Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Honors Concert Band and the Connecticut Valley Youth Wind Ensemble. In addition, he held the post of Music Director and Conductor of the Metropolitan Wind Symphony of Boston.   Dr. Boonshaft is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise, as well as his first book for teachers of other disciplines, Teaching with Passion, Purpose and Promise. He is also co-author of Alfred Music Publishing’s new beginning method book series, Sound Innovations for Band and Sound Innovations for Strings, as well as Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Young Concert Band, Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Intermediate Concert Band, and Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Advanced Concert Band. In addition, he is the author of Vaclav Nelhybel: His Life and Works, the only authorized biography of the composer, a contributing author of The Music Director’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program, and author of articles for Instrumentalist Magazine, the National Band Association Journal, Teaching Music, and Band Director's Guide. Dr. Boonshaft also held the post of Band/Wind Ensemble Editor for the School Music News. Active as a proponent of new literature for concert band, he has commissioned and conducted over forty world premieres by such notable composers as Eric Ewazen, W. Francis McBeth, Johan de Meij, Fisher Tull, H. Owen Reed, Vaclav Nelhybel, David Gillingham, Philip Sparke, Satoshi Yagisawa, Rossano Galante, Sam Hazo, Andrew Boysen, Brian Hogg, Robert W. Smith, David Holsinger, Stephen Melillo, Roland Barrett, and Jared Spears. Among the soloists who have appeared in performance with Dr. Boonshaft are John Marcellus, Maynard Ferguson, Harvey Phillips, The Boston Brass, Eugene Rousseau, Marianne Gedigian, Ed Shaughnessy, Lynn Klock, Don Butterfield, The Dallas Brass, We Are The Mummies, Lance LaDuke, Dave Steinmeyer and the United States Air Force "Airmen of Note," Chester Schmitz, and the Vienna Schubert Trio.   Extremely active as a guest conductor, clinician and speaker for conferences, festivals, concerts and workshops nationally and internationally, he has guest conducted the NAfME (The National Association for Music Education) National High School Honors Band, NAfME All-Eastern Band, NAfME All-Northwest Band, NAfME All-Eastern Directors Band, Goldman Memorial Band, U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band, U.S. Marine Band New Orleans, Western International Band Clinic, Prague Castle Guard/Czech Police Symphonic Band, U.S. Department of Defense Dependents Schools: Europe Honors Music Fest Band, and the Association of Concert Bands National Conference Band. In addition, he is an adjudicator and clinician for the Music For All/Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, and serves as Chief Adjudicator for the Australian School Band and Orchestra Festival He has served as a speaker for the Canadian Music Educators Association National Convention, NAfME National Conference, American Band College, Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, Music For All/Bands and Orchestras of America Symposium, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Samuel Barber Institute for Music Educators, Music Education Center of America, EARCOS Conferences in China and Thailand, Singapore Ministry of Education Band Conference, KIPP National School Summit, NESA Council of Overseas Schools Conferences in Thailand and the Philippines, and as keynote speaker for the NAfME Northwest Division Conference, NAfME Southern Division Conference, European Music Educators Convention, National Convention of the American String Teachers Association, National Convention of the American School Band Directors Association, ACDA Western Division Conference, East Asia Regional Council of Schools, Maryborough Music Conference of Australia, National Conference of the Organization of American Kodály Educators, The Sydney (Australia) Music Education Conference, and numerous international, national, state and regional music education conferences.

This episode features my interview with Mr. Ryan Nowlin who is a well-regarded composer, educator, and conductor. Ryan is the Assistant Director for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and is a co-author of the famous “Tradition Of Excellence” method series. In our conversation, Ryan talks about his work as a composer and how he approaches working with ensembles.    Ryan Nowlin’s appearance on this podcast is in an unofficial capacity and does not constitute or imply endorsement by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the U.S. Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government   Topics include: - How Ryan started his work as a composer - Ryan’s thoughts on composing music - The process involved in writing a method book - Repertoire quality and selection  Links:  Ryan’s catalogue at KJOS Music: https://kjos.com/catalog/person/view/id/1284/ Bio:  A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Ryan Nowlin holds both his B.M. and M.M. degrees from Bowling Green State University (Ohio). He has taught instrumental music for ten years, most recently in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District (Ohio), where he served as Director of Bands. Mr. Nowlin was also an instructor in conducting and band scoring at Bowling Green State University and has served as a staff arranger for the BGSU Falcon Marching Band.   Mr. Nowlin is an active composer and arranger, and has been commissioned to write for Grade 1 through Grade 6 concert bands, brass quintet, tuba quartet, horn ensemble, solo horn and piano, and choir. "A Christmas Fanfare" is featured as the opening piece on The Tower Brass's CD Snowed In... Again. "Elegy (for Herbert A. Spencer)" was premiered in 2005 at the 37th International Horn Society Summer Symposium by Grammy Award Winner Andrew Pelletier. Several of his works have been heard on national radio and television broadcasts, including his arrangement of “America the Beautiful” for the 2014 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City. He has co-authored a band method called Tradition of Excellence; a band director's textbook called Teaching Band with Excellence; and a series of music theory, ear training, and history workbooks called Excellence in Theory, and Excellence in Chamber Music with noted author, composer, and educator Bruce Pearson. In 2010, Mr. Nowlin joined "The President's Own" United States Marine Band as staff arranger before being appointed to his current position of Assistant Director in 2014. In this role, Mr. Nowlin regularly conducts the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra in the Washington D.C. area, at the White House, and across the United States.    

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Michael Haithcock who is the Director of Bands at the University of Michigan. During our conversation, Michael shares his thoughts on ways to engage students in rehearsal and leading a program to musical excellence.    Topics include: - Transitioning into a program that’s strong in tradition - Maintaining excellence in a program - Bringing music to life through score study - Repertoire quality and selection - Helping students discover expressive elements of music  Links:  Michael’s University of Michigan page: https://smtd.umich.edu/about/faculty-profiles/michael-haithcock/ University of Michigan Symphony Band YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIL7RYgu4qViyVCL69F8zTg Bio:  Michael Haithcock assumed his duties as director of bands and professor of music (conducting) at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2001 following twenty-three years on the faculty of Baylor University. Following in the footsteps of William D. Revelli and H. Robert Reynolds, Professor Haithcock conducts the internationally renowned University of Michigan Symphony Band, guides the acclaimed graduate band and wind ensemble conducting program, and provides administrative leadership for all aspects of the University of Michigan’s diverse and historic band program. Ensembles under Haithcock’s guidance have received a wide array of critical acclaim for their high artistic standards of performance and repertoire. These accolades have come through concerts at national and state conventions, performances in major concert venues, and recordings on the Albany, Arsis, and Equilibrium labels. Haithcock was selected to conduct the world premiere of Daron Hagen’s Bandanna, an opera for voice and wind band, commissioned by the College Band Directors’ National Association. He is a leader in commissioning and premiering new works for concert band. Haithcock has earned the praise of both composers and conductors for his innovative approaches to developing the wind ensemble repertoire and programming. Haithcock is in constant demand as a guest conductor and as a resource person for symposiums and workshops in a variety of instructional settings as well as festival and all-state appearances throughout the country. A graduate of East Carolina University – where he received the 1996 Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Music – and Baylor University, Haithcock has done additional study at a variety of conducting workshops including the Herbert Blomstedt Orchestral Conducting Institute. The Instrumentalist, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, the School Musician, the Southwest Music Educator, and WINDS magazine have published his articles on conducting and wind literature.  

This episode features my interview with my friend and mentor, Mr. Dennis Glocke. Dennis has recently retired as the Director of Concert Bands at Penn State University where he has led several ensembles and taught courses in conducting. In our conversation, Dennis shares many lessons on music-making and teaching that he has learned over his career as a music educator.    Topics include: - Dennis discusses his career as a music educator and conductor  - Inspiring students through the creation on significant musical experiences  - Repertoire quality and selection  - Making music come to life  -Growing as a conductor, musician, and educator   Links:  Denis’s Penn State page: https://music.psu.edu/faculty/dennis-glocke Dennis conducting the Penn State Symphonic Band: https://youtu.be/Q9hfWf4j3CI   Bio:  Dennis Glocke was appointed director of concert bands at Penn State in 1996.  He received degrees in conducting from Northwestern University, where he studied with John P. Paynter, and in music education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where his principal conducting teachers were H. Robert Reynolds and Eugene Corporon.   Prior to joining the Penn State faculty, Professor Glocke was associate director of bands at the University of Michigan, director of bands at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and a band director in the Oconomowoc (WI) public schools. Professor Glocke is frequently invited to serve as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States.  His ensembles have performed at the Eastern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Conference, and the Midwest Clinic in Chicago.  The Penn State Symphonic Wind Ensemble was invited to open the 2005 Flicorno D’Oro international band festival in Riva del Garda, Italy, the first American band to be so honored.  He has also conducted in some of the country’s finest performing venues, including the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas), Heinz Hall (Pittsburgh), the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), the Kimmel Center (Philadelphia), the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater (Chautauqua, NY), The Music Center at Strathmore (North Bethesda, MD), and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center (New York).

In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lori Schwartz Reichl. Lori is an author, clinician, and music educator who is well known for her contributions to publications such as In Tune Magazine and Teaching Music Magazine. In this interview, Lori shares her ideas on setting up students for success and incorporating diversity into musical experiences.    Topics include: - Lori talks about her work and creating professional development materials for music teachers  - Establishing routines to enhance the music-making process  - The importance of diversity when programming repertoire   Links:  Lori’s website: https://makingkeychanges.com/ Lori’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3AEynWNEGTwbwU0vaq-OA   Bio:  Lori Schwartz Reichl (b. 1978) is a champion of mentorship and motivation in education. She strives daily to "make key changes" in education for all students, educators, and supporters. Lori's culturally diverse experiences of building and maintaining secondary band programs in rural, Title I, and corrective action schools have transformed her career into serving as an active adjudicator, author, clinician, conductor, instructor, and speaker. Lori has enjoyed serving as a guest conductor in Europe, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota for numerous honor band festivals and new music reading sessions. She has presented for music education associations including: DMEA (Delaware), KMEA (Kansas), PMEA (Pennsylvania), MMEA (Maryland), OMEA (Ohio), NAfME (National Association for Music Education), NAfME's Eastern Division, South Dakota Bandmasters Association, WBDI (Women Band Directors International) and prepared countless K-12 professional development and collegiate sessions. She has been interviewed for several music education podcasts and often serves as host, interviewer, moderator, or panelist for educational programs. Lori is the author of the “Tools for Educators” series entitled “Key Changes: Refreshing Your Music Program” published monthly in the teacher's guide of In Tune Magazine where she provides resources to enhance the music classroom and rehearsal space. She also serves as a journalist for Teaching Music Magazine. With more than 60 published educational pieces, Lori's work is featured each month as part of NAfME's Music in a Minuet Blog, frequently appears in The Woman Conductor Journal, and is routinely republished in many state music education association journals and newsletters. Her articles, "Professionalism in Teaching" and "Make It Stick!", were highlighted as two of NAfME's "Top 10 Most-Read Music Education Blogs of 2019". Lori designed her mentoring publications into a graduate course that she instructs annually through The University of the Arts in Pennsylvania appropriately entitled "Making Key Changes: Refresh Your Music Program". She also receives residences at universities to mentor and motivate pre-service teachers.  As the Head of Engagement for ICD (Institute for Composer Diversity), Lori is dedicated to the celebration, education, and advocacy of music created by composers of historically underreprested groups. In Maryland, Lori serves as Artistic and Executive Director of the Regional Repertory Wind Ensemble, Coordinator of Howard County's Secondary Solo & Ensemble Festival, and Conductor of Howard County's Middle School Honor Band. For Women Band Directors International, she serves as a member of the Mentoring Committee and State Chair for Maryland. Lori has served as a high school band director for American Music Abroad (2006-2010), conductor of the Howard County Middle School Gifted and Talented Band (2016-2017), and supervisor of music education interns for Towson University (2017-2018). As a saxophone player, Lori grew-up in Manchester, Pennsylvania and attended the Northeastern School District in York County. She was fortunate to have her father, Frank Schwartz, as her elementary and high school band director. She credits her large extended family, and especially her father and mother, for her love of music and teaching. In 2001, Lori began her career as the first full-time band director of Daniel Boone Area Middle School in Berks County, Pennsylvania, where she received the Superintendent's Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2006 she moved to Maryland and began her work with Title I Schools. As band director of Oakland Mills Middle School, Lori was a finalist for the 2011 Howard County Teacher of the Year Award as well as a finalist for the 2013 Howard County Parents for School Music Educator of the Year Award. Under her baton, the Oakland Mills Bands received consecutive superior ratings at county, state, and regional adjudications, were presented an Honorary Resolution from the Howard County Council, and performed as the featured middle school band at the 2014 Maryland Music Educators Conference. Lori was asked to serve as band director and create the music program for Thomas Viaduct Middle School (2014-2016), Howard County’s newest secondary school. In its opening year, the band received superior ratings at county and regional festivals and was invited to perform at the state band festival. Lori received her Bachelor of Science in Music Education from West Chester University, Master of Music Education from Lebanon Valley College, and Administrator I Certification through McDaniel College. Lori resides near Baltimore, Maryland with her non-musical husband, her 4-year-old daughter who is Broadway bound, and her 2-year-old son who is destined to be a percussionist. Lori's motto is "Embrace your uniqueness!"   

