Everything Band Podcast

DISCLAIMER Episodes 209-2011 were recorded in 2023 and have only recently been uploaded to the internet. There are some things that have changed since their recordings, so be aware that you are not listening to the most current events. Evan VanDoren is a freelance arranger, composer, and educational consultant. As the owner of VanDoren Music, Evan is commissioned each year to create works for concert and marching ensembles. He has arranged and orchestrated award-winning marching shows for numerous high school bands across the country. Evan is an active clinician, presenting for Drum Corps International, the Music Educators National Convention, the Texas Bandmasters Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, and Music for All. He regularly consults with band programs around the country. Additionally, Evan is an active adjudicator with Bands of America, the University Interscholastic League, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Evan is the brass arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps, from Santa Clara, California, as well as the leadership faculty of SASI Leadership, based in central Texas. Before devoting his life to creating music, Evan was a band director at Cedar Park High School, in Cedar Park, Texas, during which time the band was awarded multiple marching state championships and national recognition. He received a Bachelor in Music Education with Honors from Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana. Currently, he lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with his wife, Katie, and their dog, Cooper.

Adrian Gordon is an internationally performed composer and seasoned music educator and currently serves as the director of orchestras at Providence Day School in Charlotte, NC. In addition to teaching, Adrian is the founder of Leap Year Music Publishing, which publishes string music for elementary, middle, and high school ensembles. His compositions appear on the Florida, Texas, Maryland, and Georgia Orchestra Association Music Performance Assessment Lists. His compositions are distributed through J.W. Pepper and have been performed throughout the world. Learn more at www.adriangordonmusic.com.

Dr. Sixto F. Montesinos Jr. is assistant professor of music and head of instrumental studies at Saint Mary's College of California in the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an active Mexican-American conductor, flutist, music educator, and scholar researching new and effective ways to strengthen Mexican-American relations through the study and performance of music. These include overcoming stereotypes as well as Mexican, LGBTQ+, and LatinX representation in the field of music education, repertoire, and performance He is the artistic director of the Saint Mary's College Jazz Band as well as its Chamber Musicians program. He also oversees the instrumental private lessons faculty at The College.  Dr. Montesinos is a regular guest conductor with the Awesöme Orchestra, a Bay-Area organization that amplifies voices of marginalized folk, forms deeper partnerships with communities and organizations as well as creates more equity and representation at every level. The mission of the Awesome Orchestra is also to make awesome orchestral adventures accessible to musicians and the public. He has also been a guest conductor with the Youth Musical Theater Company, most recently for their spring 2022 production of Stephen Sodnheim's Sweeney Todd.  He presented a clinic in December  2021 at the 75th Annual Midwest Clinic entitled "Surpassing La Cucaracha dn the Mexican Hat Dance" and spoke to the importance of diversifying Mexican-themed repertoire for instrumental ensembles and debunking common musical stereotypes,   Dr. Montesinos earned a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from the Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey where he studied with Professors William Berz, Kraig Alan Williams, and Darryl J. Bott. His terminal research project focused on the evolution and socio-political influence of wind bands in Mexico from the War of Independence to the Mexican Revolution. During his time at Rutgers, Dr. Montesinos also served as a teaching assistant with the Rutgers University Marching Scarlet Knights participating in performances for President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. During the fall and spring, he worked as a Graduate Assistant Conductor of the Rutgers Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Winds. In 2016, he programmed and conducted with the Rutgers University Concert Band, the United States premiere of two wind pieces by Colombian composer Victoriano Valencia: Chande and Tango from his larger series Ritmos de la Tierra. He also presented and conducted Valencia's music in March of 2018 at the new music reading session during the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Eastern Division Conference at Yale University. Before moving to California, Dr. Montesinos served as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Ferrum College in southwest Virginia where he established The Ferrum College Panther Marching Band, Ferrum College Mountain Winds, and Ferrum College Iron Mountain Brass. Enrollment in the band program doubled under his tenure. He also served as music department coordinator and developed the curriculum to create a Bachelor of Arts in Music degree. Dr. Montesinos led an initiative to establish an Appalachian Folk Music Program and started a guest artist recital series designed to bring live music to the Ferrum College community throughout the year. Before his doctoral studies at Rutgers University, he was a public school high school band director at Jersey Village High School, a high school within the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District in Northwest Houston. In this capacity, he assisted with the instruction of a 300-member marching band, four concert bands, and conducted the all-school musical. He also taught beginning instrumental classes at the middle school feeder. At Jersey Village, He was the primary conductor of the Symphonic II band. Symphonic II earned division one ratings at the University Interscholastic League (UIL) Concert and Sightreading Contest. Dr. Montesinos completed a Master's Degree in Orchestral Conducting at the University of Texas at Arlington under the tutelage of his long-time mentor and former high school orchestra director, Dr. Clifton Evans. Montesinos also completed additional studies in wind and orchestral conducting at the following programs: The Frederick Fennell Memorial Conducting Masterclass at the Eastman School of Music and the Cincinnati Conservatory, The University of North Texas Conductors Collegium, The Art of Band Conducting at the University of Texas at Austin, The International Conductors Workshop and Competition at Mercer University, and The International Institute for Conductors in Bacau, Romania. Additionally, he worked closely and shared the podium with H. Robert Reynolds as a doctoral conducting student during a week-long residency at Rutgers University. As a flutist, Dr. Montesinos was a featured soloist at the 70th Annual Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference performing Gabe Mussella's Cumbia de Xavier with the Ridgeview Middle School Percussion Ensemble. He has also been on the faculty at FlootFire Houston. He completed a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education at the University of Houston Moores School of Music where he performed two graduate-level flute recitals and was principal flute of the University of Houston Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra. Upon graduation from the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, he was awarded a full-tuition scholarship to study flute performance at Arizona State University in Tempe where he completed two years of flute studies before attending the University of Houston. In high school, he studied flute at the American Festival for the Arts Summer Music Conservatory with Kirsten “Kiki” Larsen and at the Brevard Music Center in North Ca rolina as a pupil of Thomas Robertello. He was a flute student of Judy Dines, second flutist of the Houston Symphony, for two years and performed with the Houston Symphony twice at Jones Hall. He has played for Carol Wincenc at The Juilliard School and Leone Buyse, Christina Jennings, and Robert Langevin in various masterclasses. He is also a proud alumnus and supporter of the Virtuosi of Houston Youth Chamber Orchestra and the Greater Houston Youth Orchestra. In 2004 he toured China extensively as an orchestral flutist with the Northwest Houston Symphony. Dr. Montesinos enjoys working outside of the United States and has established strong ties with high school and middle school band directors in Peru. In March of 2017, he gave a week-long seminar to local high school and middle school band directors in Lima, Peru as part of their required professional development. Most recently he was a featured speaker on marching and concert band techniques in January of 2018 at the PERUBANDAS National Congress in Lima, Peru. Additionally, he held interim teaching positions at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania as conductor of the concert band and at Lewisville High School in Lewisville, Texas as director of the orchestra program. He has also served as the Associate Dean of Students at the Eastern Music Festival in Greensboro, North Carolina. His writing has been published by the Instrumentalist Magazine and internationally by the WASBE Journal. Montesinos is a native of the town of Coyoacan in Mexico City where he began his musical career at the early age of four studying piano at the prestigious Yamaha Institute.

Vu Nguyen is the Director of Wind Ensembles and Conducting at the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA. Prior to his appointment at the University of Connecticut, he served as the Director of Bands at the University of Indianapolis, was a conductor of the Wind Ensemble at Washington University in St. Louis, and was a visiting conductor of the Indiana University Concert Band. He began his career teaching in the public schools of San Ramon, CA. Dr. Nguyen has conducted throughout the western United States and in Japan. He maintains an active schedule as a clinician and has served as guest conductor with the United States Air Force Bands of the Golden West and Mid-America, as well as regional honor bands in northern California, Missouri, Illinois and Indiana. Ensembles under his direction have been invited to perform at state music educator conferences in California and Indiana, at the Midwest Clinic, and most recently at the 2020 College Band Directors National Association Eastern Division Conference. His research interests focus on contemporary wind band literature, the music of Frank Zappa, and conducting pedagogy. His book chapter on composer Carter Pann was published in the fifth volume of A Composer's Insight: Thoughts, Analysis, and Commentary on Contemporary Masterpieces for Wind Band (Meredith Music Publications). A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Dr. Nguyen earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from University of the Pacific, a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Oregon, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Conducting from the University of Washington. In addition to his academic career, Dr. Nguyen continues to serve as an officer in the Air National Guard (ANG) where he is the commander/conductor of the ANG Band of the West Coast. In this position, he is responsible for all activities of the 40-member squadron, including participation in ceremonies, parades, concerts and other public performances. The Band of the West Coast is one of five ANG Bands in the United States covering an eight-state area of responsibility that includes California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.  

Saxophonist John Wojciechowski is originally from Detroit and has spent the last 18 years performing and teaching in Chicago. In addition to leading his own groups, he has performed or recorded with  The Chicago Jazz Orchestra, The Chicago Jazz Ensemble, The Woody Herman Orchestra, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Clark Terry, Charlie Haden, and Kurt Elling among many others. John was also a third place finalist in the 1996 Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition. John has appeared on dozens of recordings as a sideman, and has two recordings as a leader: “Lexicon", released in 2009 and “Focus” which was released in the fall of 2015 on Origin records to critical acclaim. Besides being an active performer, John (a National Board Certified Teacher) is also an educator noted for his versatility, creativity and enthusiasm. He has taught at the public school as well as university levels and has appeared all over the country as a guest artist, clinician and conductor. He is currently on the music faculty at St. Charles North High School in St. Charles, Illinois where he teaches Jazz Bands, Concert Band and Music Theory. His student groups have performed at the IAJE Conference, Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, JEN Conference and the Illinois All-State Music Educator Conference. In addition to his public school teaching, he has also taught at Northern Illinois University and Northwestern University.

Joshua Johnson currently serves as the Associate Director of Bands at Traughber Junior High in Oswego, Illinois. Prior to coming to Oswego, Josh served as Director of Bands at North Kirkwood Middle School and Associate Director of Bands in Kirkwood, Missouri. Joshua attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he received his Bachelor of Music Education Degree with Honors. During his time at Illinois, he was a member of the Illinois Wind Symphony, the Marching Illini, the University of Illinois Black Chorus, and many other university ensembles. Josh studied Oboe with Professor John Dee & studied conducting and pedagogy with Dr. Stephen Peterson, Dr. Beth Peterson, Dr. Linda Moorhouse & Professor Barry Houser. Josh has been recognized by the Illinois State Board of Education in 2021 as a finalist for the 2021 Outstanding Early Educator division of Illinois Teacher of the Year. He was also the recipient of the 2021 Outstanding Early Educator Award of Meritorious Service. Josh spent two years serving as a Conductor (Drum Major) for the two time Drum Corps International World Champion, Phantom Regiment Drum & Bugle Corps. He is still very active in the marching band activity. Josh has worked as a designer, instructor, choreographer and judge throughout the states of Missouri and Illinois. Josh's professional affiliations include the Illinois Music Education Association and the National Band Association.

Karen Fannin is Professor, Director of Bands, and Interim Director of the School of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha where she conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting, instructs courses in music education, and provides leadership for all aspects of the UNO band program.  Previously, Dr. Fannin served as Director of Bands and Department Chair at Hendrix College. While in Arkansas, Dr. Fannin also held the position of Music Director and Conductor of the Little Rock Wind Symphony. A native of Iowa, Dr. Fannin began her teaching career in the Lynnville-Sully Schools as Director of Bands and subsequently served as Director of Bands at Lockport Township High School in suburban Chicago. Dr. Fannin maintains an active schedule as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator. Recent professional engagements include a residency in Guangdong, China, a conference presentation in Stockholm, Sweden, and guest conducting or adjudicating in Canada, Alaska, Washington, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Colorado, New Mexico, Virginia, Louisiana, Arkansas, Iowa, and Nebraska. An active presenter, Dr. Fannin has shared her research at international, national, regional, and state conferences. Passionate about making interdisciplinary connections that impact a conductor's work with an ensemble, Dr. Fannin has presented on topics such as pacing in rehearsals and performance, communication in music, parallels between the ensemble and business, and the lineage of Nadia Boulanger through wind repertoire. She is published in the Journal of Band Research and is a contributing author to the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series published by GIA.  Dr. Fannin earned a Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting from the University of Colorado where she studied with Allan McMurray; a Master of Music in Conducting from Northwestern University as a student of Mallory Thompson; and a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Northern Iowa, where she was recently honored with a Distinguished Alumnus Award.

Mary Cogswell is the current president of the South Dakota Bandmasters Association, the editor of the Beginning Band Adaptable series, and a long time beginning band teacher. If you teach beginners, this is the episode for you!

