The Growing Band Director

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Our mission is to share practical advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years. To gain access to all show notes and audio

Kyle Smith


    • Apr 20, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
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    • 404 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Growing Band Director

    337 Grade 1/2 - Big Ideas, Small Box of Crayons with Timothy Loest

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 20, 2026 44:02


    Support the Show Here⁠Timothy Loest is a composer who is well known for his young band compositions. He joins the show to discuss his approach and many of the things he does to make grade 1/2 music interesting. Also featured are three of his own works.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    197 Rick Stitzel-The Essence of Swing

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2026 61:36


    Rick Stitzel is one of the best writers and arrangers for jazz ensemble that we have. He joins the show to share his experiences and charts. Featured are arrangements of great standard tunes for your jazz ensemble as well as original works available through ⁠https://Rickstitzelmusic.com⁠Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    338 Start Where You Are - Aiming to Be Fit In the Band World With Benjamin Taylor

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 16, 2026 33:34


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Band directors can be fit, and need to strive for overall health in order to be the best versions of themself. Benjamin Taylor joins the show to discuss practical and achievable ways to stay fit for your whole life.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    335 Practical Teaching Advice for Jazz Drums

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 13, 2026 89:10


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Dennis Crystal is a California-based band director and professional jazz drummer. He sits down with Kyle to give information to help band directors teach their jazz band drummers.John Riley's “The Art of Bop Drumming” Steve Houghton's “Studio and Big Band Drumming” Steve Houghton's “Essential Styles” Steve Houghton's “Essential Styles” ⁠2Matt Johnson “Big Band Loops” Ted Reed's Progressive Steps to Syncopation George L. Stone “Stick Control”To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    287 How To Craft Emotional Impact For Your Marching Band Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2026 60:18


    Marc Whitlock, veteran band director, adjudicator and DCI program coordinator joins Kyle to discuss ways to ensure your marching band show has an emotional impact on the audience, the performers, and you!⁠How To Craft Emotional Impact For Your Marching Band Show Blog Post⁠ Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    308 Music Selection - Jazz Education Series with Milas Yoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 6, 2026 47:48


    Jazz Pedagogy and Repertoire Playlist⁠⁠⁠⁠Diving Into Jazz With Confidence and Joy - Milas Yoes⁠⁠Milas Yoes joins the show in this four part series on Jazz Education-Teaching ImprovTeaching Swing FeelTeaching the Rhythm SectionMusic SelectionTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    195 Grow Your Teaching with Rob Westerberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2026 59:17


    Rob Westerberg appeared on the show in 2023 in Episode 98 - Teaching Analytically where he discusses the benefits of teaching your students to think analytically. This time he returns to unpack even more from this approach, as well as discuss the role of conductor vs teacher and so many ways we can grow as music teachers.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    312 Heath Wolf and Jeff Jarvis

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2026 24:08


    Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with Heath Wolf (retired band director at Farmington Junior High (UT) and Jeff Jarvis (jazz composer and Director of Jazz Studies at Cal State University Long Beach) to discuss aspects of jazz education.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    327 Keys to Building a Band Program with Aaron Noe

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2026 24:43


    Support the Show Here⁠⁠⁠Band Director's Goal Setting Planner⁠Aamano Music Aaron Noe from Greensboro College and ⁠windconductor.org⁠ joins the show to give advice as to how to build a band program.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠ ⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    189 A Well Rounded Band Program with Eddie Otto

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2026 42:07


    Every band program has every level of musician and engagement within the student body. The best way to engage the most amount of students at a high level is to offer a wide range of ensembles within your program to cater to every type of student in your band program.Eddie Otto teaches at Unionville HS (PA) and shares his vision and what led him to these core beliefs.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    324 Teaching Jazz with Jerry Tolson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2026 7:31


    ⁠⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠⁠Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with legendary jazz educator Jerry Tolson.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    336 Keys to Providing a Successful Middle School Band Experience with Christina Huss

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2026 47:16


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Christina Huss is a composer with  ⁨@ExcelciaMusicPublishing⁩  and longtime band director. She joins the show to discuss important things teachers should do to insure the best experience for middle school band students.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    188 Success in Year One with Reed Bailey