This episode features my interview with Theresa Hoover Ducassoux. Theresa is a well-known music educator and writer with her blog, Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher’s Journey. In our conversation, Theresa shares many of her ideas on integrating technology into the classroom and student empowerment.  Topics:  - Technology integration into the classroom and concert hall - Ideas on remote teaching during the Covid-19 Pandemic  - Empowering students in the classroom    Links:  Off the Beaten Path - A Music Teacher’s Journey: https://offthebeatenpathinmusic.com/ Follow Theresa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MusicalTheresa   Bio:  Theresa Hoover Ducassoux is a music educator, speaker, and writer. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and works to empower students throughout their musical experiences and help teachers transform their classrooms to become student-centered learning environments.    Currently, Theresa teaches middle school band in Northern Virginia, opening a brand new middle school in 2019. Prior to moving to Virginia in 2016, she taught instrumental, general, and vocal music in a variety of settings in Pennsylvania for 13 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in wind conducting from West Chester University, both in Pennsylvania.    Theresa is a recognized presenter and clinician at conferences at the local, regional, and national level including the International Music Education Summit, the Virginia Society for Technology in Education, and several state music education conferences. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and was selected as a member of the Google Certified Innovator program, participating in the London 2019 cohort.    In addition to her school teaching, Theresa was the founding director of the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble and currently serves on the staff of the Virginia Winds Academy. She has also been the guest conductor for several elementary and middle school ensembles in Pennsylvania and Virginia.    Theresa’s writing has been featured on websites including the NAfME Music in a Minuet blog, EdTechTeam, Band Directors Talk Shop, and We Are Teachers, as well as on her own blog, Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher’s Journey. Theresa is also the co-author of Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in the Music Room, set to release in the summer of 2020.    When not teaching you can find Theresa curled up with a good book, on the running trail, traveling to visit family and friends, or spending time with her dog Dizzy. 

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Scott Watson. In addition to being an acclaimed composer for band and orchestra, Scott is well known for his work as an educator, author, and clinician.    Topics include:  - Scott’s approach to composing - Composing for student musicians - Integrating technology into a music class - Teaching young instrumentalists    Links:  Scott’s website: https://www.scottwatsonmusic.com/ Scott’s youTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlWx0jwO3JEmbBR_P3nhbA   Bio:  Dr. Scott Watson received his B.S., Music Education from West Chester University and his M.M and D.M.A., Composition from Temple University and has taught music for 30+ years in the Parkland School District (Allentown, Pennsylvania) where he currently coordinates a large, vibrant elementary band/strings program and teaches several popular, creativity-infused high school music electives. Watson was recognized by the Parkland School District in 2015 with a Parkland Pride Award for outstanding achievement, and in 2020 he was awarded the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Citation of Excellence in Teaching Award. An award-winning and frequently commissioned composer, Dr. Watson’s output includes close to 90 published works at all levels for concert band and orchestra. Watson’s music, which has been performed around the world and in the U.S. at such prestigious venues as Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, the White House, and the Midwest Clinic (Chicago), has been described as “outstanding...with beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies" (The Instrumentalist) and "written with supreme craft" (Percussive Arts Society Percussive Notes). His music has received awards and recognition from the American Composers Forum, the American Music Center, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the Percussive Arts Society, and others. Recent commissions include works for: Composers and Schools in Concert (for a consortium of 12 university and high school bands across the U.S.), Magic Valley Symphony Orchestra (Twin Falls, ID), Albemarle County (VA) Middle School Honors Band, MusicAlliance Honor Band Camp (Cleveland, OH), the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association, and many school ensembles. Watson is an exclusive composer for Alfred Publications and a contributor and clinician for the Sound Innovations band series. He, along with co-authors Brian Beck and Robert Sheldon, created Alfred Music's Sound Sight-Reading method (Books 1 and 2) for concert band. Watson has presented numerous workshops/clinics for music educators, including the 2019 New Hampshire Music Educators Association Conference, 2017 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic (Chicago, IL), 2017 MENC Eastern Division Conference (Atlantic City, NJ), 2015 NAfME National Conference (Nashville, TN), the keynote for the 2013 Music Technology in Education Conference (Melbourne, Australia) and many other clinics and professional development workshops. He frequently serves as guest conductor for honor band festivals, including the 2020 East Central Mississippi Band Director's Association High School Honor Band, 2020 Winston-Salem/Forsyth All-County Middle School Honor Band, 2019 Mississippi Middle School All-State Band, 2019 PMEA 12 Delaware County 5th/6th Grade BandFest, 2018 PMEA 10 Elementary Band Festival, 2017 PMEA District 5 Freshman Band Festival, and the 2015 All New England Band Festival (Plymouth State University, NH). Additionally, Dr. Watson is an adjunct professor for a number of universities (Cairn University, University of the Arts, Central Connecticut State University, and Moravian College) and author of the highly regarded music education text, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity (©2011, Oxford University Press). Watson's facility with and pedagogical application of music education technology has made him an in-demand presenter and professional development trainer.  

It is my pleasure to bring you one of my favorite interviews featuring Mr. Jamey Aebersold. Jamey is recognized as a foremost authority in jazz education with his work as an author and publisher of many major publications including his famous Jazz Play-A -Long series. In this episode, we talk about the importance of improvisation and ways to encourage students to create their own music.  Topics include: (04:55) Jamey talks about his professional background (0711) Jamey discusses how he started his business and the Jazz Play-A-Long series (10:10) Having a major influence on jazz education (12:58) Starting a jazz program (16:25) Encouraging students to improvise music (18:37) Getting students to LISTEN (21:23) The importance of improvisation (24:20) The future of jazz education (29:30) Programming jazz selections (32:52) Favorite rehearsal tactics (35:40) Why do we teach music?  (39:16) Jamey discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (43:34) Advice for music educators   Links:  Jamey Aebersold Jazz: http://www.jazzbooks.com/ JA Jazz Play-A-Long Series: http://www.jazzbooks.com/jazz/category/aeball Jamey’s FREE Jazz Handbook (a.k.a “The Red Book”): http://www.jazzbooks.com/mm5/download/FQBK-handbook.pdf (This book can also be obtained by writing to: Jamey Aebersold Jazz, PO Box 1244, New Albany, IN, 47151-1244, U.S.A.) JAZZ at Lincoln Center feature on Jamey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8X9jDuMg4 Jamey performing with the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Quintet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk_SzlfI6sU   Bio:  Jamey Aebersold was born July 21, 1939, in New Albany, Indiana. He attended college at Indiana University and graduated in 1962 with a Masters Degree in Saxophone. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Indiana University in 1992. He also plays piano, bass and banjo.   In 1989, the International Association of Jazz Educators inducted Jamey into their Hall of Fame at the San Diego convention. With this award, Jamey joins other jazz luminaries such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and others.   Jamey is a internationally-known saxophonist and authority on jazz education and improvisation, and has developed a series of Jazz Play-A-Longs (book and cd sets (now numbering almost 130 volumes) as well as various other supplemental aids for the development of improvisational skills. The Aebersold book and recording sets allow a musician the opportunity to practice and improvise with well-known jazz personalities at home as well as in the classroom. The recordings employ some of the best jazz musicians in the world. This concept has been responsible for changing the practice habits of thousands of musicians around the world.   Jamey was one of the first to encourage small group classes which concentrate on jazz improvisation, and he is the director of the Summer Jazz Workshops which now have 40+ years on record. Jamey feels that improvisation is something all people can do—and his clinics and lectures concentrate on demonstrating how the creative and spontaneous nature of each person can be brought to light.   These week-long Summer Jazz Workshops are having a profound effect on musical communities around the world. The Workshops have traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Germany, England, Scotland, Denmark and Canada. Every summer there are at least two week-long Workshops in the U.S. These camps employ many of the finest player/teachers in jazz and are open to any serious jazz student regardless of ability or age.   In 2007, Jamey was awarded the Indiana Governor's Arts Award by Mitch Daniels, the Governor of Indiana.   On October 4, 1987, CBS' "Sunday Morning" with Charles Kuralt and Billie Taylor featured Jamey with the Summer Jazz Workshops in an exciting jazz educational segment.   Jamey has taught at three colleges and universities in the Louisville, Kentucky area and has made guest appearances in dozens of cities around the world. While conducting a jazz clinic in Brazil he produced a 110-minute DVD/video appropriately titled "Anyone Can Improvise" which has become a best-seller.   Jamey's hobby is listening to jazz, especially new young players. He also enjoys playing basketball (he has hit 50 free throws in a row!) and is very much interested in Metaphysics and spiritual pursuits as they apply to the growth of the individual. In December 2004, the Jazz Midwest Clinic bestowed upon Jamey the "Medal of Honor" in Jazz Education.   In 2014, Jamey was awarded The National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master Award, the nation's highest honor in jazz. Jamey Aebersold is the recipient of the 2014 A.B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy, which is bestowed upon an individual who has contributed significantly to the appreciation, knowledge, and advancement of the art form of jazz.   Jamey has been a driving force in America's native art form, Jazz, and continues to kindle the fires of musical imagination in those with whom he comes in contact.      