Biography Capt. Kenneth C. Collins, a native of Reno, Nevada, entered the Navy in 1989 and attended recruit training in San Diego, California. Upon completion of Musician "A" school, he served as a percussionist in fleet bands in Guam and Newport, Rhode Island. His first assignment upon receiving a commission as a limited duty officer bandmaster in 1998 was as the ceremonial band leader and associate conductor of the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C., and shortly thereafter an assignment as the assistant director of the U.S. Naval Academy Band in Annapolis, Maryland. Collins served as the director of Navy Band Northwest from 2001-2004, director for U.S. Pacific Fleet Band from 2004-2007, director of Navy Band Southeast from 2007-2008, and director of the U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band from 2009-2012. He was selected for assignment to Navy Postgraduate School through the civilian institutions program in 2008, and completed a Master of Music with an emphasis in wind band conducting at the University of Illinois in 2009. Most recently, he completed a tour as director of Fleet Band Activities from 2012-2015. He reported to his current assignment as commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Band in July 2015. In addition to his military assignments, Collins studied drums and percussion with Jonathan Wacker, Dom Moio and Gary Chaffee and conducting with A.G. MacGrannahan, Anthony Maiello, James Keene, Abel Ramirez and David Waltman. He has served as a clinician for bands from all over the United States and in Europe. He served as the assistant conductor of the Rainier Symphony from 2002-2004, the Central Oahu Honor Band conductor/clinician in 2006 and adjunct faculty to Hawaii Pacific University, teaching undergraduate courses in music. Collins holds a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Nevada, a Master of Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a Master of Music from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (2 Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3 awards) and Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3 Awards).

Matthew Maslanka is David Maslanka's second son and the primary caretaker of David's music. Born in New York City in 1982, he grew up listening to his father composing at the piano. From the age of 10, Matthew started helping out by making photocopies of scores and dubbing cassette tapes for David to send to conductors interested in the music. At 12, Matthew discovered the delights of engraving music with a computer. By 14, he was skilled enough to handle the preparation of his father's music and proceeded to engrave virtually every work from that point forward. In this way, he built up a deep understanding of the underpinnings of David's writing and long-term development as a composer. He frequently accompanied his father on trips to work with ensembles and observed his working process closely. Matthew enjoyed a particularly close personal and professional relationship with David. Matthew is a versatile musician, performing on euphonium and trombone, preparing sheet music for performance and publication, and publishing his father's music. He studied euphonium performance as an undergraduate at Michigan State University with Philip Sinder and as a master's student at Indiana University with Daniel Perantoni. He also studied trombone as a doctoral candidate at Indiana University with Carl Lenthe. He has performed on Broadway in the orchestra of Fiddler on the Roof and plays with the New Amsterdam Symphony Orchestra and the Chelsea Symphony, among others. Along with performing, Matthew is an accomplished music engraver and copyist. Equally at home in the commercial and classical worlds, he has prepared music in diverse genres. Projects have included the Pixar film The Incredibles 2, Warner Brothers' Shazam!, the hit video game Destiny 2 by Bungie Inc. and the acclaimed musicals Far From Heaven by Scott Frankel with orchestrations by Tony Award winner Bruce Coughlin, Chess by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus of ABBA, and Sycamore Trees by Ricky Ian Gordon. He has also engraved opera, wind ensemble, and chamber music for the New York-based publisher Carl Fischer and Internationale Musikverlage Hans Sikorski in Hamburg. In 2012, Matthew founded Maslanka Press to publish his father's works. Dedicated to producing beautiful, affordable new editions, promoting David's music, and supporting performers, educators, and enthusiasts, Maslanka Press now publishes more than 70 works worldwide. Following David's passing in 2017, he started the David Maslanka Foundation with his brother Stephen and sister Kathryn to preserve and promote David's music and life. As part of that mission, Matthew travels worldwide, coaching performing groups on his father's music. Matthew is an avid photographer and lives in New York City with his two dogs, Cassie and Max. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope's outstanding staff to focus on your group's one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else! The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

Gary Green is Director of Bands Emeritus at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Florida. Prior to joining the faculty at UM, Gary served for ten years as Director of Bands at the University of Connecticut. Gary joins the show today to discuss the important life lessons that music teachers need to know to build a culture of excellence. Gary Green and was influential in commissioning and recording new works for winds and percussion which included Symphony No. 3 by David Maslanka and A Cornfield in July and The River by William Penn. Urban Requiem by Michael Colgrass was commissioned by the Philip Frost Commission Fund and has become a standard in the repertoire for wind ensemble. Throughout his career, Professor Green has received numerous honors and awards including The Phillip Frost Award for Scholarship and Teaching at the University of Miami. In March 2007, he joined the ranks of Frederick Fennell, William Revelli, and John Paynter in the Bands of America Hall of Fame. Gary has conducted events in Florida, Texas, Connecticut, Kansas, Maryland, Georgia, Utah, Virginia, Washington, amongst many others. In addition, he has conducted all state, regional, national, and international honor bands. Gary holds a B.M. degree from Boise State University and an M.M. degree from the University of Idaho. Mr. Green is a member of the American Bandmasters Association, the College Band Directors Association, the Music Educators National Conference, the Florida Bandmasters Association and the Florida Music Educators Association. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope's outstanding staff to focus on your group's one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!   The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

For this episode I'm going to be sitting across from the microphone while Colin Peters interviews me. I have had pretty rough go of it during the pandemic and felt that it was the right moment to share some thoughts and encouragement from my own experience. Biography: Mark J. Connor (b. 1971) is a composer, conductor, educator, and podcaster who has a passion for everything band. His music is diverse, his interviews are inspiring, and his ability to capture the listener's attention for both means of expression is remarkable. As a composer, Mark has written a collection of wind band literature ranging in various levels, orchestral music, and chamber ensembles. His works have been published by Alry Publications, Grand Mesa Music, and RWS Music Company. As an educator for more than 20 years, Mark has had the fortune to teach students at every level from elementary to postgraduate. Through reflection and continued education, Mark adapts his philosophy of teaching to fulfill the needs of his diverse students. Prior to his current position as band director at the Saul Mirowitz Jewish Community School, he was a visiting assistant professor and adjunct professor at several universities nationwide. Popularly known for his role as the host of Everything Band, Mark enjoys producing this weekly podcast that features interviews with leaders in the band community. He has a faithful following for each episode and takes pride in delivering a motivational message of gratitude, inspiration, and perseverance in regards to music, education, and life. Learn more about Mark: http://www.markjconnor.com

Virginia Allen is a conductor, music educator, arranger, consultant, and a true pioneer for women in music. During her 20-year career in the United States Army, Allen was the first woman to command and conduct an active duty military band integrated with both men and women, the first woman to conduct the West Point band, and the first woman to conduct the U.S. Army Field Band. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope's outstanding staff to focus on your group's one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else! The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

Kevin Sedatole is the Director of Bands and Chair of the conducting area at Michigan State University. He has had a celebrated career in music as a conductor, clinician, teacher, and advocate for new music.  Biography Kevin Sedatole serves as Director of Bands, Professor of Music, and Chair of the conducting area at the Michigan State University College of Music. At MSU, Professor Sedatole serves as administrator of the entire band program totaling over 700 students that includes the Wind Symphony, Symphony Band, Concert Band, Chamber Winds, Campus Bands, Spartan Marching Band and Spartan Brass. He also guides the graduate wind-conducting program in addition to conducting the MSU Wind Symphony. Prior to joining MSU, he was director of bands and associate professor of conducting at Baylor University. Previous to his appointment at Baylor he served as associate director of bands at the University of Texas and director of the Longhorn Band, and as associate director of bands at the University of Michigan and Stephen F. Austin State University. Sedatole has conducted performances for the College Band Directors National Association, American Bandmasters Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, as well as performances in Carnegie Hall. He has conducted across the United States and Europe. Most recently the MSU Wind Symphony, under the direction of Professor Sedatole, has given featured performances at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic held in Chicago, Ill. and at the national conventions of the College Band Directors' National Association held in Austin, Texas and Kansas City, Missouri. Performances conducted by Professor Sedatole have won accolades from prominent composers including Robert Beaser, John Corigliano, Michael Colgrass, Donald Grantham, David Maslanka, Ricardo Lorenz, Michael Daugherty, John Mackey, Jonathan Newman, Carter Pann, Joel Puckett, Dan Welcher as well as many others. Professor Sedatole also serves on the summer faculty of the Interlochen Music Camp, Board of Directors for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and as the president of the CBDNA North Central division. His international engagements include residencies at the Senzoku Gakuen College of Music, Tokyo, Japan and the Mid Europe Festival, Schladming, Austria. ________________ Please join us at the second annual Ultimate Music Business Summit, which will be held January 6-8, 2022! This is a virtual summit where musicians (from across the globe) can gather and learn about entrepreneurial ideas. The goal of this summit is to ignite curiosity and offer valuable information from an array of experts. The entrepreneurial-minded musician who attends the summit will leave with new, creative ideas that will not only inspire them but will give them the necessary tools to utilize in our ever-changing musical world. The desire to connect, educate, learn, and grow together is UMBS's hope and mission. Please visit our website at musicsummit.biz for more information! Thanks! Prices of Tickets: Basic Ticket: $17 Basic Ticket Early Bird (purchased before Nov. 30): $14 VIP (access to all video recordings): $137 Early Bird (purchased before Nov. 30): $97 Dates: January 6-8, 2022

Glenn Eichelberger is the Director of Bands at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Glenn has been involved in HBCU bands for his entire career and joins the show to discuss his career and his experiences with HBCU excellence in music. Links: Glenn Eichelberger Holsinger: Prelude and Rondo Sheldon: 1,000 Cranes Nelhybel: Festivo Biography: Mr. Eichelberger currently serves  the Director of Bands at Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Mr. Eichelberger recently completed his Masters of Arts in Instrumental Conducting at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland (2020). Mr. Eichelberger is a native of Miami Florida where he graduated from Miami Carol City Senior High School (1997). He started his undergraduate studies at Florida A&M University where he was a member of the FAMU Marching 100, Symphonic, Jazz, Brass Ensemble and Trombone Choir. In 2000 and 2002 Mr. Eichelberger was selected for the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southeast Intercollegiate Honors Band. He is also a former member of the U.S. Marines Basic Musician Enlistment Program where he studied at the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia. Mr. Eichelberger also holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies from Florida Memorial University (2011). Mr. Eichelberger is also the Founder and President of the Palm Beach Band Director Coalition. Prior to his appointment as the Director of Bands at Stillman College, Mr. Eichelberger served as the Director of Bands at Park Crossing High School in Montgomery, AL (2020-2021), a Graduate Conductor at Morgan State University in Baltimore, MD (2017-2020), Music Teacher at Holabird Middle School in Dundalk, MD (2017-2019), Department Chair and Director of Bands at Jeaga Middle School in West Palm Beach Florida (2015-2016), Director of Bands and Music Coordinator at N.E.W. Preparatory High School of Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale, Florida (2014-2015), Director of Bands at American Senior High School in Hialeah, Florida (2008-2013). Mr. Eichelberger has also served as the Assistant to the Director of Band and Music Arranger at Johnson C. Smith University in Charlotte, NC (2005-2006). Mr. Eichelberger has also served as the Assistant Director of Band and Music Arranger at James S. Rickards High in Tallahassee, Florida (2002-2003). During his Tenure at James S. Rickards the band was selected as the honor band for the Veterans Day Celebration and was selected to perform a post-game performance at Florida A&M University; Assistant to the Director of Band and Arranger at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, Georgia (2004-2005), during his time at Thomasville High the band was featured in a commercial for White Wheat Bread for the Hostus Bread Company. In the summer of 2006 Mr. Eichelberger was asked to serve as the Assistant Director of Bands and Music Arranger at his alma mater Miami Carol City Senior High. In April of 2007 Mr. Eichelberger was asked to serve as the Interim Director of Bands at Miami Carol City Senior High after the Promotion of Fedrick C. Ingram to Secretary/Treasurer of United Teachers of Dade. Mr. Eichelberger has been a Guest Clinician at the Savannah State University Summer Band Camp, (2012), Florida A&M University Marching 100 Summer Band Camp (1998-2002, 2004) Dade County Parks and Recreation Annual Summer Performing Arts Camp (1999), Miami Northwestern Senior High (1999), North Miami Beach Senior High (2004) and Florida Memorial University Miami All-Star Summer Band Camp (2003-Present), and several high schools in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina. He has served as a guest Conductor at Miami Carol City Senior High, Thomasville High School, Florida Memorial University, and Savannah State University. Mr. Eichelberger is a member of the HBCU-National Band Director Consortium, Music Educator National Conference (MENC), Florida Bandmasters Association (FBA), Florida Music Educators Association (FMEA), International Association of Jazz Educators (IAJE), FAMU Marching 100 Alumni Band Association, (DAC) Diaspora Arts Coalition, (UTD) United Teachers of Dade, Florida Education Association (FEA), National Education Association (NEA), Teacher Association of Baltimore County (TABCO), Alabama Education Association (AEA), Maryland Music Educators Association, and an honorary member of the Eta Omicron Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma.