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2026 46:22


    Whether you are starting your band director career, or it is your first year at a new school, there are many challenges - as well as opportunities - that come with it. Reed Bailey (⁠baileyr@vailschooldistrict.org⁠) is the Director of Bands at Cienega High School (AZ) and shares many strategies to maximizing the potential within your new program! Stay tuned to the end where Kyle and Reed both share some pieces that work very well in this situation specifically - complete with score and sound videos.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    323 Paul Baker and Jackson Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 36:46


    ⁠⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠⁠Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with jazz composer Paul Baker (Bakers Jazz and More) and Jackson Smith - band director from Wisconsin.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    334 Ways to Improve Student Proficiency Through a School Lesson Program with Jackson Smith, Colt Maichle, Dr. Jessica Jensen and Mike Malone

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 16, 2026 79:35


    Jackson Smith is the band director at Neenah High School in Wisconsin, and is joined by Colt Maichle, Dr. Jessica Jensen and Mike Malone for a discussion on ways they help their students improve through lesson programs and chamber music opportunities.

    257 Why You Should Program Transcriptions Part One

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2026 40:00


    There are so many pieces of music written for piano or orchestra that have been transcribed for wind band. In this episode we discuss the reasoning for programming transcriptions with your students. We also provide score and sound listening examples of pieces that work well for wind band.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    322 Doug Beach and Aaron Noe

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2026 25:56


    ⁠⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠⁠Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with jazz composer Doug Beach and Aaron Noe from Aamanomusic.com and windconductor.comTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    330 Introducting Habits Jazz with Todd Campbell and Heath Wolf

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2026 54:20


    Support the Show HereThe Habits of A Successful Musician series has been a wildly successful series of books and method books that help teachers and students become the best music teachers and musicians they can be. Now, GIA Publications is introducting a Habits book that is a beginning Jazz Method geared toward players with one year of experience! Though likely not available until 2027, Todd Campbell and Heath Wolf join the show to discuss what teachers can expect when it releases. Full of practical advice for jazz educators, and some chart recommendations for younger bands.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    186 Young Band with Quincy Hilliard

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2026 71:28


    Quincy Jones Interviews Aaron Copland! ⁠Quincy Hilliard is such a great composer! We talked about so many things including his time with Aaron Copland, getting a young band to sound their best, and featured many score and sound videos of some of his Young Band works! What a joy to speak with! Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    321 Terry White and Dan Austin

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2026 22:12


    ⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠⁠Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with composers Terry White and Dan AustinTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    331 Listen with Chris Oberholtzer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2026 77:50


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Dr Chris Oberholtzer joins the show to discuss jazz improvisation information to help teachers know what guidance to give their students when improvising.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    185 Conducting, Composing and Connecting with Timothy Mahr

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2026 72:22


    Dr. Timothy Mahr is Professor Emeritus at St. Olaf College, and a prolific composer for wind band. Dr Mahr joins the podcast for a conversation that encompasses advice for young composers, discussion of ways we can improve our bands as a conductor, and a focus on some of his music!Highlighted is Etched in Stone, Commissioned by Kyle Smith and the Westbrook High School Wind Ensemble for the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    320 Tim Hendrix and Heather Hastings

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 26, 2026 25:46


    ⁠⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠⁠Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with Tim Hendrix after the clinic performance with this students earlier that day, and composer Heather Hastings, winner of the Gladys Knight Composition Competition with WBDI.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    329 Building A Culture of Excellence in a Rural Setting with Jeffrey Priest

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2026 55:49


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Jeffrey Priest (Old Town High School, ME) has led an award winning band program in his rural community since 1989 and joins the show to share ways to bring excellence to smaller, more rural communities.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    182 Ellington for Young Band

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2026 42:21


    The music of Duke Ellington is not only some of the best American music in history, it is filled with soulfulness and sophistication. It is available to students with very little experience. In working on this music your students will be studying history, studying music and studying some of the best of humanity.Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    319 Travis Weller and Stephen Sholey

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2026 18:56


    Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with Travis Weller and Stephen Sholey.⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    328 Finding Solutions with Rob Wheeler

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 16, 2026 32:34


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Rob Wheeler joins the show to share some strategies that he has used in a wide variety of school situations to maximize the potential of a band program.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    181 Basie for Young Band

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2026 34:19


    The music of Count Basie is essential to any jazz education, so we bring you sound and score recordings of 9 essential charts for young bands (Grade 1-2.5).Learn some history about each chart along the way!Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    318 Colonel John Bourgeois

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 14:07


    Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with past conductor (1979-1996) of the President's Own Marine Band, Colonel John Bourgeois.⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    326 Setting Goals for Your Program with Aaron Noe