This episode features my interview with Dr. Shelley Jagow from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to her career as an educator and conductor, Shelley is well known for her work as an author of several publications including “Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program” and “Tuning For Wind Instruments: A Roadmap To Successful Intonation.”    Topics include: (02:46) Shelley talks about her professional background and work at Wright State University (11:38) Repertoire evaluation and selection (25:00) Teaching Intonation (39:35) Shelley discusses her book “Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program”  (44:00) Student motivation (51:57) Favorite rehearsal tactics (54:45) Why do we teach music?  (57:40) Shelley discusses leaders that have made an impact on her life  (1:00:07) Advice for music educators   Links: Shelley’s website: http://www.shelleyjagow.com/ Shelley’s WSU site: https://people.wright.edu/shelley.jagow Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program: https://www.halleonard.com/product/317167/teaching-instrumental-music   Bio:  Dr. Shelley Jagow is Professor of Music at Wright State University School of Music (Dayton, OH) where she serves as director of the Symphonic Band and Saxophone Quartet. She earned top honors in Music Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and the University of Missouri (Columbia) where respective mentors include Marvin Eckroth, Dale Lonis, Martin Bergee and Wendy Sims. She earned her Ph. D. in Music Education at the Union Institute & University (Cincinnati) where Colonel Timothy Foley, Frank Battisti, and Edward Wingard served as her mentors. In addition to studies in education, saxophone and conducting, Shelley also earned the Certificate in Piano Performance IX from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and in 2009 was nominated for both the "Robert J. Kegerreis Distinguished Professor of Teaching" Award and the "Brage Golding Distinguished Professor of Research" Award.   As an artist clinician with Conn-Selmer, Hal Leonard, Meredith Music, and Vandoren, “Dr. J” enjoys working with school bands and presents clinics, performances, adjudications, and serves as honor band conductor at various state, national and international conferences and events. Venues include locations in various states/provinces/countries: Alberta, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Italy, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Scotland, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington D.C.; including conferences such as State Music Educators Conferences, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA), the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the College Music Symposium (CMS), the World Saxophone Congress, and the United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium.    Shelley also directs the WSU student Avion Saxophone Quartet, which can be heard on CDbaby.com. All members of the quartet are chosen annually on a highly selective audition process, and include music education and/or performance majors at Wright State University. The Avion Saxophone Quartet is a recipient of the Edgar Hardy Scholarship, the Dayton Chamber Music Society Scholarship, the Chamber Music Institute Fellowship, and the Wright State University Presidential Commendation for Excellence. The quartet has commissioned and premiered works from national composers all across the world. The group performs a diverse musical repertory and is often invited to perform at school, community, and professional events including the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) State Conference, the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conferences, the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and most recently the World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews, Scotland. The Quartet has performed throughout the United States in Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington D.C. International performance tours include Japan, Italy and Scotland. Shelley herself can be heard performing on the Emeritus Recording label, on National Public Radio Performance Today, and America’s Millennium Tribute to ADOLPHE SAX, Volume XI by Arizona University Recordings.   Shelley is a regular contributing author to both The Music Director’s Cookbook (Meredith Music), and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series (GIA Music). She is also the author of the book and DVD Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing the Complete Band Program (Meredith Music)—a resource rapidly becoming the adopted textbook for music education degree study across the United States and Canada. Her most recent publications include Tuning for Wind Instruments: A Roadmap to Successful Intonation (Meredith Music), Intermediate Studies for Developing Artists on the Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon (Meredith), and The Londeix Lectures a 13+ hours DVD set archiving the historical music lectures of Professor Jean-Marie Londeix (and translated by William Street, University of Alberta).   Dr. Shelley Jagow is Professor of Music at Wright State University School of Music (Dayton, OH) where she serves as director of the Symphonic Band and Saxophone Quartet. She earned top honors in Music Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and the University of Missouri (Columbia) where respective mentors include Marvin Eckroth, Dale Lonis, Martin Bergee and Wendy Sims. She earned her Ph. D. in Music Education at the Union Institute & University (Cincinnati) where Colonel Timothy Foley, Frank Battisti, and Edward Wingard served as her mentors. In addition to studies in education, saxophone and conducting, Shelley also earned the Certificate in Piano Performance IX from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and in 2009 was nominated for both the "Robert J. Kegerreis Distinguished Professor of Teaching" Award and the "Brage Golding Distinguished Professor of Research" Award.   As an artist clinician with Conn-Selmer, Hal Leonard, Meredith Music, and Vandoren, “Dr. J” enjoys working with school bands and presents clinics, performances, adjudications, and serves as honor band conductor at various state, national and international conferences and events. Venues include locations in various states/provinces/countries: Alberta, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Italy, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Scotland, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington D.C.; including conferences such as State Music Educators Conferences, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA), the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the College Music Symposium (CMS), the World Saxophone Congress, and the United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium.    Shelley also directs the WSU student Avion Saxophone Quartet, which can be heard on CDbaby.com. All members of the quartet are chosen annually on a highly selective audition process, and include music education and/or performance majors at Wright State University. The Avion Saxophone Quartet is a recipient of the Edgar Hardy Scholarship, the Dayton Chamber Music Society Scholarship, the Chamber Music Institute Fellowship, and the Wright State University Presidential Commendation for Excellence. The quartet has commissioned and premiered works from national composers all across the world. The group performs a diverse musical repertory and is often invited to perform at school, community, and professional events including the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) State Conference, the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conferences, the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium, and most recently the World Saxophone Congress in St. Andrews, Scotland. The Quartet has performed throughout the United States in Connecticut, Indiana, Nebraska, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, and Washington D.C. International performance tours include Japan, Italy and Scotland. Shelley herself can be heard performing on the Emeritus Recording label, on National Public Radio Performance Today, and America’s Millennium Tribute to ADOLPHE SAX, Volume XI by Arizona University Recordings.   Shelley is a regular contributing author to both The Music Director’s Cookbook (Meredith Music), and the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series (GIA Music). She is also the author of the book and DVD Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing the Complete Band Program (Meredith Music)—a resource rapidly becoming the adopted textbook for music education degree study across the United States and Canada. Her most recent publications include Tuning for Wind Instruments: A Roadmap to Successful Intonation (Meredith Music), Intermediate Studies for Developing Artists on the Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Saxophone and Bassoon (Meredith), and The Londeix Lectures a 13+ hours DVD set archiving the historical music lectures of Professor Jean-Marie Londeix (and translated by William Street, University of Alberta).    

As we face the challenges of teaching during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I had the pleasure of bringing a panel of distinguished music educators together as they shared their personal experiences with this matter. In this interview, you will hear Dr. Russel Mikkelson (Ohio State), Dr. Christopher Cicconi (Towson University), Dr. Andrew Yozviak (West Chester University of PA), and Adam Gumble (West Chester University of PA) talking about their current teaching situations, modifying instruction for remote teaching, and maintaining a positive mindset during this difficult time.    Links:  Russel Mikkelson’s OSU website: https://music.osu.edu/people/mikkelson.1 Christopher Cicconi’s TU website: https://www.towson.edu/cofac/departments/music/facultystaff/ccicconi.html Andrew Yozviak’s WCU website: https://www.wcupa.edu/music/ensembleFaculty/aYozviak.aspx Adam Gumble’s WCU website: https://www.wcupa.edu/music/musicEducationFaculty/aGumble.aspx

In this interview, I had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Philip Silvey. In addition to being an acclaimed composer and arranger, Dr. Silvey is Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music where he directs the Women’s Chorus and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. Highlights from our conversation include Philip’s ideas on composing, teacher training, student motivation, and assessment strategies.    Topics include: (02:33) Philip talks about his background as an educator and composer (12:49) How being a composer influences Philip’s work as an educator (18:09) Balancing a career as an educator and composer (27:12) The role of arrangements in repertoire selection (32:23) Skills needed for teachers entering the profession (36:43) Student motivation  (47:45) Current challenges in the music education profession (53:52) The role of assessment in performance based classrooms (1:01:03) Music advocacy (1:08:15) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:09:59) Why do we teach music?  (1:11:36) Philip discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:14:18) Advice for music educators   Links: Philip’s website: https://philipsilvey.com/ Philip’s page at the Eastman School Of Music: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/faculty/silvey_philip/   Bio:  Philip Silvey is Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music where he directs the Women’s Chorus and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education.  Previously he served as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Maryland where he directed the Women’s Chorus, the Maryland Boy Choir, and the College Park Youth Choir. He has been invited to serve as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in numerous states and directed state honors choruses in Maryland, Virginia, New York and New Jersey.  He has served as president of the Maryland-DC chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) and as Repertoire and Standards Chair for Women’s Choirs for the New York state chapter of ACDA. He has presented interest sessions at national, regional, and state ACDA and NAfME (National Association for Music Education) conventions. He has contributed to two textbook series, Experiencing Choral Music and Teaching Music through Performance in Choir, Volumes II and III.  His scholarly writings have appeared in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Music Educators Journal, Choral Journal, and the Arts and Learning Research Journal.  His original choral compositions and arrangements, published by Santa Barbara Music, Carl Fischer, and Boosey & Hawkes, have been performed by all-state and national honors choruses.

This episode features Dr. Tyler Austin who is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University. In this episode, Tyler talks about his roles as a college band director and musical director for the Maryland Chamber Winds. We also chat about entrepreneurial skills, creating meaningful relationships, and vulnerability for music educators.    Topics include: (04:30) Tyler talks about growing up in Western Maryland, his background, and work at OSU (15:15) Adapting to a new teaching role in a collegiate band program (17:41) Building relationships (24:55) Tyler talks about founding the Maryland Wind Festival and Maryland Chamber Winds (40:39) Utilizing entrepreneurial skills as a music educator (47:31) Reimagining the concert experience (56:35) Establishing a culture of collegiality and vulnerability  (1:11:37) Getting musicians to fall in love with music (1:00:00) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:03:46) Why do we teach music?  (1:04:25) Tyler discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:06:51) Advice for music educators   Links: Tyler’s page at Oklahoma State University: https://music.okstate.edu/index.php/about/faculty-staff-directory/93-pages/388-dr-tyler-austin Tyler conducting the OSU Concert Band - https://ostate.tv/media/March+2019+Concert+Band+Performance/1_44hkirtp Tyler conducting the Maryland Chamber Winds- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrkzjj3nhhg Maryland Chamber Winds - https://marylandchamberwinds.org/   Bio:  Dr. Tyler Austin is Assistant Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University. At OSU, Dr. Austin is assistant director of the Cowboy Marching Band, director of the Spirit Basketball Band, and conductor of the Concert Band. He teaches courses in the Music Education area, and holds an additional appointment as instructor of bassoon. In 2015 Dr. Austin founded Maryland Chamber Winds, where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. MCW is an international ensemble of performers who come together to present an annual concert series and educational outreach program. MCW is ensemble-in-residence for the Maryland Wind Festival, a two-week festival of wind chamber music and outreach based in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland and their surrounding communities. Dr. Austin comes to OSU from Michigan State University, where he worked as a graduate assistant in all aspects of the band program. Prior to his study at MSU, he served as Director of Bands at St. John's Catholic Prep in Frederick, MD. While teaching, Dr. Austin freelanced as a bassoonist with wind bands and orchestras throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He has held positions as Principal Bassoon of the Maryland Lyric Opera Orchestra and Second Bassoon with the Liberty Wind Symphony. Dr. Austin holds a D.M.A. in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University under Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole, an M.M. in Bassoon Performance from the University of North Texas under Prof. Kathleen Reynolds, and a B.M. in Music Education from Susquehanna University.