Cam Stasa is a well known figure in the marching arts community as the Director of Participant Relations for Music for All (Bands of America). She joins the show to discuss Music for All programs, her personal journey through music, and her prospective on winning and losing in competition. Links:  Music for All Band of America Hall of Fame   Biography: A graduate of Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University (MI), she taught English and Communications in secondary schools prior to her arrival at MFA.  Originally hired as Director of Operations for Bands of America, her job description evolved into the “sales” director of Music for All.  Whether talking to directors by phone, or in person, Cam developed the most direct communication with music directors to encourage them to participate within the events produced throughout the year. For over 15 years Cam has announced the Lake Park Lancer Joust, a high school marching band competition held annually on the campus of Lake Park High School in Roselle, Illinois.  She is also the announcer of the Normal West Marching Band Invitational at Illinois Wesleyan University. Cam has been the Master of Ceremonies at the Chicagoland Invitational Concert Band Festival since 2003. On March 8, 2014, Cam was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame joining the ranks of William Revelli, John Paynter, Gary Green, Greg Bimm, Alfred Watkins and others that have been recognized for their impact on Bands of America, the nation's band activity and music education. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope's outstanding staff to focus on your group's one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!   The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

Paula Crider has had an illustrious 33 year teaching career as a band director, 17 of those as the director of the University of Texas Longhorn Band. She continues to be powerful voice in the band community as a clinician and consultant. Links: Paula Crider Dahl: Sinfonietta Biography: Following a distinguished 33-year teaching career, Professor Paula A. Crider continues to share her passion for making music through an active schedule as guest conductor, lecturer, clinician, and adjudicator. She has enjoyed engagements in 47 states, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, France, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Spain, Hong Kong, and Australia. Professor Crider has taught in the public schools at all levels and holds the unique distinction of having been the first female in the state of Texas to serve as director of bands at a class 5-A high school. Her Crockett High School Bands in Austin, Texas enjoyed both state and national recognition for musical excellence on the concert stage and were twice named Texas 5A State Marching Champions. A tenured Full Professor at The University of Texas, Crider conducted the Symphony Band and was Director of the acclaimed University of Texas Longhorn Band. During her 17 year tenure, she was twice accorded the “Eyes of Texas” Award for distinguished teaching. She continues to serve as a visiting guest professor at universities throughout the country. She has written numerous articles for The Instrumentalist, The Band Directorʼs Guide, the National Band Association Journal, and has published manuals for Brass Techniques, Marching Band Methods and Instrumental Conducting. She is a co-author for the Hal Leonard “Masterwork Studies” series, and author of The Composerʼs Legacy, Conductors on Conducting for Wind Band published by GIA. ------- The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

JaRod Hall is a band director in Irving, Texas and an up and coming composer at the beginning of his writing career. He is infectiously positive throughout our conversation about his creative journey, including a discussion of representation and why it matters for our students. Links: Shostakovich: Finale from Symphony no. 5 Hall: Brigid's Cross Biography: JaRod Hall (b. 1991) is a Texas-native educator, performer, and composer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music education fom the University of North Texas where he studied conducting with Nicholas Williams and Dennis Fisher. Upon graduating, he served as an associate band director for Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. A passionate performer, JaRod has been a part of many ensembles such as the North Texas Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band, 3 O’ Clock Lab Band, Carrollton Wind Symphony, Metropolitan Winds, and during his time in high school the Texas All-State Symphonic Band (2007-09) and Jazz Band (2010). He served as drum major for the 2013 Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps, and member of the 2014 Disneyland All-American College Band. He is currently a freelance tubist and trombonist in the DFW metroplex. JaRod is the associate director of bands at Sam Houston Middle School in Irving, Texas. He resides in Carrollton, Texas with his fiancée, Rachel. The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Greg Bimm has been the band director at Marian Catholic in Chicago for 44 years. During his time there his bands have been consistently excellent both on the marching field and on the stage, including Bands of America's Grand National Champion seven times and a whopping 40 straight years undefeated in their class at the Illinois Superstate competition. Links: Marian Catholic High School Band Persichetti: Symphony Biography: Greg Bimm has been Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School since 1977. Under his direction, the Marian Band has grown from 70 to over 280 members, has earned over 600 awards and honors, and has become one of the premier high school band programs in the United States. Mr. Bimm's history with Bands of America dates back to 1981 when the Marian Catholic marching band came to the BOA Summer Workshop/Festival (now the Summer Symposium) to serve as the "lab band." Directors enrolled in the Directors Workshops observed marching teaching theory in practice with the Workshop faculty and the Marian Catholic Band. Since then, the Marian Catholic bands are among the most honored in BOA history. Marian has been named the BOA Grand National Champions seven times and is the only marching band to win the Grand National Champion title three consecutive years. They have participated in 21 consecutive Grand Nationals, numerous Regional Championships and the BOA Summer Nationals held in the 1980s, winning five Summer National titles. The Marian Catholic Symphonic Band was one of only eight bands invited to perform at the first National Concert Band Festival in 1992, held at Northwestern University and has performed again in 1995 and 1998. Mr. Bimm is a member of the 2005 Summer Symposium faculty. Most recently, Mr. Bimm was part of the teaching staff for the Bands of America Honor Band that appeared in the 2005 Tournament of Roses Parade. Mr. Bimm is a current member and past chairman of the Bands of America Advisory Board and has served several terms on BOA advisory bodies. His input and expertise have been instrumental in guiding the direction of Bands of America programming. "Greg and the Marian Catholic band program serve as an inspiration and model for band directors across the nation," says Scott McCormick, MFA President and CEO. Mr. Bimm has received five National Band Association Citations of Excellence and the NBA Certificate of Merit, was named the 1983 national winner of the ASBDA Stanbury award for young band directors, and received the Sudler Order of Merit from the John Philip Sousa Foundation in 1991 and 1997. In 1999, Mr. Bimm was among the first to be awarded the “Mary Hoffman” Award of Excellence by the Illinois Music Educator’s Association and in 2000 was recognized for contribution and support to art education by the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education. In 1994, Bimm was elected to membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association. Mr. Bimm holds degrees from Illinois State and Western Illinois Universities. His professional affiliations include ABA, ASBDA, IMEA, NAfME, NCBA, NBA, Phi Beta Mu, and Phi Mu Alpha. He has served on the Illinois High School Association Music Advisory Committee, and has served as Band Division chairman, District I and state equipment manager for IMEA. In constant demand, Mr. Bimm has performed as conductor, clinician, adjudicator, drill writer, or music arranger throughout the United States and Canada. The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

Alfred Watkins was the longtime band director at Lasseter High School in Georgia and one of the finest band directors of his generation. He joins the show to talk about his career and share the wisdom from his 37 years as an instrumental music teacher. Links: Hindemith: Symphony in B-flat Reed: Russian Christmas Music Biography: Educator, conductor, clinician, and lecturer Alfred L. Watkins, retired band director at Lassiter High School, in Marietta, Georgia, enjoyed a storied 37-year career that surpassed even his “wildest dreams.” Hailing from the small time of Jackson, Georgia and an alumnus of Florida A & M University (FAMU), Watkins built an outstanding and multi-faceted high school band program of international stature. The program was anchored by outstanding concert bands, which provided strong backgrounds for a lifetime of excellence and artistic appreciation to his over 10,000 former students. Ensembles under his baton are recognized for their sonorous sound, excellent intonation, impeccable precision and meaningful musical interpretations. His bands have performed four times at the Midwest Clinic, National Band Association Convention, National Concert Band Festival and GMEA. The Trojan Marching Band performed four times in the Tournament of Roses, three times in the Macy*s Thanksgiving Day Parades and has been viewed on television by over 1.5 billion people. The Trojan Band was named Sweepstakes Winners in 103 of 110 competitions entered included being named the Bands of America Grand National Champions on two occasions. Watkins is a member of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association, the FAMU Gallery of Distinguished Alumni, the Bands of America Hall of Fame and the Phi Beta Mu Georgia Bandmasters Hall of Fame. He has received 16 Certificates of Excellence from the National Band Association and is the recipient of the Edwin Franko Goldman Award, Sudler Order of Merit, Legion of Honor Award, and the Turnett LeadershipCharacter Award. He holds the unique distinction of having led bands that received the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s Sudler Flag of Honor, Sudler Shield, and Sudler Silver Scroll Awards. Watkins is Co-founder, Musical Director and Conductor of the Cobb Wind Symphony, an award-winning all-adult community band based in Marietta. He is also Co-founder and President of the Minority Band Directors National Association. The $1.5 million Alfred L. Watkins Band Building at Lassiter bears his name. He and his wife, Rita live in Atlanta. They have two adult sons, Christopher and Jonathan. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!   The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

James Swearengen has composed over 700 published works and is one of the most recognizable names in the wind band community. He joins me to discuss not only his music but also the story his early career as a band director and some of the wisdom he has acquired over a stellar career. Links: Jager: Esprit de Corps Nestico: Boys of Wexford Swearengen: Into the Joy of Spring Biography: James Swearingen’s talents as a performer, composer/arranger and educator include a background of extensive training and experience. He has earned degrees from Bowling Green State University and The Ohio State University. In recognition of distinguished contributions, Mr. Swearingen was recently accorded the title of Professor Emeritus from Capital University located in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to his appointment at Capital in 1987, he spent eighteen years teaching instrumental music in the public schools of central Ohio. His first teaching assignment took him to the community of Sunbury, Ohio. He then spent fourteen years as Director of Instrumental Music at Grove City High School, where his marching, concert, and jazz bands all received acclaim for their high standards of performing excellence. Mr. Swearingen currently serves as a staff arranger for the famed Ohio State University Marching Band. In addition to his arranging responsibilities, Mr. Swearingen manages to be very active as a guest conductor, adjudicator and educational clinician. Appearances have included trips throughout the United States, as well as Australia, Canada, Europe, Japan, Norway, the Republic of China and Singapore. School directors, student performers and audiences worldwide have enthusiastically received Mr. Swearingen’s numerous contributions for band. With over 650 published works, he has written band compositions and arrangements that reflect a variety of musical forms and styles. Many of his pieces, including 120 commissioned works, have been chosen for contest and festival lists. He is a recipient of several ASCAP awards for published compositions and in 1992 was selected as an Accomplished Graduate of the Fine and Performing Arts from Bowling Green State University. In March of 2000, he was invited to join The American Bandmasters Association, considered to be the most prestigious bandmaster organization in the world. Mr. Swearingen received the 2002 Community Music Educator Award given annually by the Columbus Symphony Orchestra. In that same year, he became conductor of the Grove City Community Winds. This highly talented ensemble consists of many fine musicians from the central Ohio area. On June 20, 2009, The American School Band Directors Association, Inc., presented Mr. Swearingen with the A. Austin Harding Award. This prestigious award is presented annually by the organization and is reflective of valuable and dedicated service to the school bands of America. In 2011, he received the Hall of Fame Award presented by the Ohio Chapter (Mu) of Phi Beta Mu. The OMEA Distinguished Service Award was presented to him at the 2014 OMEA Professional Development Conference. Later that year, he was presented the Signature Sinfonian Award by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. On April 21, 2015, The Ohio State School of Music honored Mr. Swearingen with their Distinguished Alumnus Award. It should be noted that he is also a member of numerous professional and honorary organizations including NAfME, ASBDA, Phi Beta Mu and Pi Kappa Lambda. The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

Dr. Ronald Wooten is a professor of music at Northern Illinois University and has a long history of success as a band director and music educator. He joined the show to spin an entertaining story of his life and share some tremendous wisdom.  Biography: Ronnie Wooten DMA, Professor of Music, believes that “It is absolutely critical for those of us who are engaged in the art and practice of musicing-- particularly in colleges and universities, to actively assist all others in their quest to find and recognize their own personal uniqueness as people.” He is widely recognized and frequently invited to share with others in both traditional/ nontraditional, musical/non-musical venues his own energetic, passionate and continuously evolving uniqueness in the intentional human activity that is universally recognized as MUSIC. Ronnie Wooten remains actively engaged in the areas of conducting—its pedagogy, history and evolution with particular focus on applications of nonverbal communication systems in conducting pedagogy; historical and theoretical analysis of wind band repertoire---including the unique contributions of Black Composers, intersectionalities and functions of music in human societies, and pedagogical approaches and methodologies in diverse populations in musicing and education. Dr. Wooten is “a strong advocate for assisting students, colleagues and others to find their uniqueness through musicing”. He received degrees in music education and conducting from East Carolina University (with honors) and Michigan State University where he studied conducting with conductors Eugene Migliaro Corporon, Kenneth G. Bloomquist and Herbert L. Carter. He studied applied clarinet with Deborah Chodacki and Frank Ell, piano with Donna Coleman, and completed additional studies in conducting and wind band literature at the University of Calgary, Campbell University, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the University of Michigan.  Prior to his appointment at NIU as Conductor of the Wind Symphony and Area Coordinator of Music Education in Fall 1994, Dr. Wooten previously held posts as Director of University Bands at SUNY Fredonia and Florida International University. His initial teaching and conducting career began in the public schools of North Carolina, where he served as Assistant Director of Bands of the three-time Bands of America Grand National Champion Rocky Mount High School Band, and as Director of Bands and Instrumental Music for grades 8-12 in the Goldsboro City School District.     Dr. Wooten maintains an active national and international musicing schedule as guest conductor, adjudicator, lecturer and consultant for instrumental music and education, and was invited to serve as Guest Conductor of the United States Army Field Band at Ft. Meade, Resident Orchestra Conductor for the international conference: “A Multicultural Celebration of Diversity in Music”, where he conducted a performance of Black composer Florence Prices’s Symphony No. 3 , which at that time had not been heard in over 60 years;  a live recreation of the 1930s landmark “Deep River Radio Hour, which featured live actors for the commercials, soloists and lesser-known full orchestral works by African-American composer William Grant Still and others, all of which were aired over National Public Radio.  He served as Guest Conductor of the Kentucky Intercollegiate Band, the Provincial Honor Band of Alberta, Canada, the International Music Camp Band, and as guest conductor of All-State and All-District Honor Bands in 32 US states thus far. Wooten has served as Chief Adjudicator for Bands and Solo Wind Instrument Performance for the Kiwanis International Music Festivals in Toronto and Ottawa, Canada and has presented original research for the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic, College Band Directors National Association, Illinois, Kentucky, North Carolina and Texas Music Educators Associations, Illinois Committee on Black Concerns in Higher Education, People of Color in Predominantly White Institutions Conference and The National Association of Black Cultural Centers. He delivered the keynote address for the Rhode Island Music Educators Association Conference and served as Artist-in -Residence at the University of Louisville for their annual Festival of African American Music. Additionally, Dr. Wooten has conducted the NIU Wind Ensemble at the National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music Conference and the Illinois Music Educators Association In-Service Conference.  In 2013 he was invited by PanTrinbago to serve on an international panel of adjudicators for the National Steelband Finals Championship in Trinidad and Tobago where he also presented a workshop at the National Performing Arts Center entitled: “The Maestro at Work”. Dr. Wooten holds professional memberships in the College Band Directors National Association, where he served as a member of the Task Force on Ethnicity and Gender Issues, The National Association for Music Education, Illinois Music Educators Association, Mid-America Bandmasters Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Kappa Kappa Psi. Dr. Wooten received the Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching at Northern Illinois University where has taught the following courses: (Undergraduate): Introduction to Music Education, Secondary Instrumental Methods, Techniques of Woodwind Instruments, Black Music, Student Teaching, Conducting;  (Graduate): Foundations of American Music Education, Supervision and Administration of the Music Program, Diverse Populations in Music Education, Wind Instrument Literature, Conducting, in addition to conducting the NIU Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble and All-University Bands. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else! The Everything Band Podcast Team: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker  