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2026 30:39


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Band Director's Goal Setting PlannerAaron Noe from Greensboro College and windconductor.org joins the show to give advice as to how to build a band program through setting and achieve goals.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    174 Rhythm Section Techniques with Anthony Susi

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2026 60:31


    All four of the rhythm section instruments (Piano, Guitar, Bass and Drums) get covered in a very thorough way during this converation with Anthony Susi.Anthony is a proficient rhythm section player, veteran band director, adjudicator and composer - and brings his expertise to the show to help you improve your rhythm section!Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    317 Michael Sweeney and Brian Rhodes

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 18:15


    Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with Michael Sweeney (retired editor and composer at Hal Leonard) about writing for young band and what he is doing in his retirement - and Brian Rhodes (Band Director at Booneville HS, AR and owner of Twin Towers Publishing Company⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    325 Effective Ways to Conduct and Inspire Your Students with Frank Ticheli

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2026 69:57


    Support the Show HereHear from one of the world's leading composers on ways that you can be an effective conductor for your students, and inspire them on a daily basis. You will also hear from Frank about some of his newer pieces, as well as advice he has for younger composers.To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠ ⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    187 Habits of a Successful Band Director with Scott Rush

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2026 55:24


    I was honored to meet with one of the most influential band directors in the country- the great Scott Rush! We spent and hour discussing many aspects from the Habits Series of method books and band director guide paperback books, as well as things he did while at the Wando Bands to grow the culture and the program- as well as what it really means as he looks back on it!Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    316 Dennis Llinas and Mark Casperson

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 20:32


    Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with Dennis Llinas (Director of Bands at University of Oregon) and Mark Casperson (Plano East HS, TX and inventor of the Tuner Caddy.⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    333 Festival Prep with Krystle Smith and Mike Perez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 66:23


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Krystle hosts Mike Perez (Mastering The Young Band )for a discussion on ways to ensure success for your students as you are gearing up for your festival performance!To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    251 Festival Repertoire for Concert Band Part One with Melissa Shabo

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2026 43:22


    Join Kyle and Missy Shabo (Cape Elizabeth Middle School) for a journey through three sets of Grade 1-3 Festival music that are worthy of your contest set in the future! Each program is segmented into 3 pieces at each grade level that would work as a stand alone concert set!Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    315 Chrstina Huss and Tyler Reese

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 20:57


    Kyle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with composer Christina Huss and band director Tyler Reese (NC).⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    307 Teaching the Rhythm Section - Jazz Education Series with Milas Yoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2026 43:38


    Jazz Pedagogy and Repertoire Playlist⁠⁠Diving Into Jazz With Confidence and Joy - Milas Yoes⁠Milas Yoes joins the show in this four part series on Jazz Education-Teaching ImprovTeaching Swing FeelTeaching the Rhythm SectionMusic SelectionTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠ ⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    179 Weapons of Brass Destruction with Aaron Rex and Johnnie Green

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2026 61:33


    Learn keys to starting and improving your brass players!Aaron Rex and Johnnie Green are part of the team for Mason Schools in Mason, OH (one of the most outstanding school programs in the country.). Their approach works - and they are presenting this topic at Midwest 2024!⁠Weapons of Brass Destruction⁠ ⁠The Comfy Strap for Horn and Euphonium⁠ Support the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    314 Warming Up the Young Band with John McAllister

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2026 22:01


    Kyle and Krystle sit down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with John McAllister to discuss warm ups for the young band and so much more!⁠⁠Support the Show Here⁠⁠To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    306 Teaching Swing Style- Jazz Education Series with Milas Yoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2026 45:58


    Jazz Pedagogy and Repertoire Playlist⁠⁠Diving Into Jazz With Confidence and Joy - Milas Yoes⁠Milas Yoes joins the show in this four part series on Jazz Education-Teaching ImprovTeaching Swing FeelTeaching the Rhythm SectionMusic SelectionTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of⁠ thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠Our mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠ ⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠If you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

    176 Making Joy Your Tonal Center with Matthew Arau

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2026 29:36


    Making Joy Your Tonal Center with Matthew ArauSupport the Show HereTo gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.comOur mission is to share practical  advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years.Connect with us with comments or ideasFollow the show:Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.comOn Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast GroupInstagram @thegrowingbanddirectorTik Tok @thegrowingbanddirectorIf you like what you hear please:Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

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