In this episode, I speak with renowned conductor and composer, Dr. Timothy Mahr. Dr. Mahr is an active composer for wind band and is also a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Dr. Mahr shares some valuable insight into the art of composing and creating a culture of excellence in a music program.    Topics include: (02:28) Tim talks about his life, professional background, and band at St. Olaf College (15:28) Achieving excellence across an entire music department (20:32) Guiding traditions and changes in a music program (26:19) Repertoire Selection (33:53) Time talks about his work as a composer and how he got his start (39:44) Maintaining work-life balance as a composer and conductor (51:04) How Tim’s work as a composer has influenced his work as an educator (1:11:37) Getting musicians to fall in love with music (54:21) Favorite rehearsal tactics (59:13) Why do we teach music?  (1:03:18) Todd discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:06:32) Advice for music educators   Links:  Timothy Mahr’s Website: https://www.timothymahr.com/ Mahr’s page at St. Olaf College: https://wp.stolaf.edu/stolaf-band/the-conductor/ Mahr conducting “Bright Side” with the St. Olaf Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEht7BZsopw Mahr conducting “Suite for Band” with the St. Olaf Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji2AAxFp1lI Mahr’s “Endurance” performed by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFy_J42s_OU   Bio:  Since the premiere of Fantasia in G in 1983, Timothy Mahr's compositions have been performed worldwide, recorded, and broadcast. The first recipient within the American Bandmasters Association Commissioning Project, Mahr has composed works for the Music Educators National Conference, the United States Air Force Band, the American School Band Directors Association, and the Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma National Intercollegiate Band.  He received the 1991 ABA/Ostwald Award for his work The Soaring Hawk.   A professor of music at St. Olaf College, Dr. Timothy Mahr conducts the St. Olaf Band, and has taught courses in composition, music education, and conducting. A well-known composer, Mahr has written over 100 works, many of which are published for band and orchestra­­. Beyond The Soaring Hawk, five other works have been finalists in national composition contests. He has received more than 70 commissions over the years. Mahr is a past president of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors National Association and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association and the Minnesota Band Directors Association.  He has led the St. Olaf Band in performance at the national conventions of the American Bandmasters Association (1997), Music Educators National Conference (2005) and College Band Directors National Association (2013). Mahr has appeared in 38 states as a guest conductor and clinician, including leading over twenty all-state bands, and he has also been engaged professionally in Norway, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia.  For more information, visit his website at www.timothymahr.com.      

This episode features my interview with the legendary Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Jerry is a Grammy award-winning conductor who is well known for his work as a professor of choral music at the University of Michigan. In our discussion, Jerry shares his views on repertoire, inspiring musicians, and the art of music-making.    Topics include: (04:09) Jerry talks about his life, background, and current role as a visiting professor at Wheaton College (12:32) Score study (30:05) Connecting students to the music they perform (34:20) Rehearsal methodology (42:31) Framing verbal instruction (47:28) Jerry’s approach to conducting  (1:11:37) Getting musicians to fall in love with music (1:15:04) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:16:24) Why do we teach music?  (1:20:15) Todd discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:24:20) Advice for music educators   Links:  Jerry’s University of Michigan page: https://smtd.umich.edu/about/faculty-profiles/jerry-blackstone/ Jerry conducting Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45 at UoM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAGxnqRpiF0 Jerry conducting William Brehm’s “Allulia” and “Jubilee!” at UoM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWVFUfXRkzE Jerry giving a clinic on compelling musical performances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw8FtiyRXMo Bio:  Grammy Award winner Jerry Blackstone is a leading conductor and highly respected conducting pedagogue.  Now emeritus professor of conducting, he served on the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance for thirty years where as director of choirs he led the graduate program in choral conducting and oversaw the University’s eleven choirs.   In February 2006, he received two GRAMMY Awards (“Best Choral Performance” and “Best Classical Album”) as chorusmaster for the critically acclaimed Naxos recording of William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. The Naxos recording of Milhaud’s monumental L’Orestie d’Eschyle, on which Blackstone served as chorusmaster, was nominated for a 2015 GRAMMY Award (“Best Opera Recording”). Opera Magazine reviewer Tim Ashley wrote: “the real stars, though, are the University of Michigan’s multiple Choirs, who are faced with what must be some of the most taxing choral writing in the entire operatic repertory. Their singing has tremendous authority and beauty, while the shouts and screams of Choéphores are unnerving in the extreme. Their diction is good too: the occasions when we don’t hear the words are Milhaud’s responsibility, rather than theirs. It’s an extraordinary achievement, and utterly mesmerizing.” The University of Michigan Chamber Choir, conducted by Blackstone, performed by special invitation at the inaugural conference in San Antonio of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) and presented three enthusiastically received performances in New York City at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA).  As conductor of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club from 1988-2002, Professor Blackstone led the ensemble in performances at ACDA national and division conventions and on extensive concert tours throughout Australia, Eastern and Central Europe, Asia, South America, and the United States. In 2017, NCCO presented him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Membership Award and, in 2006, for “significant contributions to choral music,” he received the ACDA-Michigan chapter’s Maynard Klein Lifetime Achievement Award.  From 2003-2015, Dr. Blackstone served as conductor and music director of the University Musical Society (UMS) Choral Union, a large community/university chorus that frequently appears with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Ann Arbor Symphony and presents yearly performances of Handel’s Messiah and other major works for chorus and orchestra. Choirs prepared by Blackstone have appeared under the batons of Valery Gergiev, Neeme Järvi, Leonard Slatkin, Hans Graf, Michael Tilson Thomas, John Adams, Helmuth Rilling, James Conlon, Nicholas McGegan, Rafael Frühbeck de Burgos, Peter Oundjian, and Yitzak Perlman. Professor Blackstone is considered one of the country’s leading conducting teachers, and his students have been first place award winners and finalists in both the graduate and undergraduate divisions of ACDA’s biennial National Choral Conducting competition.  His 2016 rehearsal techniques DVD, Did You Hear That? (GIA Publications) deals with the conductor’s decision-making process during rehearsal.  Santa Barbara Music Publishing distributes Blackstone’s acclaimed educational DVD, Working with Male Voices and also publishes the Jerry Blackstone Choral Series. Blackstone is an active guest conductor and workshop presenter and has appeared in forty-two states as well as New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Sicily. In the summer, he leads the Adult Choir Camp and the Choral Conducting Institute at the Interlochen Center for the Arts. Prior to coming to the University of Michigan in 1988, Dr. Blackstone served on the music faculties of Phillips University in Oklahoma, Westmont College in California, and Huntington University in Indiana.    

In this special edition of Directors Circle, I catch up with Scott Sheehan on the open election for the National Association for Music Education. Scott discusses the topics up for election as well as being a candidate for the 2020-2022 National President-Elect. If you are a NAfME member, make sure to vote by February 12th!

In the episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stefan from Wexford (a.k.a Pittsburgh), PA. Todd oversees a large high school band program in the North Allegheny School District that has featured ensembles at PMEA state conferences, NAfME All-Eastern conferences, and the inaugural parade for Barack Obama’s presidency. In this interview, we chat about a wide variety of topics including administrative tasks involved with a large music program, staying mentally healthy with the stresses of the profession, and quotes from the “Rocky” movie franchise! Topics include: (04:28) Todd talks about his life and professional background and his band program at North Allegheny Senior High School (20:57) Building relationships with students in a large program (25:00) Defining excellence in a music program (31:22) Staying mentally healthy as a music educator (54:28) Favorite rehearsal tactics (56:09) Why do we teach music?  (59:47) Todd discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:04:15) Advice for music educators   Links:  Todd’s NASHS faculty page: https://www.northallegheny.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=8111 2019 NASHS Winter Concert: https://youtu.be/gO9uwjl0Ybw 2019 NASD Tiger Marching Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbp6KOBp2tw A 2016 interview featuring Todd in “The Instrumentalist” magazine: https://www.tarleton.edu/band/documents/2016september.pdf   Bio:  Mr.Stefan is the Director of Bands at North Allegheny High School.  He earned a Bachelor of Music Education, Percussion Applied from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (YSU).  Prior to his current position at North Allegheny, Mr. Stefan was the Director of Bands at Thomas Jefferson High School in Jefferson Hills, PA, Director of Bands at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA, Director of Bands at Sharpsville Area High School in Sharpsville, PA, and served on the faculty at Grove City College in Grove City, PA as a part-time applied Percussion Instructor.  At North Allegheny, Mr.Stefan teaches the Senior High School Honors Wind Ensemble, the Senior High School Symphonic Band, the Senior High School Concert Band, the Intermediate High School Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles 1 and 4, and the North Allegheny High School "Tiger" Marching Band. Mr. Stefan has studied percussion with Mr. Joseph Parlink and conducting with Dr. Stephen Gage.  Mr.Stefan's bands have all been judged excellent and superior and have been awarded numerous first place trophies and best overall band awards at festivals and parades including, the MasterCard Alamo Bowl halftime show and band competition in San Antonio, TX, the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Parade and band competitions in Atlanta, GA, the North American Music Festivals in Virginia Beach, VA, Festival Disney in Orlando, FL, the Windy City Classic in Chicago,IL, and Festivals of Music in Myrtle Beach, SC, Chicago, IL, Virginia Beach, VA, Cincinnati, OH, and Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA. The Senior High School Honors Wind Ensemble has appeared in Downbeat Magazine twice; in 2008 and 2010 for winning the Best Overall High School Classical Group in the 31st and 33rd Annual Student Music Awards. The band has also appeared at the 2009 PMEA All-State Conference in Valley Forge, PA, at the 2012 PMEA All-State Conference in Lancaster, PA, and the 2015 PMEA All-State Conference in Hershey, PA. Both the Honors Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble I were selected to perform at the MENC All-Eastern Division Conference in Baltimore Maryland in 2011 and Jazz Ensemble I was selected to perform at the 2017 NAfME All-Eastern Division Conference held in Atlantic City. The “Tiger”Marching Band has appeared in the Disney Spectro-Magic New Year's Eve Parade and the Disney Dreams Come True Parade in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World,has been awarded the Jack Shea President's trophy for “Best Overall Band” in the City of Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade for the past fifteen years, and has been winners of the Allegheny County trophy for the “Best Overall Band” in the City of Pittsburgh Veteran's Day Parade since 2003. In February of 2006 the Marching Band was honored to be the lead band in the Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl XL Victory Parade. The band also was invited to perform in the 2009, 2016, and 2017 Pittsburgh Penguins Stanley Cup Championship Parades. The 2009 Marching Band was also selected and honored to perform in the 56th Presidential Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C. In 2019 the Marching Band performed a pre-show at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. Finally the band was awarded the 2014 and 2018 Basil Caumissar Grand Champion Award; given to the Grand Champion of the Kentucky Derby Pegasus Parade. Mr.Stefan in an active member of NAfME, PMEA, The National Band Association (NBA),The Percussive Arts Society (PAS).  Mr.Stefan is a proud resident of the North Allegheny School District residing in Wexford, PA with his son Tyler.    