In this special episode we welcome Colin Peters and Jake Walker to the podcast and interview them to learn their stories and hear their plans for the future of the podcast. Topics covered include origin stories, teaching during COVID, teaching beginners, and their answers to the big questions.   Colin Peters Bio: Mr. Colin Peters has completed his fourth year of teaching public school band and is now pursuing a Masters degree in Wind Conducting at Sam Houston State University. Prior to Sam Houston, Colin served four years as the Assistant Band Director at York Junior High in Conroe ISD. While at York, he conducted the Symphonic band, Concert II/III bands, assisted with the Wind Ensemble and other concert bands, as well as assisted with the marching band at Grand Oaks under the direction of Mr. Peters, the Symphonic Band and Concert II/III Bands received superior ratings at the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest, along with First Division and "Best in Class" awards at local area festivals.  Colin Peters grew up in Dickinson, TX, just south of Houston. He graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelors degree in Music Education. While at UH, he studied clarinet under Chester Rowell and Randy Griffin. His performance experiences include playing clarinet and bass clarinet in the UH Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Orchestra. While at UH he also had the opportunity to perform with the Wind Ensemble at the Texas Music Educators Association, The Midwest Clinic and Convention, and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Convention. Colin was also a five-year member of the “Spirit of Houston” marching band where he served as Drum Major for three of those years. With his time outside of teaching, Mr. Peters has played in the Woodlands Concert Band, worked with marching bands and leadership teams, and judged solo and ensemble contests around the Houston area. He also spends his summers attending Texas area workshops, including the Sam Houston State University’s Teaching the Middle School Band. Colin's professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Mu Alpha.    Jake Walker Bio: Mr. Jake Walker is in his second year as the 5th Grade Band Director at Hannah Martin Elementary School, in Huntley, Illinois. After earning his teaching degree, Jake launched the new Martin Band program. In his first year, he recruited over 100 beginning band students into the program. In 2018, he was named the Assistant Marching Band Director at Huntley High School, where he worked for two marching band seasons alongside his full time position. Jake is also a Summer School Band Director for the Wauwatosa School District in Wisconsin for 5th-10th grade students, a position he accepted in 2020. In January of 2021, he joined the Everything Band Podcast team as their Creative Director, where he creates graphics and manages social media content.  Jake graduated and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2019 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. While attending NIU, Jake studied with trumpet professor Dr. Mark Ponzo, ensemble and conducting professors Dr. Thomas Bough and Dr. Ronnie Wooten, and music education faculty Dr. Mary-Lynn Doherty and Dr. Christine D’ Alexander. In 2018, he was named the Head Drum Major for the NIU Huskie Marching Band and the President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) collegiate chapter. Jake was recognized for his efforts in the Huskie Marching Band when he received the Outstanding Band Member of the Year for two consecutive seasons (2016, 2017) and the “Director’s Award” for excellence (2018).  In the Fall of 2020, Jake contributed to the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Band Best Practice Committee to curate a collection of health and safety recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic for Illinois band programs. Jake was selected to represent Illinois in the upcoming 2022 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California as a member of the "Salute to America's Band Directors Marching Band". The band will be composed of up to 300 band directors from across North America and will pay tribute to the exceptional instruction, character development and inspiration provided by music educators everywhere. Links: Arnold: Four Scottish Dances Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker

Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin is the director of bands at Penn State University. She joined the show to share the story of her career, challenges that she has faced, and some thoughts about concert band programming. Topics: Tonya's background and education. Representation matters! Programming music. Thoughts about teaching and conducting. Links: Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin Association of Black Women Band Directors Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium Biography: Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin is Director of Wind Band Studies and Assistant Professor of Music. In addition to conducting the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, overseeing the graduate wind conducting program, teaching courses in wind band literature and wind conducting, she oversees all aspects of the concert band programs at Penn State. Her appointment at PSU follows three years as Assistant Director of Bands and Associate Director of Athletic Bands at the University of South Carolina. Prior to her tenure at UofSC, Mitchell-Spradlin taught at Valdosta State University as Director of Athletic Bands and was Director of Bands at Chamblee High School in Chamblee, Georgia. Mitchell-Spradlin has a diverse background as a clinician, adjudicator, educator, and speaker. She is a frequent guest conductor, and has presented regionally at the South Carolina Music Educators Association Conference, nationally at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, internationally at the International Society for the Promotion of Wind Band in Austria, and has served as Tau Beta Sigma’s local and national Women in Music Speaker. As a proponent of new music, she is engaged in building the wind band medium. She led the consortium and premiere of Aaron Perrine’s Beneath a Canvas of Green for wind ensemble and percussion quartet which was also the source of her doctoral dissertation. Additionally, she is active in a number of premieres and consortiums for new music. Mitchell-Spradlin serves as the National Vice President of Professional Relations for Tau Beta Sigma: National Honorary Band Sorority. She also holds memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi, the College Band Directors National Association, National Association for Music Education, and Women Band Directors International. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else! The Everything Band Podcast Team: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker  

Jared Cassedy is the current band director at Lexington High School in Massachusetts, after teaching in New Hampshire for many years. He was the 2015 recipient of the Grammy Music Educator of the Year award and offers some great perspective for all band directors. Topics: Jared's background growing up in New Hampshire, his education and training and his early career. Winning the Grammy Music Educator of the Year Award and being locked in a room with Kanye and Kim. Advice for band directors of all ages about the value of music education and some wisdom that he's learned during his career. Links: Jared Cassedy Giroux: The Grace in Being Biography: Jared Cassedy is currently the K-12 Performing Arts Coordinator for the Lexington Public School System in Lexington, Massachusetts where he supports, supervises, and evaluates the department’s teachers, curriculum and assessment development, budget, and performing arts programming.  Along with his administrative responsibilities he conducts the most advanced concert band at the high school, the LHS Wind Ensemble.  Jared is also the conductor of the Junior Massachusetts Youth Wind Ensemble at the New England Conservatory Preparatory School and currently serves as Chair-Elect for the Massachusetts Music Educators Association: Northeastern District.  Previous to coming to Massachusetts,  he served as President-Elect for the New Hampshire Music Educators Association (NHMEA).  In 2015 Jared was the recipient of the prestigious GRAMMY Music Educator Award furnished by the GRAMMY Foundation and The Recording Academy having been selected out of a pool of almost 10,000 nominees nationwide.   Previous to his appointment in Lexington, Jared was the Director of K-12 Performing Arts for the Salem School District in Salem, NH and was the Director of K-12 Fine Arts for the Windham School District, in Windham, NH.  Jared began his teaching career in Windham, NH in 2005 first as the middle school band director and then was appointed as the first Director of Bands for the newly constructed Windham High School in 2009.  Jared’s continued collaboration with his students has enabled his ensembles to be selected to participate in a myriad of national performances and festivals including the National Band and Orchestra Festival at Carnegie Hall in NYC, the Festival of Gold at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, the NAfME Eastern Division Conference in Hartford, CT., and the Bands of America National Band Festival sponsored by Music for All and Yamaha in Indianapolis.  His ensembles were also selected to perform for the Mayor of Quebec City and the Governor of Montreal.  In 2011 the New Hampshire Band Directors Association honored Jared with the “Outstanding Young Band Director of the Year Award.”  He was also nominated for New Hampshire Teacher of the Year in 2014.  Jared has conducted a number of regional honor bands in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, and Connecticut, given a variety of lectures on leadership and best practices in teaching, and has participated in TEDx talking about his journey and philosophies through education.  He graduated Summa cum Laude from the University of New Hampshire – Durham where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education and has a Masters of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Educational Leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.  He is a member of NAfME, MMEA, NBA, and ASCD, and the prestigious Pi Lambda Theta Education Honors Society.

Steve Danyew is a composer living in Rochester, New York. He has written several very successful for band, including Magnolia Star and Into the Silent Land. Topics: Steve's background growing up and his musical education. Steve plays saxophone and I sing a few notes! Steve's music, including Magnolia Star and the story behind Into the Silent Land. Thoughts about composing and publishing. Links: Steve Danyew - Composer Grainger - Irish Tune Pärt - Spiegel im Spiegel Danyew - Alcott Songs Biography: Steve Danyew’s music has been hailed as “startlingly beautiful” and “undeniably well crafted and communicative” by the Miami Herald, and has been praised as possessing “sensitivity, skill and tremendous sophistication” by the Kansas City Independent. Danyew (b. 1983) is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for his work, and his compositions have been performed throughout the world in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, the Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, and the steps of the US Capitol. Danyew’s recent work Into the Silent Land was named the winner of the 2019 Walter Beeler Memorial Composition Prize. Three of his compositions for wind band are featured in Volume 11 of Teaching Music Through Performance in Band (GIA). In addition to composing, Danyew is a passionate educator who teaches courses focused on helping young musicians craft their own creative careers at the Eastman School of Music’s Institute for Music Leadership. He is the contributing author for the 2nd edition of Ramon Ricker’s book Lessons from a Street-Wise Professor: What You Won’t Learn at Most Music Schools (Soundown, 2018). He is also a frequent guest composer and lecturer at schools through the United States. In 2020, Danyew and his wife Ashley created Musician & Co., a new resource that equips 21st-century musicians to be both artists and business owners. The mission of Musician & Co. is to provide an innovative model for bridging the gap between the practice room and a profitable business. Danyew grew up in New England, playing the saxophone and improvising music on the piano. After a performance of his own work, the South Florida Sun Sentinel proclaimed him a “saxophone virtuoso par excellence, making the instrument sing as well as shout.” Danyew performed as a saxophonist in the University of Miami Wind Ensemble under the direction of Gary Green, and this formative experience led him to begin composing works for wind band. Danyew received a B.M., Pi Kappa Lambda from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami and holds an M.M. in Composition and Certificate in Arts Leadership from the Eastman School of Music. Additionally, Danyew has served as a Composer Fellow at the Yale Summer Music School with Martin Bresnick, and as a Composer Fellow at the Composers Conference in Wellesley, MA with Mario Davidovsky. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else! The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker  

Frank Troyka was a longtime band director in Richardson, Texas and now serves as an adjunct instructor at SMU, educational consultant for Conn-Selmer, and director of education for System Blue. Topics: Frank's background growing up in several different locations and the story of how he ended up in Texas. Meeting Eddie Green at Western Michigan and how that led to him moving to Texas to jumpstart his teaching career. Teaching in Texas and some insight into the methodology and structure of Frank's program. Lots nuts and bolts about teaching band and some philosophical discussions about teaching instrumental music. Links: Frank Troyka at SMU Ticheli: Sanctuary Biography: A teacher of 35 years, he is the retired director of bands and coordinator of Fine Arts at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas. Troyka came to Berkner in May 2006 following seven years as director of bands at Cypress Falls High School in Houston. Ensembles under his direction have been selected to perform at the Music for All National Festival; the Percussive Arts Society International Convention; and the Midwest Clinic on two occasions with the Symphonic Band at Cypress Falls in 2004 and with the Berkner Symphonic Band in 2011. Troyka is an active lecturer and clinician, presenting in Texas, the U.S. and at international destinations including Canada, the Philippines, Singapore, China and South Africa. He is a frequent presenter at faculty development workshops for public schools and universities, as well as a guest lecturer and “hands-on” instructor for both students and teachers at all levels. In 2016, Troyka assumed the role as collegiate track director at the annual Conn-Selmer Institute in Mishawaka, Ind. Troyka is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmaster Fraternity, and the National Association for Music Education. He is an educational consultant with Conn-Selmer, Inc.; the director of education for System Blue, the educational arm of the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps of Concord, California; and the coordinator of the Generation Next series of presentations for The Midwest Clinic International Band and Orchestra Conference. He was honored as the 2002-03 Teacher of the Year at Cypress Falls High School and, while at Berkner High School, was one of 15 Texas recipients of the 2010 UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. In 2014, Troyka was honored by the Texas Bandmasters Association as a recipient of the Meritorious Achievement Award. In 2015, he was named to the International Board of Experts for the World Music Contest of Kerkrade, The Netherlands and in March of 2016, Troyka was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame.   The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors: Host and Creator: Mark Connor Outreach Manager: Colin Peters Creative Director: Jake Walker  

Allan McMurray enjoyed a 35 year career as the Director of Bands at the University of Colorado. Over the course of his remarkable career he has earned numerous honors and awards and is a past president of CBDNA. Topics: Allan’s background in music and his early influences. The influence of H. Robert Reynolds on Allan’s career and some thoughts about the importance of finding great models to emulate. Thoughts about motivating students and showing them that you care and pursuing excellence in your career. “Imitation is the greatest form of flattery but the lowest form of artistry.” The relationship between composers and conductors and how that collaboration can bring out the best in the music. Biography: Allan McMurray is Distinguished Professor and Professor of Conducting Emeritus at the University of Colorado. He served for 35 years as Director of Bands and Chair of the Conducting Faculty before retiring from CU at the end of the 2013 academic year. Prior to this position, he was on the faculty of the University of Michigan, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Considered one of the world’s leading teachers of conducting, Professor McMurray has guest conducted and taught conductors in 48 states and 15 foreign countries. He has been a featured visiting professor and conductor at over 200 universities and conservatories internationally. During his tenure at Colorado, the University of Colorado Wind Symphony performed by invitation at major conferences and conventions, including The First International Conference for Symphonic Bands in Manchester, England; the All-Japan Band Conference in Nemo Nu Sato, Japan; the College Band Directors National Association Convention (twice); and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles in Hamamatsu, Japan. The ensemble also has released two CDs on the Klavier label featuring original works by composers Daniel Kellogg, Carter Pann and Frank Ticheli and collaboration with the Takacs String Quartet, Patrick Mason, Baritone and Jennifer Bird-Arvidsson, Soprano. With a strong commitment to new music, Allan McMurray has been a strong proponent in commissioning and performing new compositions by American composers. He has won praise for his interpretive and expressive conducting by many composers including Pulitzer Prize winners Michael Colgrass, George Crumb, John Harbison, Karel Husa and Steven Stucky. Professor McMurray has performed with the St. Louis Symphony, the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Debut Orchestra and has guest conducted the Colorado Symphony, the Thai Philharmonic Orchestra and the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra. He also conducted the Prague Chamber musicians in a festival featuring the music of George Crumb in Prague and subsequently in the US. McMurray also completed four seasons with the Colorado Ballet Orchestra as conductor of Philip Feeney’s Dracula. Professor McMurray’s internationally acclaimed DVD series on the Art of Conducting includes three DVDs: “Conducting from the Inside Out: Gesture and Movement” published by GIA; “Conducting from the Inside Out: Conductor and Composer with Frank Ticheli” published by Manhattan Beach Music; and “Kindred Spirits” with friends and well-known conductors Richard Floyd, Craig Kirchhoff and Robert Reynolds also published by GIA. He is currently working on a companion textbook to the DVD series. Allan McMurray has received numerous honors and awards. He is a Past-President of the College Band Directors National Association, he is a recipient of the Bohumil Makovsky Award for Outstanding College Band Directors from the National Band Fraternity, Kappa Kappa Psi, and has been recognized by California State University Long Beach as “Distinguished Artist in Classical Music.” In December 2004, the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado designated Allan McMurray as the university’s 25th “Distinguished Professor” in recognition of his lifetime professional achievement in the teaching of conducting. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Mark Spede is the band director at Clemson University and the current president of the College Band Directors National Association. In this episode he shares his story and talks about CBDNA’s role in funding the aerosol study at the University of Colorado. Topics: Mark’s background and musical origin story. His journey from marching band novice to the director of the Clemson University band. Mark’s path to becoming president of CBDNA and the work that the organization has done with the COVID-19 pandemic. The backstory behind the aerosol study conducted during the summer of 2020.  Links: Mark Spede Clemson Tiger Band Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 Biography: Dr. Mark J. Spede is Professor, Director of Bands, Director of Tiger Band, and Conductor of the Symphonic Band at Clemson University, where he administrates the band program (symphonic, athletic, and jazz bands). Dr. Spede is the recipient of the Clemson University 2009 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching (College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities), and three Clemson University Board of Trustees Awards for Faculty Excellence (2008, 2009, and 2012). He teaches a number of courses, including two for the Calhoun Honors College: aesthetics of music and science of music. In 2012, Dr. Spede conducted the Clemson University Symphonic Band at venues in London, England, for the Summer Olympic Games. Also in 2012, he founded the Clemson Faculty Jazz Quintet, for which he plays drums. Dr. Spede earned a Bachelor of Music from the University of Michigan (1984), a Master of Music from Ball State University (1988), and a Doctor of Musical Arts from The University of Texas at Austin (1998). He has served the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in a number of capacities. From 2003 to 2005, Dr. Spede served as state chair for South Carolina. He also served on the CBDNA “New Era Think Tank” from 2005 to 2007, and served as chair of the “Athletic Band Task Force” from 2005 to 2009. He served as President of the Southern Division of CBDNA (encompassing eleven southern states) and is currently serving as National President. In addition, he has served as president of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Band Directors Association. Dr. Spede previously served on the faculties at The University of Texas at Austin (1998-1999) and the University of Florida in Gainesville (1989-1995) as Assistant Director of Bands. At Florida, he also taught studio percussion. As a freelance arranger, Dr. Spede has written extensively for high school and college marching bands (over 200 arrangements). His wind band arrangements and transcriptions are published by Peer Music, Schirmer, Boosey and Hawkes, and Carl Fischer, including “D.C. Fanfare” by John Corigliano, “Red Cape Tango” by Michael Daugherty, “Wedding Dances from Bandanna” by Daron Hagen, “Acrostic Song” by David Del Tredici, and “Millennium Canons” by Kevin Puts. He served as Assistant Conductor of the Dallas Wind Symphony, where he also helped produce two of their recordings. His professional performing experience includes orchestra (principal percussion in the Gainesville Chamber Orchestra, Muncie Symphony Orchestra, Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, Flint Symphony Orchestra), jazz (performing with such artists as Randy Brecker, Ray Brown, Pete Christlieb, Dennis DiBlasio, Duffy Jackson, Dave Pell, Bobby Shew, Marvin Stamm, Bill Watrous, Ernie Watts and Phil Wilson), as well as at Walt Disney World.

Michael Giannetta is the band director at Oyster Bay High School on Long Island. He has been a band director for 18 years and joins the show to talk about his program and also the Long Island Wind Ensemble. Topics: Michael’s background and the program at Oyster Bay High School. Thoughts about switching beginners. Michael’s experience at the American Band College. Teaching music and band on Long Island as compared to other regions. Links: Long Island Wind Ensemble Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Susan L. Smith has taught general, choral, and instrumental music at the elementary through collegiate level in Florida, Virginia and Alabama and has served as an author, clinician, conductor, and adjudicator across the United States Topics: Susan’s early career and education, including the lessons she learned from her mother, who was a high school band director in Virginia. The importance of teaching the students who are in front of you, especially now when everything is so uncertain from the Coronavirus Pandemic. Servant leadership and putting others before yourself as a teacher. Setting goals, exercise challenges, and the importance of staying healthy so that you can be there for others. Susan’s work at Troy University with the music education program and the importance of moving past just checking the boxes and focusing on excellence. The importance of connecting with kids and finding ways to bring more kids under your influence by offering technology or guitar classes. Marketing your program. Links: Susan Smith Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy Biography: Susan L. Smith, B.M.Ed, M.A.Ed., has taught general, choral, and instrumental music at the elementary through collegiate level in Florida, Virginia and Alabama and has served as an author, clinician, conductor, and adjudicator across the United States. She is currently Director of Bands at the Saint James School in Montgomery AL. Mrs. Smith is responsible for teaching the Beginning, Intermediate, and Advanced Bands as well as Guitar, Jazz Band, and Music Technology. The Saint James Band consistently receives Superior ratings in Concert, Jazz and Marching band events including the Alabama Music Performance Assessment, Smokey Mountain Music Festival and Bands of America Super Regionals and Grand National Championships. She is currently the President of the Alabama Music Educators Association. She was a Coordinating Author for Warner Bros. Publications’ Expressions Music Curriculum, a vision for a vertical, conceptual approach to teaching music. She consulted on the Elementary Music Curriculum Music Expressions and served as an author for Band Expressions, a secondary component of the curriculum. Smith has presented clinics at many state conventions including AMEA, TMEA, FMEA, IMEA, VMEA, GMEA and National and Regional NAfME conferences. She is on the Middle School Clinician team for the Music for All Summer Symposium, presenting clinics each summer to directors and pre-service college students. In addition, Mrs. Smith serves as an educational consultant for Music for All. She is responsible for the Chamber Music portion of the Music for All National Concert Band Festival.

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. He is the lead author of the "Habits" series published by GIA and is an active conductor, adjudicator and clinician. Topics: Scott’s background and early teaching career. Studying with Frank Battisti at the New England Conservatory. How to build a band culture, and the program at Wando High School while Scott was the director. The Habits series Links: Scott Rush Habits Series Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry Biography: 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. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Nicholas Williams is an Associate Professor of Music, Music Director and Conductor of the Wind Symphony and Concert Band at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music. He joins the show to talk about growing up and starting his career in Texas and his recent move to Australia. Topics: Nick’s origin story growing up in Texas, the role of the church in his early musical development, and why his Mom wouldn’t let him play the clarinet. Going to the University of North Texas as an undergraduate and Nick’s first teaching job. Teaching only 9th and 10th graders at Clark High School in Plano, Texas. The story of how Nick ended up in Australia and his early observations about the differences between his experience there versus his experiences in Texas. Links: Nicholas Williams Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Persichetti: Symphony no. 6 for Band Barnes: Symphony no. 3, Lento Biography: Dr Nicholas Enrico Williams is an Associate Professor of Music, Music Director and Conductor of the Wind Symphony and Concert Band at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music in Melbourne, Australia. Before moving to Melbourne, for sixteen years Dr Williams was the Assistant Director of Wind Studies, Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of North Texas. For a decade, he was the Conductor of the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony. In addition, he is a frequent guest conductor for the Dallas Winds (formerly Dallas Wind Symphony). As an advocate of chamber music, Dr Williams was the founder and conductor of the East Plano Brass and was the principal guest conductor for the Harmoniemusik chamber ensemble. In the wind band world, he has been a guest conductor with the United States Air Force Band; Dallas Wind Symphony; Lone Star Wind Orchestra; at the annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois; the College Band Directors National Association regional conference; the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention; and the Texas Music Educators Association Annual Clinic in San Antonio, Texas. Dr Williams is active in the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe, and Southeast Asia as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, consultant, and arranger; his arrangements and transcriptions for wind band, percussion ensembles, drum corps, and school pagentry ensembles are performed by outstanding organizations throughout the world. Dr Williams is a sought-after recording session producer, associate producer, and editor, having been involved with numerous CDs and DVDs on the Klavier, Mark Records, GIA labels, as well as UNT projects. In addition to his work in the recording arts, he has written several conductor study guides that are published in the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series. He is a primary consultant of Women of Influence in Contemporary Music and is an honorary member of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity. His professional affiliations include the Australian Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, College Band Directors National Association, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Beta Mu, an international bandmasters fraternity.