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Jason Worzbyt from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. In addition to conducting several instrumental ensembles, Jason also teaches undergraduate and graduate music courses and leads the bassoon studio at IUP. In this interview, we chat about a wide variety of topics including repertoire, recruiting the perfect bassoonist, the importance of music, and coffee! Topics include: (04:06) We talk about coffee and Jason’s preferred brand (06:59) Jason talks about his life and professional background (13:37) Starting a student on bassoon (22:33) Jason talks about his duties and ensembles at IUP (24:27) Repertoire selection (18:20) Scott’s favorite resources on leadership development (35:15) Resources for selecting repertoire (43:47) Balancing a career as a conductor and studio instructor  (52:41) The role of arts in a K-12 curriculum (38:37) How do we define musical success?  (1:06:38) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:11:15) Jason  discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:14:58) Advice for music educators   Links:  Jason’s IUP faculty page: https://www.iup.edu/music/faculty/directory/worzbyt,-jason/ Jason performing with the KEystone Chamber Winds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2CVHSnOxiY Jason Performing with the Yorko Bassoon Concerto No. 2 with the IUP Wind Ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BQ7B8Dv-Nc Jason conducting the 2009 PMEA All-State Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvfODwAuF48 Jason rehearsing the IUP Symphony Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9vpEUyyCo   Bio:  Jason Worzbyt is professor of Bassoon and associate director of Bands at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He holds a BS in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Music in wind conducting from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in bassoon performance from the University of North Texas. Worzbyt has studied bassoon with Kathleen Reynolds, principal bassoon of the Dallas Opera Orchestra and professor of bassoon at the University of North Texas; Kristen Wolfe Jensen, professor of bassoon at the University of Texas; and David Borst, professor emeritus of bassoon at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His conducting teachers include Jack Stamp, director of band studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Eugene Migliaro Corporon, director of wind studies at the University of North Texas. Worzbyt has performed, recorded, and been featured as a soloist with wind ensembles and orchestras all across the country. These ensembles include the Keystone Wind Ensemble, IUP Wind Ensemble, North Texas Wind Symphony, North Texas New Music Ensemble, Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Highland Wind Quintet, and the IUP Faculty Woodwind Quintet. In 2001, Worzbyt gave the world premiere of Bruce Yurko’s “Concerto for Bassoon and Wind Ensemble” with the Keystone Wind Ensemble at the College Band Directors National Association conference. From 2006 to 2009, he was a member of the artist-faculty at the Western Chamber Music Institute hosted by Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. Additional performances include several recitals at meetings of the International Double Reed Society. In March 2013, Klavier Records released a compact disc recording (Five in the Sun) by the Keystone Chamber Players, of which Worzbyt is a member. As a guest conductor, Worzbyt has worked with elementary, junior high, senior high, and professional ensembles in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky. Highlights of these appearances include the Indiana Junior High All State Band, New Jersey All State Symphonic Band, PMEA All State Orchestra, PMEA Western Region State Orchestra, PMEA Region III Band, PMEA Region IV Band, PMEA Region V Band, PMEA District 4 and 6 Orchestras in Johnstown and Westmont, PMEA District 2,3,5 Orchestras in Indiana and Purchase Line, and PMEA District Bands in Pittsburgh, York, Berlin, Johnstown, Punxsutawney, and Philadelphia. From 2007 through 2013, he was music director and conductor of the Westmoreland Symphonic Winds, a professional wind ensemble in residence at Seton Hill University. Committed to music education in the state of Pennsylvania, Worzbyt served as president of District 3 of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association and continues to serve that organization as an adjudicator, guest conductor, and clinician. He has also authored several study guides for the series Teaching Music Through Performance in Band, Middle School Band, and Beginning Band, published by GIA. Worzbyt lives in Indiana, Pennsylvania, with his lovely wife, Michelle, and very active four year old, Christian James.  

Being a music educator is an occupying job with regards to time and balance. Imagine having the job of being a prominent composer in addition to that! In this interview, I had the privilege to chat with Mike Kamuf on how he balances a busy schedule of being a working composer in addition to leading the band and orchestra program at John T. Baker Middle School in Damascus, MD.    Topics include: (03:24) Mike talks about his life and background as a composer/educator (04:45)  Mike talks about how he began composing music (09:03) Balancing a career as a composer and educator (11:03) What educators should know about the composing/publishing business  (21:58) How being an educator influences Mike’s approach to composing music (25:25) Advice for composing your own music (27:19) Quality in musical repertoire  (30:34) Favorite rehearsal tactics (32:34) Why do we teach music?  (34:07) Mike discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (38:18) Advice for music educators   Links:  Mike’s website: https://www.mikekamuf.com/ Mike’s page on Alfred Music Publishing: https://www.alfred.com/authors/mike-kamuf/ Videos of Mike performing with the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elY-DT_HY_s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ttdGvh9Qd4 Compositions/arrangements by Mike -  Red Clay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=_7xotU5GrBo&feature=emb_title Watermelon Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpxHbie4Q9c&feature=emb_title Such Sweet Thunder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWo9pNDrQUU&feature=emb_title L’improviste Vignette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=aWCFlbKI9j0&feature=emb_title Allegory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=Nmpilas3KpE&feature=emb_title Onore!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=BX4hDi03DPo&feature=emb_title   Bio:  A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Mike Kamuf holds Bachelor of Music degrees in both Jazz Performance and Music Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) and a Master of Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). Mike’ s compositions and arrangements have been performed by numerous jazz artists and ensembles including the Woody Herman and Glenn Miller Orchestras, the USAF Airmen of Note, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, Bill Watrous and Nick Brignola to name a few.  Mike is an exclusive writer for the Belwin Division of Alfred Music Publishing with titles in the jazz, string orchestra and concert band catalogs. He also has compositions for jazz ensemble published by UNC Jazz Press, the Neil A. Kjos Music and the FJH Music Company.  Mike has performed with the Woody Herman and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras and has recorded as a member of the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra. He served as assistant principal trumpet of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra under Maestro David Effron. Currently, Mike leads his own jazz octet, the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band, comprised of outstanding musicians from the Baltimore and Washington DC areas.  Mike has taught instrumental music for Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools (MCPS) since the fall of 1992. He has been in his current teaching position since 1995 as the Director of Bands and Orchestras and Music Department Chairperson at John T. Baker Middle School (Damascus, MD). Under his direction, the Baker ensembles consistently receive high ratings at music festivals and have commissioned four works for young concert bands. In 2007, Mike received the Superintendent’s Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award for his efforts in involving students in the commissioning process and has directed the MCPS Senior Honors Jazz Band and Junior Honors Band. He has served as a jazz faculty member at Youngstown State University and Montgomery College (Rockville, MD). Mike has become an in demand arranger, clinician and adjudicator for schools, professional development conferences and music festivals across the country. 

This podcast episode features my interview with Dr. Christopher Kiver. Dr. Kiver is the Director of Choral Activities at Penn State University where he directs the concert choir and glee club. In addition to discussing the importance of music and quality repertoire, Dr. Kiver also gives insight into the role that gender plays in a comprehensive music program.   Topics include: (02:57) Kiver talks about his life and background as starting out as an instrumentalist (05:27) The differences between music education in the USA and the UK  (30:03) What constitutes quality repertoire (38:40) The role of classical music in a comprehensive music program (43:19) The role gender plays in a music program (58:17) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:00:00) Why do we teach music?  (1:02:01) Kiver discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:06:57) Advice for music educators   Links:  Kivers’s Penn State Page: https://music.psu.edu/faculty/christopher-kiver Kiver conducting the Penn State Concert Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpozk4UG9fM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpBJTPAI_yM Kiver conducting the 2011 PMEA All State Choir: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4e_2sAVIFzA   Bio:  Christopher Kiver conducts the Concert Choir and Glee Club, oversees the graduate choral conducting program, and teaches classes in choral conducting and choral literature. He is founder and director of The Orpheus Singers and serves as Director of Music at the University Baptist and Brethren Church in State College. Kiver is a graduate of the University of London, Florida State University and the University of Michigan where he received the D.M.A. in choral conducting.   Choirs under Kiver’s direction have performed at state and regional conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) and National Association for Music Education. He has taught at the Westminster Choir College Summer and Saturday Seminar programs, and appeared as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator in the United States, Australia, China, and New Zealand. Kiver is national chair for the Repertoire and Standards Committee on Male Choirs for the American Choral Directors Association, and a past-president of the Pennsylvania chapter of ACDA. A native of England, he has received numerous prizes and scholarships including a Fulbright Award, and the 2002 Sydney World Symposium Foundation Scholarship. In 2006, he was a double Grammy Award winner ("Best Choral Performance" and "Best Classical Album") as a chorus master for the critically acclaimed Naxos recording of William Bolcom’s monumental Songs of Innocence and of Experience. Kiver was the recipient of Penn State's "President’s Award for Engagement with Students" in 2017.    

This episode features my interview with leadership expert, Scott Lang. Scott is an internationally known speaker and advocate for music education. As a lead author and contributor to publications like “Leader Of The Band” and “Be Part Of The Music”, Scott has helped in leading thousands of students in start their adventures in music.    Topics include: (04:37) Scott talks about his life and professional background (05:27) Scott talks about his background of being an administrator (10:05) The most exciting aspects of leadership  (14:37) The most important leadership quality to have (18:20) Scott’s favorite resources on leadership development (21:37) Teaching leadership to different demographics (30:26) Scott talks about how he began Be Part Of The Music (34:34) The biggest things needed to get a kid hooked on music.  (38:37) How do we define musical success?  (41:07) Favorite rehearsal tactics (47:14) Music Advocacy - No One Cares! (and what we can do to change it!) (51:32) Why do we teach music? (and what really matters in making administrative decisions!) (56:05) Scott discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (58:34) Advice for music educators   Links:  Scott’s Website: http://www.scottlang.net/ Be Part Of The Music website: https://www.bepartofthemusic.org/   Bio:  For over a decade, Scott Lang has been educating and entertaining audiences of all ages. As a nationally known leadership trainer, Scott conducts over 120 workshops annually and works with some of our countries finest educational groups and performing ensembles. As a highly decorated veteran teacher of sixteen years Scott's bands have had many notable performances including the Pasadena Tournament of Rose Parade, the Music Educators National Biennial Conference and for the President of the United States, William Jefferson Clinton. Scott is a well regarded author with over ten publications to his credit including; Seriously?!, Leader of the Band, Leadership Success, Leadership Travel Guide, Leadership Survival Guide, Sound Leadership and is the creator of the highly successful Be Part of the Music series. Mr. Lang currently resides in Chandler, Arizona with his beautiful wife Leah and their sons, Brayden, Evan and their highly irrational Golden Retriever Rexie. He has breathed in and out approximately 264 million times and plans to keep on doing so until he doubles that number.    