Curtis Gaesser has been the band director at Folsom High School in Sacramento, one of the most successful jazz programs in the country, for the past 37 years. Topics: Curtis’ background growing up in Hawai’i and the story of how he ended up at Folsom High School The importance of good administrators. The band program at Folsom High School, particularly the jazz ensembles and choir. What do you do with 51 saxophones? Teaching improvisation. Building a jazz program. Links: Folsom High School Music Folsom Jazz Ensemble at the Monterey Jazz Festival Rehearsing the Jazz Band Woody Herman: Caldonia Biography: Curtis Gaesser has been teaching in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District since 1984, and at Folsom High School since 1987. He currently teaches Marching Band, 2 Orchestras, Jazz Choir, 3 Jazz Bands, Concert Band, Color Guard, and Drum Line for grade levels 9-12. IMGP3846.JPG Mr. Gaesser was honored as 1995's "Most Outstanding Music Educator" by the California Association for Music Education and was "California State Jazz Educator of the Year" in 2003. In 2017, the California Association for Music Education Capitol Section honored Mr. Gaesser as the "Music Educator of the Year". In 2008, he was awarded the "Annual National Achievement Award in Jazz Education" by DownBeat Magazine and the "Music Achievement Award" by Sacramento News & Review. The City of Folsom presented Mr. Gaesser with the "Man of the Year" award in 2001 and the Folsom Chamber of Commerce awarded him the "Outstanding Educator of the Year" title in 2016. He also received the Folsom Cordova Unified School District's "Teacher of the Year" award in 1990 and again in 2011. But the most important accolade at Folsom High School is the winning philosophy that musical participation presents students some of life's greatest lessons. To quote Curtis Gaesser, "I don't think there is anything more rewarding than to see kids perform at their best after a lot of hard work. I don't care if we win or lose; I just want these kids to do their best." ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Mike Howard is the band director at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. Under his direction, the Vandegrift Band has won numerous awards and honors and most recently was the 2019 BOA Grand National Champion. Topics: Mike’s background in Texas and his early career, including the story of how he opened Vandegrift High School. Advice from Eddie Green as a young band director. Teaching jazz. Advice for those who are looking to build their programs. Links: Mike Howard & the Vandegrift Band Green: On Teaching Band Floyd: The Artistry of Teaching and Making Music Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy Biography: Mr. Howard is currently in his 11th year at Vandegrift High School and in his 17th year of teaching h igh school band. He was one of the founding directors of the band when VHS opened in 2009 and became Head Band Director in the Fall of 2014. While at Vandegrift, Mr. Howard’s bands have been consistent UIL Concert Competition Sweepstakes Award Winners. He has also been instrumental in several marching band high honors such as BOA Regional Champion, BOA Super Regional Finalist, BOA Super Regional Class Champion, multiple invitational marching contest championships, UIL State Marching Contest Finalist, 6A UIL State Marching Contest Bronze Medalist, 5A UIL State Marching Contest Silver Medalist and 4A UIL State Marching Contest Champion. At Vandegrift, Mr. Howard is the director of the Viper Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band.   Aside from being the Director of Bands at VHS, Mr. Howard is an active Leadership Consultant and Workshop Presenter. He has been a facilitator for SASI for the last 11 years. In this time, Mr. Howard has had the opportunity to work with thousands of students and directors from around the United States. As a lead facilitator for SASI, he is heavily involved with the operations of all Drum Major camps as well as teaching several site-based workshops throughout the summer.   Before coming to Vandegrift, Mr. Howard taught at James E. Taylor High School in Katy, Texas. As Associate Director of the JE Taylor HS Band his responsibilities included directing the Jazz Program, assisting with the marching band, conducting the Concert Band, and coordinating and teaching the drumline. Mr. Howard, a native of Hondo, TX, started his teaching career at Morton Ranch High School, where he was a band director and helped open the school in 2004. At Morton Ranch, he taught the Concert Band, Jazz Band, assisted with the marching band. Before teaching at Morton Ranch, Mr. Howard was an instructor for the Cedar Park High School Band in Cedar Park, Texas and an instructor for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps from Madison, Wisconsin. As a performer, Mr. Howard has performed with the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps, the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Austin Lyric Opera and several bands around the Austin/San Antonio area. Mr. Howard graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos, Suma Cum Laude, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education. He lives in Leander with his wife Amber, his daughter, Madison and his son, Justin.

Daniel Morrison is the Director of Bands at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, Texas where he and the the bands under his direction have performed at the Midwest Clinic, marched in both the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Rose Parade, and been consistent Bands of America Regional, Super Regional and Grand National Finalists. Topics: Daniel’s background growing up in suburban Chicago as the son of a very successful high school band director. The story of how Dan ended up graduating from the University of Illinois and getting a band director position in Texas right out of school. The differences between teaching band in Chicago and Texas. The hugely successful band program at Ronald Reagan High School. Happy, not Satisfied. Links: Daniel Morrison Happy, Not Satisfied Hindemith: Symphony in B-flat Biography: Daniel Morrison is currently the Director of Bands at Ronald Reagan High School in San Antonio, TX where he manages and teaches the Marching Band and conducts the Wind Ensemble. In addition, he assists with the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and various chamber ensembles. In his time at Reagan, the concert bands have received superior ratings at the UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest, and the Marching Band has been a consistent Bands of America Regional, Super Regional and Grand National Finalist as well as a UIL State Marching Contest finalist. Under Mr. Morrison’s direction, the Marching Band is a multiple time BOA Regional Champion and was selected to march in the 2018 Rose Parade and the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Marching Band was also named the 2019 BOA San Antonio Super Regional champion. The Wind Ensemble was selected to perform at the 2018 Midwest Clinic and has been named a TMEA State Honor Band Finalist as well as a Mark of Excellence National Winner. In 2020, Mr. Morrison was selected as the Texas Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity “Outstanding Young Bandmaster.” Mr. Morrison graduated from the University of Illinois with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Music Education. Dan currently resides in San Antonio with his beautiful wife Ellie and their dog Pudge. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Scott Edgar is a music education professor and band director at Lake Forest College and the author of Music Education and Social Emotional Learning. Topics: Scott’s background, education, and early teaching positions. The basics of Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) The application of SEL concepts at each level of band teaching. Using SEL to teach equity and justice. Creating a safe space for all students in the band room. Scott’s book and other resources for further study in SEL. Links: Scott Edgar at Lake Forest College Music Education and Social Emotional Learning Edutopia Music for All CASEL Smith: The Inferno Biography: Dr. Scott N. Edgar is Associate Professor of Music, Music Education Chair, and Director of Bands at Lake Forest College. He received his Doctorate of Philosophy in Music Education from the University of Michigan, his Masters degree in Education from the University of Dayton, and his Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Bowling Green State University. His previous teaching experience in higher education includes work at Adrian College and Concordia College Ann Arbor. Prior to his work in higher education, he taught K-12 instrumental music in Ohio and Michigan. Dr. Edgar is the author of Music Education and Social Emotional Learning: The Heart of Teaching Music and is an internationally sought-after clinician on the topic. In addition to clinics, he also teaches graduate courses on Musical Social Emotional Learning at VanderCook College of Music. He is an active clinician and adjudicator for both concert band and marching band and regularly presents at professional development and research conferences. Dr. Edgar is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the American Educational Research Association, the College Music Society, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity and Kappa Kappa Psi Band fraternity. He lives in Lake Forest with his wife Steph, their son Nathan, and their cats Elsa and Wolfie.

Christian Michael Folk is a graduate student in music education at the University of South Carolina and the creator of the Diverse Composers of Wind Band Music database. He joins the show to tell the story of his young career and to share the story of how the database came to exist, some of the criticisms he faces, and thoughts about diversity in music education practice. Topics: Christian’s background and his early teaching experiences. The Diverse Composers of Wind Band Music database. A LONG conversation about diversity in music. Links: Diverse Composers of Wind Band Music Database Maslanka: A Child’s Garden of Dreams Biography: Christian Folk is a music educator, conductor, and performer interested in advocacy and resources for diverse composers and incorporating equity and anti-racism into the music education curriculum. Christian taught for three years in public and private schools in the Charlotte, NC, and Columbia, SC area, and is currently working on his Master's Degree in Music Education with emphasis in Conducting and Euphonium Performance at The University of South Carolina. As a conductor, Christian has guest conducted with the Carolina Wind Symphony and the Congaree New Horizons Band, and has participated in conducting symposia with John Locke, Cormac Cannon, and Scott Weiss. Christian has commissioned pieces from Cait Nishimura, Kimberly Archer, John Mackey, and Nathan Daughtrey. A strong advocate for music by diverse composers, Christian is the creator of two databases for wind band and orchestra that cataloged thousands of works by women composers and composers of color, which have been featured in clinics at The Midwest Clinic and the National Association for Music Education Conference. He is also a representative of the "...And We Were Heard" project. Christian lives in Columbia, South Carolina, with his wife, Christy, their dog, Linny, and two cats, Sirius and Kingsley. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Eric Jimenez is a co-host of The Score podcast and assistant band director at Prairie View A&M University. He joins the show for an exceptional conversation about his career, being a Latino band director, and ways that we can create more culturally responsive classrooms. Topics: The score podcast and the story of Eric’s music journey, including the story of being a student at Prairie View A & M, the HBCU traditions, and his early career as a band director. Band director turnover in Title 1 schools and some advice for teachers. Eric’s decision to leave high school teaching to pursue his doctorate and the story of how he ended up back at Prairie View A&M. The lack of representation of Latinx composers and band directors in the band community. Culturally responsive teaching, avoiding appropriation, and teaching music authentically. Links: Eric Jimenez The Score Podcast: An Urban Music Education Podcast Fitzpatrick-Harnish: Urban Music Education: A Practical Guide for Teachers Huapango, arr. A. Ramirez and J. Freer Biography: Eric Jimenez, Assistant Director of Bands/Adjunct Instructor at Prairie View A&M University, has revitalized several band programs throughout the Houston Independent School District. His programs at Sharpstown MS, Hamilton MS, Waltrip HS, Davis HS, & Heights HS Jimenez’ band programs increased both student participation and instrument inventory, as well as earned Division I and “Best in Class” ratings at UIL and numerous other festivals. He is the recipient of Hamilton Middle School’s Teacher of the Year award in 2012, LULAC- League of United Latin American Citizens- Educator of the Year in 2015, and a Grammy Educational Award for his work at Davis HS in 2015. He is an active clinician, mentor, and consultant for arts educational programs within the Houston area and across Texas. Eric is a 2009 graduate of Prairie View A&M University and earned his and his Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Lamar University in 2014. He is currently a Doctoral Music Education Student at the University of Houston Moores School of Music. His professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA), Texas Jazz Educators Association (TJEA), National Association for Music Education (NAfME), Sigma Lambda Beta International Fraternity and honorary member Kappa Kappa Psi Honorary Band Fraternity.  

Theresa Hoover Ducassoux is the band director at Dorothy Hamm Middle School in Arlington, Virginia and co-author of a forthcoming book titled Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students Topics: Theresa tells the story of how she turned her piano skills into an instrumental music education track despite not playing a traditional band instrument. Following in the footsteps of a legend for her first job and the trials and tribulations of that experience. Using Solfege to teach students sound to sight and a timely discussion about technology for band directors in anticipation of at least partial remote learning for next year. Building relationships with students in an online environment. Empowering students and Theresa’s new book Pass the Baton: Empowering All Music Students Links: Theresa Hoover Ducassoux/Off the Beaten Path Cole: 32 Chorales for Band Pass the Baton Tacet for Teachers Reed: La Fiesta Mexicana Biography: Theresa Hoover Ducassoux is a music educator, speaker, and writer. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and helps teachers empower students throughout their musical experiences by transforming their classrooms into student-centered learning environments. Currently, Theresa teaches middle school band at a newly opened school in Northern Virginia. 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 local, regional, and national level conferences 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 served as the founding director of the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble and is currently on 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.  ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Justin McClean is a band director in Houston, Texas and co-host of the “The Score”, which is an urban music education podcast. He joins the show for a very remarkable conversation about how we build a better band community. Topics: Justin’s background story growing up in Texas and the role of the church in his background and why the church is so relevant to so many African-American musicians. Making connections to kids with the music that they listen to and some lessons that Justin took from his own high school band director. Justin’s thoughts about attending an HBCU (Historically Black College or University) and the important role that HBCU’s play in the music education community. A broad discussion about race in music and the band community and what we can do as band directors to communicate better and build a more inclusive profession. Links: The Score: An Urban Music Education Podcast Ijeoma Olua: So You Want to Talk about Race? Holsinger: A Childhood Hymn Biography: Justin McLean is currently the Percussion Director/Assistant Director of Bands at Hightower HS and Lake Olympia MS Band in Fort Bend ISD. Prior to his appointment at Hightower he was the Percussion Director/Associate Director of Bands at Heights High School and former director of bands at Hamilton Middle School. During his time there he has received superior UIL ratings at both middle and high school, developed region band students, and a quality indoor percussion ensemble. Mr. McLean is a Texas native raised in Rosenberg, Texas a humble community right outside of Houston. Justin’s love of music began at an earlier age and was heavily influenced in church through both gospel and secular artists/musicians. His ambitions propelled him to strive for excellence not only in his personal aspirations, but also in his academic/professional life. He received a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Prairie View A&M University in 2011 and has had the pleasure of educating and training young musicians as a band director and percussion instructor for the past 9 years in HISD and now Fort Bend ISD. He is also devoted music director and student minister in his local church and currently pursuing an Masters Divinity degree through Reformed Theological Seminary.

Major Joseph Hansen is the commander and conductor of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West based at Travis Air Force Base in Northern California. Topics: Joseph’s early career growing up in Western Colorado and attending Brigham Young University. His early career as a teacher and the story of how he transitioned from teaching in Colorado Springs to joining the Air Force. A broad discussion of the Air Force Bands including careers in the Air Force, the organization the Air Force bands, and the overall mission of the units. Joseph’s career in the Air Force and a brief rundown of his assignments and deployments. Some of the resources provided by the Air Force Bands that are available to music educators. Links: Air Force Band of the Golden West Brahms: Symphony No. 3 Schuman: New England Triptych: Chester Williams: E.T. the Extraterrestrial Soundtrack Miller: In the Mood Biography: Major Joseph S. Hansen serves as the Commander and Conductor of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West at Travis Air Force Base, California, a 60-member musical unit comprised of eight different performing groups with a 5-state area of responsibility serving Air Mobility Command. Prior to this command assignment, Major Hansen served as an opinion leader engagement action officer for the Secretary of the Air Force Office of Public Affairs. He was the think tank engagement advisor and liaison for the Chief of Staff and Vice Chief of Staff of the Air Force, as well as senior Pentagon and MAJCOM leaders, and was responsible for developing and implementing public support and understanding of Air Force roles and missions. Previously, Major Hansen served as assistant director of operations and flight commander for the United States Air Force Band, Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C. During his tenure with the band, he served as officer in charge of the Concert Band, Singing Sergeants, Air Force Strings, and Max Impact as well as overseeing the unit’s marketing, operations, and resource sections. He deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom (2014) and Operations Inherent Resolve and Freedom’s Sentinel (2018) to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar and served as the U.S. Air Forces Central Command (AFCENT) Band officer in charge. Through his leadership, deployed bands traveled to Afghanistan, Iraq, Egypt and 10 other countries performing for 50,000 military and local audience members on over 250 missions. Major Hansen began his Air Force career in 2009 as deputy commander of the USAF Band of the West at Joint Base San Antonio, Texas. In 2011, he planned and directed the band’s first combined concert with the San Antonio Symphony. Prior to joining the Air Force, Major Hansen was a band and orchestra teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He graduated with honors from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education in 2006. He went on to complete his Master of Music degree from Southern Oregon University through the American Band College in 2009. Major Hansen completed all coursework and exams towards his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Music Education in 2017, and is currently in the dissertation process. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Cheryl Floyd has taught middle school band in Austin, TX for over 30 years and is one of the most highly regarded middle school band directors in the country. She is the recipient of numerous awards and honors and has commissioned or been part of the consortium for 14 works for band. Topics: Cheryl's background growing up in Texas, going to Baylor University and starting her career as a teacher. The importance of encouraging students and giving them the type of positive feedback that keeps them playing. The background stories of a few of the 14 works that she has been a part of commissioning. Peer leadership in the middle school band. Teaching in Texas and the power of sound to sight teaching. A general discussion about teaching beginners and middle school band. An anecdote about George Steinbrenner. Links: Cheryl Floyd at Music for All 204 Progressive Sight Reading Tunes Bernstein: Suite from "Candide" Mozart: Serenade for 13 Winds in B-flat major, K. 361 "Gran Partita" Biography: Cheryl Floyd completed her twenty-fifth year as Director of Bands at Hill Country Middle School in Austin, Texas in May 2017.  The Hill Country Middle School Band is recognized as one if the exemplary middle school programs in the nation. Prior to her tenure at Hill Country, she served as Director of Bands at Murchison Middle School, also in Austin, for eight years.  Musical organizations under her leadership have consistently been sited for musical excellence at both local contests and national invitational festivals.  Mrs. Floyd is recognized nationally for her educational and musical vision and commitment at the middle school level.  In 1990 her Murchison program was the recipient of the coveted Sudler Cup Award presented to exceptional middle school band programs by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The Hill Country Middle School Band has performed at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in 1998 and again in 2006, Music For All’s National Concert Band Festival in Indianapolis (March 2012),and most recently at the Western International Band Clinic (November 2014) under Mrs. Floyd’s direction. Mrs. Floyd routinely serves as a conductor on the University of Texas at Austin band camp faculty and has been a member of summer music faculties at Music For All's Summer Symposium, Arkansas Tech University, Baylor University, Texas Lutheran University Stephen F. Austin University, University of Colorado at Boulder, and the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.  She enjoys an active schedule as an adjudicator, clinician, author and guest conductor throughout the United States, having served as one of the first women guest conductors of the United States Navy Band in Washington, D.C. in September, 1998. Cheryl Floyd was the recipient of the Texas Bandmasters Association Exemplary Middle School Band Program Citation and she appeared on the cover of the May 2005 Instrumentalist magazine which contained a featured article on the Hill Country Middle School band program. In 2003, Mrs. Floyd was elected to the American Bandmasters’ Association. She is the fifth female member of this 225 member organization and was the first middle school band director to be chosen for ABA membership. She serves on that organization’s selection committee for the prestigious Sousa/ABA/Ostwald Composition Competition. For nearly three decades, she has maintained a keen interest in commissioning new works for concert band and has collaborated with such internationally recognized composers as Frank Ticheli, Cajun Folk Songs, Shenandoah, Bob Margolis, Renaissance Fair, Dana Wilson, Sang!, Ron Nelson, Courtly Airs and Dances, Steven Barton, Hill Country Flourishes, Chris Tucker, Twilight in the Wilderness. Catherine McMichael, Cape Breton Postcard, Undertow, by John Mackey Spangled Heavens by Donald Grantham, a consortium commission for TMEA's MS Region 18 by Viet Cuong entitled Diamond Tide, and most recently, Sparkle by Scott McAllister.. The works generated by these ongoing projects have been widely acclaimed as being among the most significant works for young band. A 1980 graduate of Baylor University, Mrs. Floyd has also done graduate work at the University of Texas with Paula Crider, Robert Duke and Karl Kraber.  Since 1985 she has served as co-principal flute with the Austin Symphonic Band and in this capacity has performed at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 1989, 1997 and 2007, the American Bandmasters Association in 1993 and 2006 and before the Texas Music Educators Association and Texas Bandmasters Association on numerous occasions. She is a member of ABA, TMEA, TBA, and Phi Beta Mu. In 2016 she was named a Yamaha Master Educator, one of only 18 in the nation. As such she is positioned to appear throughout the United States as a conductor, clinician and educator representing Yamaha. She annually serves as an evaluator for the Music For All National Concert Band Festival and was recently appointed to the Middle School Educational team for the Music For All Summer Symposium. Looming on the horizon is a book to be published by GIA Publications entitled “Middle School My Way.” ​ Paramount in her life is her musical family including her husband, Richard Floyd, State Director of Music Emeritus at the University of Texas and their son, Richard Weston, who holds a trombone performance degree from the University of Texas and is pursuing his musical career in Los Angeles.

Richard Floyd has been involved in music education for 58 years. His accolades and achievements are too numerous to list and he is a legendary name not only in Texas, but throughout the entire band community. Topics: Richard’s background growing up in the Dallas area, his early band experiences, marching in Eisenhower’s inauguration, and how he got involved in music education. Thoughts about building connections and growing during your career. The Texas band tradition and the University Interscholastic League (UIL). Links: Richard Floyd at Music for All University Interscholastic League Sousa: Daughters of Texas Austin Symphonic Band Mozart: Serenade for 13 Winds in B-flat major, K. 361 "Gran Partita" Dahl: Sinfonietta Biography: Richard Floyd is presently in his 57th year of active involvement as a conductor, music educator and administrator. He has enjoyed a distinguished and highly successful career at virtually every level of wind band performance from beginning band programs through high school and university wind ensembles as well as adult community bands. In 2014 Floyd retired as State Director of Music at the University of Texas at Austin where he coordinated all facets of secondary school music competition for some 3500 performing organizations throughout the state for 30 years. He now holds the title Texas State Director of Music Emeritus. He also serves as Musical Director and Conductor of the Austin Symphonic Band that is viewed to be one of the premier adult concert bands in America. In addition, he maintains an active schedule as conductor, clinician, lecturer and mentor. Prior to his appointment at the University of Texas, Mr. Floyd served on the faculty at the University of South Florida as Professor of Conducting and at Baylor University in Texas where he held the position of Director of Bands for nine years. He began his career as band director at Richardson Junior High School and then become the first director of the award winning J.J. Pearce High School Band in the same city. He also served as Director of Fine Arts for that district for two years before moving to Baylor University in 1973. His musical achievements include performances at numerous state and national conventions and conferences including the 1977 College Band Directors National Association, the 1981 Music Educators National Conference and concerts at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in 1989, 1997 and 2007. Other distinguished performances include concerts for the American Bandmasters Association in 1993 and 2006 and the 2004 Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington. Performances by his various ensembles have been heard throughout the United States, Australia and Europe. Mr. Floyd is a recognized authority on conducting, the art of wind band rehearsing, concert band repertoire, and music advocacy. As such, he has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe as a clinician, adjudicator and conductor including appearances in 43 American states and in 9 other countries. He is a frequent featured clinician for the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, countless other state conferences and has presented five conducting and rehearsal technique clinics for the Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic. In 2002 he was the single recipient of the prestigious A.A. Harding Award presented by the American School Band Directors Association in recognition of his significant and lasting contributions to the school band movement. The Texas Bandmasters Association named him Texas Bandmaster of the Year in 2006 and also recognized him with the TBA Lifetime Administrative Achievement Award in 2008. Most recently he received the Texas Music Educators Association Distinguished Service Award in 2009 and was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame and Texas Phi Beta Mu Hall of Fame in 2011. Also, in 2011 he was awarded the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Medal of Honor for distinguished service and contributions to bands, orchestras and music education. In 2014 he was inducted into the National Band Association Academy of Wind and Percussion Arts considered to be the “academy award” for wind band conductors. The same year he was also honored with the Kappa Kappa Phi Distinguished Service to Music medal. Most recently the Dallas Winds, Jerry Junkin conductor, recognized Floyd as the 2017 Texas Legendary Bandmaster. Publications include co-authorship of Best Music For Beginning Band and contributing author for The Musician’s Walk by James Jordon and published by GIA. In addition, his articles have appeared in numerous national and international publications. In 2006 he was featured on the GIA Produced DVD entitled Kindred Spirits from the series Conducting From The Inside Out. Other conductors included H. Robert Reynolds, Craig Kirchhoff and Allan McMurray. In 2015 his book entitled The Artistry of Teaching and Making Music was published to critical acclaim by GIA Publications. A second book, The Seven Deadly Sins of Music Making will be published in late 2020. During Mr. Floyd’s professional career, he has held positions of leadership on many state and national committees for music education and wind music performance. He served as National Secretary of the College Band Directors National Association from 1979 to 2007 and has played an active leadership role in the implementation of that organization’s many projects and services for over three decades. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Music For All, as a member of the John Philip Sousa Foundation Board of Directors, and in 2016 was named a Yamaha Master Educator. Paramount in his life is his wife Cheryl, who enjoys her own distinguished career as one of the premier middle school directors in the nation, their son Weston who is pursuing his own musical journey and Dick’s daughter Chris and her extended family. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Andrew David Perkins is a band director and composer. He joins the show and offers a very clear-eyed view of our profession and offers some wisdom and advice earned from his own career. Topics: Andy’s background, his early high school teaching experiences and how being in Phantom Regiment and the Michigan State Marching Band helped to shape his success teaching a marching band. The balance between over programming and under programming and how it can set students up for success or failure. Moving from teaching high school to middle school and the experience of having your 18th year as a teacher be your first to teach beginners. Andy’s growing composition career, how he got his start writing music, and music publishing models. Links: Andrew David Perkins Grainger: Children’s March Respighi: Pines of Rome Williams: ET Bicycle Race Biography: Composer, conductor, three-time ASCAP+ Award recipient, and GRAMMY® nominated music educator Andrew David Perkins (b.1978) holds a specialist certificate in Orchestration from the Berklee College of Music, a Master of Music degree from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University. Finalist for The National Band Association Revelli Award & Merrill Jones Award, The American Prize, and the Ravel International Composition Prize, Perkins' music is regularly performed at national and state contests, conferences, and at the Midwest International Band Clinic. A celebrated guest clinician nationally and abroad, he enjoys working with musicians of all ages, and is the winner of the 2018 National Band Association/Alfred Publishing Young Band Composition Contest. ​Mr. Perkins is a member of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and his music is exclusively published through APOLLO STUDIOS Music Publishing. He resides in Michigan with the love of his life and their daughters.