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Frank Battisti about his views on music and music education. Known affectionately to many of his students as “Mr. B”, Battisti has led a prolific career as an educator at Ithaca High School (NY) and the New England Conservatory. Bonus features of this episode include ideas on the importance of music to the human experience and a remarkable story of an impromptu performance featuring Benny Goodman playing a student’s clarinet.    Topics include: (03:02) Battisti talks about his life and professional background (05:19) The educational objectives of any academic institution  (07:07) The role of music in a comprehensive education  (11:32) Finding quality in repertoire selections (13:00) Getting kids to fall in love with music (21:45) Using repertoire to build and enrich audiences (24:41) Using repertoire to build lifelong consumers of music  (27:47) Getting students to bring out the expressive elements of music (30:20) Better to illuminate than to shine!  (35:41) The role of adjudications/contests in music education (46:41) Battisti shares stories from his career  (55:47) Favorite rehearsal tactics (58:25) Why do we teach music?  (01:00:26) Battisti discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (01:13:53) Measuring the impact educators make on students (01:05:57) Advice for music educators   Links:  Banddirector.com Interview with Battisti - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2k1giCGTlg Battisti’s lecture at TMEA 2001 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0BC9F7znSw&list=PLB2D441350229D202 New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble Recordings featuring Battisti as conductor -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inZ1bMGHucI&list=OLAK5uy_kZQaNmdXJI8xy4HbvWVdvL4LYxNQK978s https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_mEOFWHilHoCi0l3nhfu07tM1HHCilIwr8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v1XCZteVts&list=OLAK5uy_kyPcTwdJzP2d39r3UuqtB-G1Lq2yAH97E   Bio:  Frank Battisti began his teaching career as an instrumental teacher in the Ithaca (New York) Public Schools in 1953. He became Director of Bands at Ithaca High School in 1955 and remained there until 1967. He also served as chairperson of the Instrumental Music Department from 1961 - 67. The Ithaca High School Band, under Battisti’s direction, achieved national recognition as one of the finest and most unique high school bands in the nation. The concert band performed at the Ithaca College School of Music, Eastman School of Music, Music Educators National Conference (MENC), Mid-West National Band and Orchestra Clinic (Chicago 1965), Rockefeller Center, the New York World’s Fair (1964) and at other regional and national music events. In 1997 the John Philip Sousa Foundation selected Battisti’s Ithaca High School Concert Band for their Historic Roll of Honor of High School Concert Bands, 1920-1980. Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Director of Wind Studies at North Texas State University, hails the Ithaca High School Band under the leadership of Frank Battisti “as one of the truly great achievements of instrumental music education in the twentieth century.” From 1958 - 67, the Ithaca High School Band commissioned 24 works for band. The commissioned composers included Warren Benson, David Borden, Carlos Chavez, Barney Childs, Walter Hartley, Vincent Persichetti, Armand Russell, Alec Wilder and Pulitzer Prize in Music winners Leslie Bassett, Karel Husa, Robert Ward, Gunther Schuller. Guest soloists and conductors appearing with the Ithaca High School Band from 1955-67 included Benny Goodman, Carl “Doc” Severinson, Donald Sinta, Harvey Phiillips, The New York Brass Quintet, Jimmy Burke, Vincent Persichetti, Norman Dello Joio, Thomas Beversdorf, Clyde Roller, Frederick Fennell, William D. Revelli and Walter Beeler. Battisti was conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and a faculty member at Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory of Music from 1967 – 69. In 1969 President Gunther Schuller invited him to come to the New England Conservatory in Boston to start the wind ensemble. Under his 30 years of leadership the ensemble became recognized as one of the premiere ensembles of its kind in the United States and throughout the world. The ensemble recorded for Centaur and Albany records and its performances were broadcast over the National Public Radio Network (NPR) and other classical music radio stations throughout the United States and world. While at the Conservatory Battisti commission works from distinguished national and international composers such as Robert Ceely, John Harbison, Robin Holloway, Witold Lutoslawski, William Thomas McKinley, Michael Colgrass, Daniel Pinkham, Gunther Schuller, Robert Selig, and Sir Michael Tippett. When he retired from the Conservatory in 1999 he was named Conductor Emeritus of the NEC Wind Ensemble. Dr.Battisti has guest conducted numerous university, college, military, professional and high school bands and wind ensembles and served as a visiting teacher/clinician throughout the United States, England, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Scandinavia, Australia, China, Taiwan, Canada, South America, South Korea, Iceland and the former U.S.S.R. Past President of the U.S. College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA), Battisti is also a member of the American Bandmasters Association (ABA) and founder of the National Wind Ensemble Conference, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE), Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble (MYWE), New England College Band Association (NECBA) and the Tanglewood Institute’s Young Artists Wind Ensemble. In 1986 and 1993 Dr. Battisti was a visiting fellow at Clare Hall, Cambridge University, England. He is the recipient of many awards and honors including an Honorary Doctor of Music degree from Ithaca College in 1992 and the Ithaca College Alumni Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003, the first Louis and Adrienne Krasner Excellence in Teaching Award from the New England Conservatory of Music in 1997, the Lowell Mason Award from the Massachusetts Music Educators Association in 1998, the New England College Band Association's Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999, Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic's Medal of Honor in 2001 and the National Band Director’ AWAPA in 2006.

In this episode, I chat with Dr. Derrick Fox from the University of Nebraska-Omaha on what it’s like to have a background in instrumental music and leading a renowned collegiate choral program.    Topics include: (05:34) Fox talks about his life and professional background (15:52) Building community within your program.  (17:22) Repertoire Selection (29:14) Managing a career as a conductor, educator, and composer (37:04) Fox discusses his book “Yes You Can: A Band Director’s Guide to Teaching Choirs.” (43:07)  Things needed to successfully lead a choral program  (51:33) Motivating students to sing (55:05) Utilizing singing in an instrumental rehearsal (59:37) Favorite rehearsal tactics (01:04:05) Why do we teach music?  (01:08:44) Fox discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (01:13:09) Advice for music educators   Links:  Fox’s UNO Site -  https://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-communication-fine-arts-and-media/about-us/faculty/music/derrick-fox.php Videos :  UNO Chamber Choir - https://www.facebook.com/15920971/posts/10107660564634020?d=n&sfns=mo UNO Honor Choir - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lvsjFfh8Bg “I Am With You”/Fox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0L1J3x_CHg “Jubilate Deo”/Fox - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xVJlTtHkwBI Bio:  Dr. Derrick Fox is the Director of Choral Activities and Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.  He earned a BME from Arkansas State University, a MM in Choral Conducting from the University of Missouri – Columbia and a DMA in Choral Conducting from Michigan State University, where he was awarded the prestigious University Enrichment Graduate Fellowship.  Dr. Fox has conducted all-state choirs, honor choirs and led professional development workshops across the United States and internationally. His professional workshops focus on assessment in the choral classroom, building classroom community, rehearsal strategies, choral conducting techniques and shape note singing in the African American community. Dr. Fox’s recent engagements included and teaching residencies at the Latvian Academy of Music and Syracuse University, performance tours through Lithuania and Estonia as well as conducting the 2018 Texas All-State MS/JH Honor Choir and the SWACDA 7–10 Men’s Honor Choir. Highlights from his upcoming engagements include presentations at Nebraska ACDA, Kansas ACDA, Kentucky ACDA, South Carolina MEA and North Dakota MEA as well as conducting the Hawaii All-State Festival Choir, Alabama All-State Choir, New York All-State MS/JH Choir, and the National ACDA Middle School/Junior High Mixed Honor Choir. As a baritone soloist, Dr. Fox has collaborated with various organizations; among them are the Arkansas Symphony, Lansing Symphony, St. Louis Symphony, Columbia Chorale, the University of Nebraska at Omaha, University of Missouri, Michigan State University, Webster University and the Espaço Cultural (Brasilia, Brazil). He can be heard singing selections from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess on the compact disc In This Hid Clearing, available on the Naxos Classical Music label. Dr. Fox is delighted to sing Elijah this season at the University of Missouri Columbia and with the Omaha Symphonic Choir. Dr. Fox serves on the National ACDA Diversity Subcommittee, the Missouri Music Educators Association Diversity Council and is the Collegiate Coordinator for Student Activities for Nebraska Choral Directors Association. As an author, he has written articles for many organizations and was a contributing author in the Hal Leonard/McGraw Hill choral textbook Voices in Concert. His compositions and arrangements are published by Hal Leonard Sacred Music Series, G. Schirmer Andrea Ramsey Choral Series and BriLee Music. His newest book, Yes You Can: A Band Director’s Guide to Teaching Choirs will be published by Brilee/Carl Fischer.     

This episode features Dr. Stephen Gage from Youngstown State University. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on a wide array of subjects ranging from imagination to repertoire selection.    Topics include: (04:33) Dr. Gage talks about his life and professional background (07:30) Dr. Gage talks about his ensembles at YSU (10:08)  Working with the legendary coach, Jim Tressel, as the YSU President (14:45) Repertoire Selection (27:24) Symphonic Repertoire (36:12) Ways conductors can improve their craft (46:03)  Budgeting time with a busy career  (55:27)Building and maintaining relationships (01:10:38) Favorite rehearsal tactics (01:13:53) Why do we teach music?  (01:20:57) Dr. Gage discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (01:27:02) Advice for music educators   Links:  Gage’s YSU Site https://ysu.edu/directory/people/stephen-l-gage Performances by Gage conducting:  Up by Anthony O’Toole - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaOvtK26DT8 Symphony No. 4 by David Maslanka - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e48XTWBxP   Bio:  Stephen L. Gage has served as Professor of Conducting and Director of Bands & Orchestra at Youngstown State University's Dana School of Music since 1993. In fall 2014, Dr. Gage was appointed as the conductor of the YSU Dana Symphony Orchestra and he conducts the music school’s annual opera production orchestra in addition to his work with the YSU Wind Ensemble, the Dana Chamber Winds & Strings. Professor Gage leads the MM in Instrumental Conducting program and he has been the YSU Dana School Recruitment Coordinator for his entire residency on the faculty. Stephen holds degrees from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the Eastman School of Music (University of Rochester), and the State University of New York at Fredonia where he also earned the Performers Certificate and was a concerto winner. Stephen studied conducting with Harry John Brown, Donald Hunsberger, David Effron, Roy Ernst, James Keene, Isaiah Jackson, H. Robert Reynolds, Randall Craig Fleischer, and Paul Vermel. In September 2012, Dr. Gage was appointed as the Conductor/Music Director of the W. D. Packard Concert Band in Warren. Stephen is in his 26th season as the Edward Zacharias Memorial Chair/Conductor of the Youngstown Symphony Youth Orchestra. Previous teaching positions include serving as Director of Bands & Orchestra at Emporia State University (KS) and as Director of Bands at Auburn High School (NY) from 1980-1989.   Professor Gage has written numerous published articles on conducting, rehearsal techniques, and wind band literature, and he is an active wind band and orchestral guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator of international repute. Stephen has guest conducted and cliniced high school regional and all state honor bands and orchestras as well as a number of university wind bands and orchestras throughout the United States. In April 2017, Stephen Gage was the guest conductor for the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State HS Symphony Orchestra in Erie, PA and he has had the privilege of guest conducting the Louisiana Music Educators Association (LMEA) All State HS Symphony Orchestra, the Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA) HS Symphonic Band, the West Virginia Music Educators Association (WVMEA) All-State HS Symphony Orchestra (three times), and the PMEA All-State HS Concert Band. His list of guest conducting appearances includes the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra, the U.S. Air Force Band & Singing Sergeants, the U.S. Army Band: “Pershing’s Own”, and the U.S. Army Field Band & Chorus among others. The list of guest conducting and clinics includes experiences in Canada, Ireland, and in 35 states. Dr. Gage has received critical acclaim from a number of distinguished composers, including a number of Pulitzer prize winners: Joseph Schwanter, Carter Pann, John Mackey, Samuel Adler, Karel Husa, Frank Ticheli, John Mackey, Michael Colgrass, Donald Grantham, D.J. Sparr, Jerry Ascione, Joel Puckett, Brian Balmages, Anthony O’Toole, and David Gillingham for his interpretation and recordings of their music. Stephen’s professional affiliations include memberships in the CBDNA, NBA, OMEA/MENC, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Delta Pi, Phi Beta Mu, Sigma Alpha Iota, and Phi Kappa Phi. Dr. Gage has been inducted into the prestigious American Bandmasters and was named as both Distinguished Professor and Faculty Mentor of the Year at YSU; he has served on the NBA Foundation Board of Directors and is currently on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. In 2012, Gage was awarded the Marty Manning Faculty Mentor Award at the University and in 2014 he gave a Last Lecture at YSU. In January 2018, Dr. Gage was honored in the first Auburn High School (NY) Music Hall of Fame. Stephen and the YSU Wind Ensemble made their historic NYC Carnegie Hall debut in 2005 and the band gave an encore performance in this venue in November 2015. The wind ensemble has released seven CD recordings and the sixth CD in this series, Urban Requiem, was released on the NAXOS International Recording Label in June 2009 and the seventh, Old Wine in New Bottles was released by NAXOS in August 2013. Both of these NAXOS recordings have earned critical praise from numerous critical reviewers and represented composers for their artistically convincing performances and musical and technical quality. YSU Wind Ensemble CD, Spin Cycle, won Downbeat Magazine’s University Symphonic Recording of the Year. There are two new YSU Wind Ensemble CD recordings that will be released during the 2018-2019 academic year. Former YSU Dana School of Music alumni and students currently hold conducting positions in 13 university music schools across the country, and YSU Dana School of Music (DSOM) band and orchestra alumni have attended virtually all of America’s finest graduate music schools and conservatories. In addition, a number of former DSOM students are members of the premiere and regional U.S. military bands, are members of numerous professional symphony orchestras and chamber music ensembles, and hold elementary, middle, and high school music teaching positions across the country. Stephen lives in Poland, Ohio with his wife, Stephanie, who has taught at the Dana School for thirteen years, and one of his three children, Brendan, a French horn and piano performance major at the Dana School and a YSU University Scholar. Daughter, Claudia, a YSU alum and former University Scholar, works as a resident-actress and lives in Connecticut; and Gage’s oldest son, Matthew, is in the coffee business, is a commercial guitar player,  and his 5-year old daughter, Zoey, live in Austin, TX.  

Have you ever wondered what it would be like having a career as a renowned performer and music education training specialist? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Brenda Brenner from Indiana University to discuss her roles as a professional musician, studio instructor, and professor of music education. She also talks about her work with the Fairview Violin Project, a program in which every first and second grader in an underserved school is taught violin as part of the curriculum.    Topics include: (03:28) Brenda talks about his life and professional background (07:50) Brenda talks about making the decision to teach in addition to performing (11:20) Brenda talks about what she has learned from teaching music education courses and leading a collegiate violin studio (15:55) Skills students need to have as the enter the workforce (29:10) Brenda talks about her work with the Fairview Violin Project (49:00) Outcomes for students who participated in the Fairview Project (53:35) Why do we teach music?  (59:31) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:02:10) Brenda discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (1:04:15) Three words to describe an outstanding leader of a comprehensive music program (1:05:45) Advice for music educators (1:06:35) Being remembered as a leader for your music program   Links:  Dr. Brenner’s IU website: http://info.music.indiana.edu/faculty/current/brenner-brenda.shtml Fairview Violin Project website: https://music.indiana.edu/precollege/year-round/fairview-violin-project/ Footage of Brenner teaching at the Fairview Project: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc8ArJT17W0 Fairview Project Concert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnQVG_C8Tlo Brenner performing as a featured soloist at the 2009 Midwest Clinic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3q8dK9N5OzM   Bio:  Brenda Brenner is associate professor of music in music education at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. She specializes in string music education, teaching applied violin and courses in violin and string pedagogy. Brenner earned a B.M. and a B.M.E. from Wichita State University and an M.M. and a D.M.A. in violin performance from the Eastman School of Music. In addition to her appointment to the Jacobs Music Education Department, she serves as co-director of the IU String Academy, a position she has held since 1993. Her String Academy students have been featured in concerts in major venues throughout the United States and have presented tours throughout Europe, Asia, and South America. As director of the Fairview Project—a program in which every first and second grader in an underserved school is taught violin as part of the curriculum—Brenner is researching the cognitive, academic, and social outcomes of early instrumental music instruction. An active performer of chamber music throughout the United States, she partners with pianist Kenneth Huber and her husband, organist Christopher Young. She also teaches and conducts at the IU Summer String Academy and is assistant director of the IU Retreat for Professional Violinists and Violists. Additionally, she is an active international clinician, with recent appearances at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, American String Teachers Association National Conferences, and Music Educators Conferences throughout the United States. She is president of the American String Teachers Association.

This episode features my interview with the acclaimed author and music educator, Scott Rush. Mr. Rush is widely known for his Habits of Success book series as well as being a renowned band director in South Carolina. Scott shares stories about his career, work as an author, and his current role working in administration.    Topics include: (05:12) Scott talks about his life and professional background (07:45) Scott talks about how his background as a professional performer has affected his career in education (9:06) Scott talks about how he worked with colleagues to grow his former band program at Wando High School (13:30) Relationship building (16:20) Building a culture of excellence (19:45) Scott discusses the creation of his Habits of Success series (23:05) Scott talks about his Teaching Inventory Sheet tool  (29:23) Scott talks about his current role as an administrator for Dorchester District 2  (31:23) Things learned from working in administration  (33:27) Why do we teach music?  (36:20) Advice on getting students to have a lifelong love of music (31:23) Scott talks about a new book he is creating with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser  (40:00) How to contact Scott and learn more about his Habits of Success series (41:02) Favorite rehearsal tactics (44:35) Scott discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life  (49:08) Three words to describe an outstanding leader of a comprehensive music program (50:45) Maintaining high standards  (53:24) Advice for music educators (55:20) Being remembered as a leader for your music program   Links:  Rush’s Habits of Success series:  www.habitsofsuccess.com  Performances by Wando High School Bands:  1998 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZ2-N9w_wtA 2005 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnRazTwZivs 2006 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQcpWdO9O8w Videos of Scott Rush conducting:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmm0ME3Jyw https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UIOa1Su7v-0 Interview featuring Rush advocating for arts education funding:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEi01JY6DLc&app=desktop PDF Notes from past presentations Rush has given at the Midwest Clinic:  https://www.midwestclinic.org/downloads.aspx?type=clinic&src=9ef7f390-1302-434e-8e62-70650c6ca4be.pdf  https://www.midwestclinic.org/downloads.aspx?type=clinic&src=1c72eec2-e3a6-4f9f-8962-7e7a706c6595.pdf   Bio:  Scott Rush is the Director of Fine and Performing Arts in Dorchester School District Two in South Carolina and is the former Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, SC. He is a graduate of the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, Massachusetts and the University of South Carolina. He currently serves as conductor of the Charleston Wind Symphony, a semi-professional ensemble in Charleston, South Carolina.   Under his direction, the Wando Symphonic Band performed at the 2007 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and were recipients of the 2007 Sudler Flag of Honor administered by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. His marching bands were two-time BOA Grand National finalist and won the South Carolina State 5A marching band championships nine consecutive years.   Mr. Rush is active as a conductor, clinician and adjudicator throughout the United States and Canada. He is lead writer for the Habits series and has authored or co-authored ten highly touted books: Habits of A Successful Band Director, Habits of A Successful Musician, Habits of a Successful Middle School Musician, The Evolution of A Successful Band Director, Habits of A Successful Middle School Band Director, Habits of A Successful String Musician, Habits of a Successful Middle Level String Musician, Quality of Life Habits of A Successful Band Director, Habits of a Successful Choir Director, and Habits of a Significant Band Director for GIA Publications. Mr. Rush has served as President of the South Carolina Band Directors Association and is a former member of the Board of Directors for the National Band Association. In 2010, Mr. Rush was elected into the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and in 2011 was awarded the Bandworld “Legion of Honor.” In 2015, he was elected into the South Carolina Band Directors Association Hall of Fame and in 2016 was awarded the Edwin Franko Goldman Award by the ASBDA for contributions to music education.   He and his wife, Michelle, have two children, Thomas and Caroline.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christopher Cicconi from Towson, MD. Cicconi shares how he conducts his band and orchestra programs at Towson University. Also being a professor of music education, Cicconi shares how he prepares his students as they enter the workforce.    Topics include: (04:05) Cicconi talks about his professional background  (05:55 ) Cicconi discusses his band and orchestra programs at Towson University  (10:07) Establishing cultures within multiple ensembles of a music program.  (13:56) How conducting both orchestra and wind bands can impact your teaching/conducting.  (21:13) Teaching music education courses at the collegiate level.  (28:43) Learning non-musical aspects of the profession.  (35:51) Score study.  (44:41) Selecting repertoire.  (57:16) Favorite rehearsal tactics.  (1:00:02) Why do we teach music in schools?  (1:03:01) Leaders who inspired Cicconi in his personal and professional lives. (1:07:23) Three words to describe an outstanding leader of a comprehensive music program. (1:08:31) Advice for music educators. (1:09:46) Being remembered as a leader for your music program. Links:  Cicconi’s book on repertoire for wind band: https://www.jwpepper.com/The-Band-Music-Handbook/10744307.item#/submit Performances by Towson University Symphonic Band:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0EbpMrPZoA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QgIodjC0m2A Cicconi conducting the New River Orchestra:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M25f1IaygHI Cicconi’s TU faculty page:  https://www.towson.edu/cofac/departments/music/facultystaff/ccicconi.html Bio:  Christopher M. Cicconi is Director of Bands and Orchestras and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Towson University. Conductor of the Towson University Symphonic Band and Symphony Orchestra, he also teaches courses in graduate and undergraduate conducting, methods of teaching instrumental music in secondary education, and is an instrumental music education student teacher advisor. Prior to his arrival in Maryland, Cicconi earned a Doctoral of Musical Arts Degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of Miami, where he was awarded a Henry Mancini Fellowship and was a student of Mr. Gary D. Green.  As a strong advocate for music education and community outreach, Cicconi is in demand throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and is a sought-after guest conductor, clinician, and guest speaker. Upon his arrival in Maryland, he has appeared as a band and orchestra clinician in well over 100 public and private institutions. As a guest conductor, Cicconi has appeared with All-State, All-Region, and All-County Bands and Orchestras in numerous states around the country including Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Georgia. In the summer of 2018, Cicconi will serve as a guest conductor for the internationally acclaimed Sewanee Music Festival and the New England Music Camp.  As an active scholar, Cicconi’s agenda includes wind repertoire and other current music education topics such as score study, conducting, and arranging. His most recent publication, ‘The Band Music Handbook, A Catalog of Emerging Band Repertoire,’ has proved to be a valuable resource and essential tool for wind band directors worldwide. As an arranger, Cicconi premiered his transcription of Jonathan Leshnoff’s ‘Rush’ in the Fall of 2018 with the Towson University Symphonic Band, which was subsequently published by Theodore Presser Company. Since then, it has received numerous performances nationwide in university and conference settings, including a performance at the college Band Directors National Association Southwest Regional Conference. Furthermore, he has presented professional development workshops for schools as well as state and regional conferences throughout the state and region.  Previously, Cicconi served as Director of Bands at Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, FL), Power Ranch Elementary and Middle School (Higley, AZ), and Payne Junior High School (Chandler, AZ). As an orchestra and opera conductor, Cicconi serves as the Music Director of the Young Victorian Theatre Company and has held positions and guest conducting appointments with orchestras in the United States, Argentina, and China. Most recently he served as associate conductor with the Broward Symphony Orchestra, the Ars Flores Symphony Orchestra, and the Walenstein Youth Symphony.  Cicconi completed a Master of Music Education Degree, with an emphasis in Instrumental Conducting, from Arizona State University and earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree (summa cum laude) from Youngstown State University. He is a member of College Band Directors National Association, Florida Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, Pi Kappa Lambda, and an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma.  