Robert Ambrose is the director of bands at Georgia State University, the conductor of the Atlanta Chamber Winds and the National Chamber Winds, founder of the Digital Director's Lounge, and is the chair of the CBDNA Covid-19 Response Committee. Topics: Robert’s journey from guitarist to college band director and all of the people who took an interest in his career and helped to push him along. Having the courage to ask for what you want and a brief discussion of impostor syndrome. The band program at Georgia State, the Atlanta Chamber Winds, and the National Chamber Winds. The CBDNA Covid-19 Response Committee and the Digital Director’s Lounge. Links: Robert Ambrose CBDNA Covid-19 Committee Report Atlanta Chamber Winds National Chamber Winds Mozart: Serenade for 13 Winds in B-flat major, K. 361 "Gran Partita" Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 Biography: Conductor Robert J. Ambrose enjoys a highly successful and diverse career as a dynamic and engaging musician. His musical interests cross many genres and can be seen in the wide range of professional activities he pursues. Dr. Ambrose studied formally at Boston College, Boston University and Northwestern University, where he received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in conducting. Dr. Ambrose has conducted professionally across the United States as well as in Australia, Canada, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan. His interpretations have earned the enthusiastic praise of many leading composers including Pulitzer Prize winners Leslie Bassett, Michael Colgrass and John Harbison. He has conducted over two dozen premiere performances including works by Michael Colgrass, Jonathan Newman, Joel Puckett, Christopher Theofanidis and Joseph Turrin. Dr. Ambrose has conducted Arnold Schoenberg's landmark piece Pierrot Lunaire several times in three different countries and a recent performance of Igor Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms under his direction has been given repeated airings on Georgia Public Radio. Dr. Ambrose is founder and music director of the Atlanta Chamber Winds a professional dectet specializing in the promotion of music by emerging composers as well as lesser-known works of established composers. Their premiere compact disc, Music from Paris, was released in 2009 on the Albany Records label and has received outstanding reviews in both Fanfare and Gramophone magazines. As a guitarist, Robert Ambrose has performed in dozens of jazz ensembles, combos, rock bands and pit orchestras. His rock band "Hoochie Suit," formed with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, received rave reviews throughout the Chicago area and performed for such distinguished guests as Yo-Yo Ma and Daniel Barenboim. Dr. Ambrose currently serves as director of bands, associate professor of music and associate director of the School of Music at Georgia State University, a Research I institution of 32,000 students located in Atlanta, Georgia. As director of bands he conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, maintains a highly selective studio of graduate students in the Master of Music in wind band conducting degree program, and oversees a large, comprehensive band program comprised of four concert ensembles and three athletic bands. Robert Ambrose lives in Peachtree City, Georgia with his wife Sarah Kruser Ambrose, a professional flute player, and daughters Isabelle and Hannah. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Aaron Perrine is a composer and two-time winner of the American Bandmasters Association Sousa/Ostwald Award. He joins the show to talk about his career and shares some remarkable anecdotes from his journey so far. Topics: Aaron’s daughter and keeping kids motivated during the period of online learning. Aaron’s background in music and growing up in Minnesota as the grandson and son of band directors. Aaron’s experiences at the University of Minnesota Morris and the importance of jazz in his musical development. A brave decision by a studio teacher that helped Aaron be successful in his music degree an also helped to kick off his composition career. Aaron’s decision to leave college teaching to become a full-time composer and advice for anyone thinking about starting to write music. Links: Aaron Perrine Schneider: Winter Morning Walks Bon Iver: 22, A Million Brahms: Intermezzo in A, Op. 118, no. 2 Colgrass: Winds of Nagual Maslanka: A Child's Garden of Dreams Perrine: Only Light Biography: With works in a variety of genres, Aaron Perrine’s music has been performed by some of the leading ensembles and soloists across the United States and beyond. He is a two-time winner of the American Bandmasters Association Sousa/Ostwald Award for his compositions: Only Light in 2015 and Pale Blue on Deep in 2013. Only Light—commissioned by the University of Iowa Symphony Band, Richard Mark Heidel, conductor—was included on the latest University of Kansas Wind Ensemble recording (Of Shadow and Light, Klavier). Another one of his compositions—Temperance—recently won the 2017 CBDNA Young Band Composition Contest. His music for winds has also been featured at the 2017 CBDNA National Conference, multiple regional CBDNA Conferences, The Midwest Clinic, The Western International Band Clinic, and at numerous all-state, state conference and honor band concerts. Perrine’s music for saxophone has also received many notable performances. Primal—for saxophone quartet—was performed at the 2014 NASA Biennial Conference in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, and the 2012 World Saxophone Congress XVI in St. Andrews, Scotland. Bridge Suite—for alto saxophone and cello—was performed at the 2012 NASA Biennial Conference in Tempe, Arizona. This past summer, It Has to Be Beautiful, a concerto for alto saxophone and wind ensemble, was premiered by Kenneth Tse with the Symphonic Wind Orchestra of Croatian Armed Forces at the 2018 World Saxophone Congress, in Zagreb, Croatia. In addition to composing, Perrine is an active conductor and educator. He has conducted a variety of honor bands, with his most recent appearance being the 2018 All-Iowa 8th Grade Honor Band. Future conducting engagements include the 2021 South Dakota All-State Band. He is currently on the faculty at Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Perrine has received degrees from the University of Iowa, the University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota, Morris. For more information, please visit aaronperrine.com.

Oscar Dames is a music educator in Nassau, Bahamas where he serves as a lecturer at the University of the Bahamas after recently retiring as the band director of C.R. Walker Senior High School. He has a fascinating story and is also the author of book titled Oscar's A+ Band Director Guide: A Veteran Band Teacher's Guide to Teaching Music. Topics: The unique logistical challenges of living and teaching in the Bahamas and the nature of the school situation in the islands. Oscar’s background growing up and how he started on percussion, switched to clarinet, joined the Defense Force band, and eventually got his degree in music and began teaching. The story of how Oscar built a terrific music program at C.R. Walker Senior High School, including the a marching band to serve the Bahamian culture. Oscar has done it all as a band director, arranger, performer, instrument repairman, etc. and he’s written a book about it! Links: Oscar Dames Oscar's A+ Band Director Guide: A Veteran Band Teacher's Guide to Teaching Music Junkanoo Music Alford: The Standard of St. George Goldman: On the Mall March Biography: Oscar Dames is a certified teacher and is now the Dean of Scholars at Akhepran International School in Nassau NP, Bahamas. He also is a part-time music lecturer at the University of the Bahamas in the School of Communication and Creative Arts. He holds an AA (Music) and a Bachelor of Education degree from the College of the Bahamas, and a Masters in Music Education from Vander Cook College of Music in Chicago. Oscar was C.R. Walker Senior High School’s Teacher of the Year 2010-2012. He was the school’s band director and coordinator for the School’s Junior Junkanoo program, setting a new record when the school became the only high school to win first place in three consecutive Junior Junkanoo parades. A big believer in culture and community building, Oscar spends much of his time teaching community bands, as he is the band director for the Nassau Village Urban Renewal Band, Assistant Director of the Royal Ambassadors Band, and the leader and founder of the Fiesta Fun Junkanoo Group. Oscar was a member of the Saxons Superstars Junkanoo Group, beating the tom-tom and bass drum before taking over the “Brass Section,” and setting a new record winning five consecutive best music awards, which remains today. Oscar also plays solo clarinet and bassoon with the Bahamas Symphony Orchestra. Oscar Dames graduated in 1988 from R.M. Bailey Senior High School with the Most Outstanding Music Award. Upon graduating, he joined the Royal Bahamas Defence Force in 1989. Oscar served for 14 years in the Defence Force where he was a member of the Hull Engineering Department, and he also played with and served as a training officer for the Defence Force Band. Upon transferring from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to the Ministry of Education, Oscar enlisted in the Royal Bahamas Police Force Reserve on 17 May 2005. He is a member of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band and serves as education instructor for the Police Reserve Band section. Oscar is also a Journeyman plumber registered with the Ministry of Works, Nassau Bahamas. He holds a second degree black belt in Judo; and he enjoys teaching, swimming, and playing music in various ensembles. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!

Travis Cross is the director of the wind ensemble and the Chair of Music at the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. He is a champion for greater diversity in the band community and an especially strong advocate for Asian composers, conductors, and teachers. Topics: Adopted from Korea as a baby, Travis grew up in a middle class home in the middle of Iowa. He tells the story of how his choir teacher pushed him to take a trip to see Starlight Express in Des Moines and how it changed his life. How he ended up at St. Olaf for his undergraduate degree, his first job, his doctorate, and his two college jobs all in one big answer! Banding in the great state of Iowa and how our success is often built with others and why we should be grateful for that support. Representation and diversity in music. Studying at Northwestern with Mallory Thompson and two important bits of advice he received from her. “Move in a way that coaches, influences, and instigates the players to move the air and their fingers and their bodies in a way that creates the sound that you want to achieve.” Links: Travis Cross UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music Webber: Starlight Express Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 Biography: Travis J. Cross serves as professor of music at UCLA, where he conducts the Wind Ensemble, directs the graduate wind conducting program, and chairs the music department. He was also associate dean for academic mentoring and opportunity during the initial years of the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music. Cross has conducted the UCLA Wind Ensemble at the California All-State Music Education Conference and College Band Directors National Association Western/Northwestern Division conference and prepared the band for centenary performances of Leonard Bernstein’s Mass with Gustavo Dudamel and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. During five years as wind ensemble conductor at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va., Cross led students in performances at the Virginia Music Educators Association conference, Kennedy Center, and Carnegie Hall and developed the Virginia Tech Band Directors Institute into a major summer conducting workshop. Cross earned doctor and master of music degrees in conducting from Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., and the bachelor of music degree cum laude in vocal and instrumental music education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minn. His principal teachers were Mallory Thompson and Timothy Mahr. Prior to graduate study, he taught for four years at Edina (Minn.) High School, where he conducted two concert bands and led the marching band program. In 2004, Cross participated in the inaugural Young Conductor/Mentor Project sponsored by the National Band Association. The same year he received the Distinguished Young Band Director Award from the American School Band Directors Association of Minnesota. From 2001–2003, Cross served a two-year term as the recent graduate on the St. Olaf College Board of Regents. In 2006, he was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the United States Department of Education. From 2011–2015, he served two terms as national vice president for professional relations for Kappa Kappa Psi, the national honorary band fraternity. In 2017, Cross taught the Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps as brass co-caption head. Cross contributed a chapter to volume four of Composers on Composing for Band, available from GIA Publications. His more than 20 original compositions and arrangements are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Daehn Publications, and Theodore Music. He has appeared as a guest conductor, composer, and clinician in more than 30 states; Canada, China, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Arab Emirates; and at the Midwest Clinic and has engagements in California, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Virginia during the 2018–19 season. Cross is a Yamaha Master Educator.

Adrian Barnes is a music education professor at Rowan University. He joins the show for a discussion about his career and culturally responsive teaching. Topics: How hip hop and growing up playing music in the church were foundational experiences to Adrian’s musical career and how an important teacher helped him put it all together. Adrian’s experiences at Bethune-Cookman and Florida State University before his first job in Manatee County, Florida. Going back to earn his doctorate at Texas Tech University with a Promise Neighborhood Grant. Culturally responsive teaching and and advice for teachers to help reach students from a variety of different backgrounds. Links: Adrian Barnes Bethune-Cookman University Music Florida State University Promise Neighborhood Grants Dvořák: Symphony No 9 in E minor "From The New World" Biography: Adrian D. Barnes began his teaching career in a Title I school in Bradenton, Florida (grades 6-8) as a band and orchestra director. While in Florida, he served as an assistant director of marching band at Southeast High School working specifically with drum-line, and front ensemble. Dr. Barnes has worked closely with students from historically marginalized communities, as well as students with special needs. Upon attending Texas Tech University, Dr. Barnes served as an instructor of record, an instructor for the Texas Tech University String Project, and as a research assistant on a grant given to Texas Tech University by the U.S. Department of education for the purposes of establishing better relationships, and providing social capital to African American/Blacks and Latinos of Mexican-origin within a historically disenfranchised section of Lubbock, Texas. In addition, Dr. Barnes has an interest in studying the arts internationally and has traveled to universities within Southwest China as a part of a cultural exchange of American Music Education in Chengdu China to present on hip-hop rhythms through body percussion. Dr. Barnes research interests include using hip-hop in the music classroom, music and informal learning, aesthetics in music education, and the recruitment of historically marginalized populations by collegiate music ensemble directors. ------- Are you planning to travel with your group sometime soon? If so, please consider my sponsor, Kaleidoscope Adventures, a full service tour company specializing in student group travel. With a former educator as its CEO, Kaleidoscope Adventures is dedicated to changing student lives through travel and they offer high quality service and an attention to detail that comes from more than 25 years of student travel experience. Trust Kaleidoscope’s outstanding staff to focus on your group’s one-of-a-kind adventure, so that you can focus on everything else!  

Julie Giroux joins the show to talk about her remarkable career as a composer and orchestrator as well as her generosity, love of video games, and diversity in music.  Topics: Julie’s background growing up in Louisiana and how she went from playing the piano by ear to Los Angeles orchestrating for one of the biggest mini-series of the 1980’s just days after her graduation from LSU. Some stories and anecdotes from her time writing for film and television, including the why she stopped playing her French horn. The importance of orchestration and how it is the most crucial learned skill for composers. Julie’s love of role-playing video games and how they help her be creative, the video game industry, and what games we’re playing right now during the pandemic. Julie’s generosity and how the person that is doing the giving benefits the most. Julie gives me a composition tip that I really needed to hear and just when I think the interview is over we end up talking for 20 more minutes about women and diversity in music! Links: Julie Giroux Giroux: Riften Wed Giroux: One Life Beautiful Giroux: Bookmarks from Japan Biography: Julie Ann Giroux was born 1961 in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, and raised in Phoenix, Arizona and Monroe, Louisiana. She received her formal education from Louisiana State University and Boston University. She studied composition with John Williams, Bill Conti and Jerry Goldsmith, to name a few. Julie is an accomplished performer on piano and horn, but her first love is composition. She began playing the piano at the age of three and had published her first piece at the age of nine. In 1985, she began composing, orchestrating, and conducting music for television and films. Within three hours after arriving in Los Angeles, she was at work on the music for the Emmy Award winning mini-series North and South, followed soon by work on the television series Dynasty and The Colbys, as well as the films Karate Kid II, White Men Can’t Jump, and Broadcast News. She received her first Emmy nomination in 1988 for North and South Part II - Love and War, and over the next three years was nominated each year for her arranging and original compositions for the Academy Awards show. To date, Julie has well over 100 film and television credits and has been nominated for an Emmy several times. When she won her first Emmy Award, she was the first woman and the youngest person ever to win the award in that category. Julie has also been privileged to arrange for Celene Dion, Paula Abdul, Dudley Moore, Liza Minnelli, Madonna, Reba McIntyre, Little Richard, Billy Crystal, Michael Jackson and many others. Julie is an extremely well rounded composer, writing works for symphony orchestra (including chorus), chamber ensembles, wind ensembles, soloists, brass and woodwind quintets and many other serious and commercial formats. She began writing music for concert band in 1983, publishing her first band work Mystery on Mena Mountain with Southern Music Company. Since that time, she has composed and published numerous works for professional wind ensembles, military bands, colleges and public schools and has conducted her music in clinics worldwide. She is also a very well received speaker and clinician. Julie is a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).