In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Len Lavelle from Pittsburgh, PA. If you are from PA, you are sure to be familiar with Len’s work with his bands at North Hills High School. If you are not from the Keystone State, make sure to check out this episode featuring one of the best in the business as he shares ideas on inspiration, teaching, and music education.    Topics include: (03:25) Len talks about his professional background  (08:55 ) Len stalks about why he decided to stay in band after once being a middle school student who wanted to quit.  (10:30) Len talks about his program and the music department in the North Hills School District. (13:58) Selecting repertoire for students. (22:23) Developing ensemble foundations. (27:36) Ways to engage students to understand the “Why” of what we do. (34:20) Important concepts of building an ensemble sound. (41:45) Honoring traditions while making modifications for today’s students. (55:50) Leaders who inspired Len in his personal and professional lives. (1:01:33) Three words to describe an outstanding leader of a comprehensive music program. (1:04:15) Advice for music educators. (1:08:10) Being remembered as a leader for your music program. Links:  North Hills Instrumental Music Website: http://www.nhipa.org/ Article on North Hills Wind Ensemble playing at 2020 Music For All National Conference: https://patch.com/pennsylvania/northhills/north-hills-wind-ensemble-receives-national-honor North Hills Wind Ensemble performing “The Earth” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSP0ZbW9F-g 2019 North Hills MArching Band performing their halftime show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sviptB5rPtc   Bio:  Len Lavelle is the high school director of bands and and k-12 music curriculum leader for the  North Hills School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the North Hills High School Band an award winning program features four concert bands, two jazz bands, and a 225 member marching band. Being well known for musical excellence, Len has featured his students at several major conferences including the PMEA All state conference and the NAFME all-eastern conference.  

Frank Parker is director of bands at Quakertown High School in Quakertown, PA. In his program, Frank  teaches a wide range of ensembles including two concert bands, two jazz bands, and the award winning Panther Marching band. As a highly sought after conductor, Frank has been featured as a guest conductor at many honors band festivals and has also directed his students in performances at several state and national level music education conferences.    Topics include: (03:53) Frank talks about his background and making the decision to change his college major from business to music performance to music education.  (07:50) Frank talks about his band program at Quakertown High School.  (09:36) Bringing a new director into a program (12:00) Mentoring young teachers (15:31) Selecting repertoire  (20:01) “If I knew then what I know now”  (24:14) Common elements of thriving music programs  (26:25) Building a sense of community within a program (29:48) Balance and longevity of a career in music education  (34:48) Factors that contribute to teacher and student stress/burnout (42:50) Sustaining a successful program (46:11) Frank’s favorite rehearsal tactics  (48:25) Frank discusses leaders that have influenced him in his life/career (53:05) What does excellence look like in a program?  (55:35) Three words that describe a leader of a comprehensive music program  (57:41) Advice for music educators  (1:00:01) Being remembered as a leader for your music program Links:  Quakertown HS Wind Symphony performance at 2017 PMEA Conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kUfPh_Efb94 2018 Quakertown HS Panther Marching Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyXeHgUqDu8 Quakertown HS Q-Jazz Jazz Ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reQIV1TZnws&feature=youtu.be&fbclid=IwAR1fLbEsoaMukcE1y3w6hcs185pARE-pgrhuzEjuEo0FpJ5vpoiNmis0vWI

This special episode features the renowned choral conductor and author, Dr. Ramona Wis. In this interview, I discuss several key components of leadership with Dr. Wis that she was written about in her popular book, “The Conductor As Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium.”  Topics include: (03:55) Dr. Wis shares some stories about her professional background as a conductor and educator (05:50) Dr. Wis discusses how she went about learning principles of leadership, applying them to her life as a music educator, and writing her book (09:18) Leadership vs. management of ensembles (16:25) Setting up students for success/approaching discipline in rehearsals (23:50) Planning for success in music making/student feedback (27:25) Thoughts on servant leadership for conductors (31:30) Building relationships  (38:05) Tactics for building relationships (43:52) Favorite choral rehearsal tactics  (45:40) Dr. Wis discusses influential figures in her life (53:00) Three words that describe a leader of a comprehensive music program  (54:50) Advice for music educators  (57:03) Being remembered as a leader for your music program Links:  Dr. Wis’s Website - http://www.ramonawis.com/html/ Dr. Wis’s profile at North Central College - https://www.northcentralcollege.edu/profile/rmwis Dr. Wis’s book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Conductor-As-Leader-Principles-Leadership/dp/1579996531 Bio: Dr. Ramona Wis is a Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She conducts the Concert Choir, Chamber Singers, and Women’s Chorale and teaches courses in conducting, music methods, and servant leadership.   Dr. Wis’s book, The Conductor as Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium has quickly become a leadership classic among conductors and music teachers, as well as those interested in leadership outside the music profession. She has written for The Choral Journal, Music Educators Journal, Teaching Music and the China Europe International Business School Review.        Dr. Wis has served as President of the American Choral Directors Association in Illinois and on both ACDA and IMEA executive boards. She has sung under Robert Shaw, James Levine and Margaret Hillis, and has conducted and performed in professional, theatrical, community, and academic settings for more than 35 years.   

I chat with Joe Santanello as he discusses his views on attaining student excellence and transitioning into a new position. Joe is a phenomenal musician, educator, and human being and this episode is jam-packed with tons of valuable insight for anyone interested in developing a program or moving into a new music program.   Topics include: (07:02) Joe discusses his program at Strayer Middle School and developing the program in both quantity and quality.   (09:30) Developing a focus on concert band within a band program. (12:06) Developing a vision for obtaining the ensemble sound you want. (24:42) Setting student goals for being a feeder program to a high school band program. (27:07) Preparing for a director change/transition. Entering a new program. (40:22) Entering a new program and building relationships with staff/students/parents. (44:52) Setting effective goals for the first year at a new school.   (48:08) Learning the ways of your new program. Making decisions on implementing change in a program. (53:12) Conducting a community band that is rich in tradition. Considerations to make when making changes in a program that has strong traditions. (58:03) Working with a wide variety of age/ability levels in different ensembles. (1:01:10) Programming/repertoire considerations. (1:07:25) Favorite rehearsal tactics. (1:10:21) Personal/professional influences on Joe’s career (1:13:55) Characteristics of an outstanding leader in a comprehensive music program.   (1:20:30) Setting high expectations for students. (1:23:20) Establishing a culture for a family atmosphere and focusing on group success.   Bio: For the past ten years, Joe Santanello has served as the Director of Bands at Strayer Middle School in Quakertown, Pennsylvania. In addition to teaching at Strayer, he has been the Co-Director of the Quakertown Community High School "Panther" Marching Band and also directs one of the high school's two jazz bands. He maintains a regular performing schedule as the principal horn of the Pennsylvania Symphonic Winds, and also plays with the Berks Opera Company and the    Liberty Wind Symphony. Mr. Santanello is also the music director and principal conductor of the Quakertown Community Band, one of America’s oldest community bands. Beginning in 2019, Mr. Santanello will take on the role as the high school director of bands at North Penn High School in Lansdale PA.

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Phillips to discuss his career as an educator and the Director of String Publications for Alfred Music. Topics discussed include: recruitment of student musicians, building a new program, using alternative styles in a string curriculum, and writing a method book.   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/directorscircle

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Brad Townsend who is the director of bands at the University of Pittsburgh. He shares his thoughts on developing music programs at multiple universities, entering as a new director in a program that is rich in tradition, taking student input into consideration for show planning, and implementing growth in a collegiate program.    Topics discussed: Entering a new program, working at the university level, effective problem solving through teaching, program growth, utilizing student leaders to advocate for your program,    Dr. Brad Townsend is Director of Bands at the University of Pittsburgh and oversees the University of Pittsburgh Varsity Marching Band, Pep Bands, and Symphonic Band.  Since his appointment in 2013 the band has grown in size and performance quality. The Pitt band has performed at numerous bowl games as well as high school and college band exhibitions across the state of Pennsylvania. Prior to his appointment at Pitt, Dr. Townsend taught at Oregon State University, Temple University,  Ramapo High School in Franklin Lakes, New Jersey, and Iroquois High School in Erie, Pennsylvania.  

Bob Matchett discusses his work as a band director at Seneca Valley Senior High School in Harmony, PA. With an accomplished career as an educator and musician, Bob discusses characteristics of an outstanding leader, taking over a new program, and how working as a professional musician can impact teaching. In April, Bob will conduct the Seneca Valley High School Wind Ensemble at the NAfME All Eastern Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Stephen Benham speaks about his leadership roles as a former president for the American String Teachers Association and as an Associate Professor of Music Education at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. As a leading expert in string pedagogy and teaching, Dr. Benham shares his thoughts on music advocacy, servitude leadership, and working as an administrator at the collegiate level.

Scott Koter sits down with us to discuss his extensive carrier that includes experience as an assistant superintendent, band director, and program coordinator for several DCI drum corps. In this episode, Scott will share his thoughts on building a comprehensive program, working with administrators, and the planning that goes into a championship winning season. Scott will also give us a sneak peak on his upcoming presentation at the 2018 Midwest Clinic that focuses on increasing professional credibility and effectiveness by learning to think as an administrator.    

In this episode, Greg Johnson shares his experiences on leading his jazz program at the Marin School of the Arts. Topics discussed include: teaching improvisation, gaining appreciation for all styles of music, programing repertoire, and utilizing experience as a professional musician to motivate students. To learn more about Greg and his music, please visit www.gregjohnsonjazz.com

Dr. Ryan Beeken shares his thoughts of effectively connecting with students and building a choral program of over 300 musicians during his time as an educator in public schools. In addition to his work as the director of choral studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Beeken frequently serves as a clinician and conductor across the country. 

In this episode, Jeff Ball discusses his approach to building a band program of over 350 students at the Grand Street Campus in NYC and conducting the Brooklyn Wind Symphony around the country in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall. 

In this episode, Scott Sheehan discusses his thoughts on leadership, advocacy, and serving as a leader for the National Association for Music Education and Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.