The Growing Band Director

Follow The Growing Band Director
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

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


    • Oct 27, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 336 EPISODES


    More podcasts from Kyle Smith

    Search for episodes from The Growing Band Director with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from The Growing Band Director

    285 Band Room Podcasting and Culture with Mark Connor

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 42:55


    Mark Connor is the creator and host of the Everything Band Podcast - which lead band directors around the world in their learning for 8 years! He joins Kyle to discuss so many lessons learned on his show, as well as some behind the scene details of Everything Band and what his program at school looks like.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!

    (78) Andrew Boysen Jr Music for Younger Bands Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 25, 2025 29:35


    Hear from one of the countries leading composers, Andrew Boysen Jr. about some of his pieces that are attainable by younger 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    292 Grade 3-4 Flex Band Music with Nick Pierce

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2025 46:10


    Part 2 of this Flex Band music series, with Colorado band director Nick Pierce, explores Grade 3-4 flex band music and strategies you can use to teach it to your 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!

    291 Grade 1-2 Flex Band Music with Nick Pierce

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2025 41:52


    Colorado band director Nick Pierce joins Kyle to discuss and listen to flex band music that might work for your students at the grade 1-2 level.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!

    (84) Rehearsal Techniques - Focus on Feedback Throwback with Dr Philip Edelman

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2025 46:21


    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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    290 Connecting Your Students With a Larger Audience with Michael Levine

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2025 40:47


    Harmony BridgeMichael Levine is the founder and longtime trombone player with the Dallas Brass. He joins Kyle for a discussion around ways to help students play in chamber music ensembles - and find much deeper meaning in their music education beyond concert performances in the typical school environment.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!

    (48) The Rural Band Director Throwback with Scott Kroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2025 28:21


    Kyle and Jeff as they meet with a great band director - Scott Kroll from Georgia! Scott walks us through the journey in developing a band program in a small rural school, and ways to make it happen with success! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    289 Middle School Band and Orchestra with Andrea Cameron and Philip Walters

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2025 94:47


    Guest Host Philip Walters (Alaska) joins band and orchestra director Andrea Cameron (Montgomery County, Maryland) to discuss all things middle school band and orchestra, as well as her school's upcoming Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic 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!

    (149) Teaching from the Light, The Yamaha Harmony Director and The Carmel Band Program Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2025 65:04


    Learn from two of the directors in one of the top programs in the US - The Carmel High School Band (Indiana) - Michael Pote and Kyle Young. -We discuss "teaching from the light", a method to help improve your career, your band, and your students experience in your program. ⁠“Practice Perfect: 42 Rules for Getting Better at Getting Better”⁠ by Doug Lemov -Taking over a high level program from a legend, and keys to sustaining success. -Learn about the Yamaha Harmony Director, and why it will improve your bands tone for a fraction of the cost of an instrument. The Yamaha Harmony Director -⁠“Ensemble: An Integrated Approach to the Yamaha Harmony Director” By Michael Pote, Kyle Young and Andrew Brough -Learn some of the things that helps the Carmel Band program excel year after year.

    276 Ideas for Percussion Class with Alex Castro

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2025 57:57


    Alex Castro joins a conversation with Kyle around ways to engage students while having percussion class separated from the wind class. So many possiblities arise when you split up the sections for their rehearsals. There are some drawbacks, but the positives for the students and their skills, both the percussion and the winds, far outweighs the drawbacks.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!

    (81) Have a Better Day, Creating Band Culture, and Leadership Development Throwback with Dr. Matthew Arau

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2025 93:33


    Dr. Matthew Arau is the author of "Upbeat!" and creator of Upbeat Global -Steps to maximize your band director morning routines -Creating a culture in your band -Building a leadership 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    283 Megan Vinther

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2025 64:03


    Megan Vinther is the band director at Everett HS in Everett, Washington - as well as a composer for concert and jazz band. She joins Kyle in a wide ranging discussion around her approach in the band room. They also discuss and listen to some of Megan's pieces (grades 2-4.)Included in the end is a couple recommendations for pieces for concert and jazz band that Megan finds are great teaching vehicles for her ensembles.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!

    (55) Jazz Charts for YOUR Band Throwback with Terry White

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2025 32:21


    In Part 3/3 with Terry White, Kyle and Terry share tons of their favorite charts for Jazz Ensemble, from beginning level to advanced. A must listen for any jazz teachers, and a great close to this three-part series! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    297 Classroom Management - How to Control What You Can Control with Chris Holloway

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 61:44


    Chris Holloway is a 17 year veteran band director from Orlando Science High School in Florida and has been asked to present to his high school faculty about classroom management and he brings this wisdom and experience to the show.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!

    286 Being A Lifelong Learner with Dr Tim Oliver and Mark Bligh

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2025 75:31


    Mark Bligh interviews Dr Tim Oliver from Ole Miss in a wide ranging discussion that covers programming, score preparation, and much more!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!

    (83) Beginning Band Throwback with Larry Jackson and Krystle Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2025 74:35


    Learn some amazing ways to start your beginners off with a chance to sound amazing in their first year! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    296 Ignite the Fire and Teach Fundamentals - A Career Building Bands with Dave Phillips and Christian Garnes

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 11, 2025 53:56


    Guest Host Christian Garnes (Ohio University) hosts his mentor and longtime band director Dave Phillips. Dave shares the ways that he built many band programs, and advice for current directors in building their 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!

    284 There Are Never Any Problems, Only Opportunities with Mark Caspersen

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2025 44:46


    Mark Caspersen is a veteran band director of 39 years from Plano, TX, and the inventor of Tuner Caddy. He joins Kyle from the Habits Institute in South Carolina to talk band - some of his favorite teaching pieces and composers - as well as ways to connect with your students and to help your band lock in their tuning!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!

    (98) Teaching Analytically Throwback with Rob Westerberg

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2025 109:29


    Rob Westerberg is the 2023 Recipient of the Outstanding Music Educator of the Year for the Northeast by the National Federation of State High Schools. Buckle up - we dive deep! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    295 Beginning Band Problem Solving Q and A with Krystle Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 4, 2025 42:09


    Alex Wright joins Krystle to discuss questions and look for ideas for his beginning 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!

    288 Mastering Ensemble Techniques and Timing in Outdoor Marching Ensmbles with Marc Whitlock

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2025 52:48


    Veteran judge and band director Marc Whitlock joins Kyle for a discussion around best practices and rehearsal tips to have a productive, detail-oriented rehearsal that leads to successful performances, as well as methods to make sure your students understand how to play in time, no matter where they are on the marching band field.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!

    (53) Tips for Improving Your Jazz Ensemble Throwback with Terry White

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2025 36:48


    Learn from one of the best Jazz Writers and Clinicians out there! This is the first part of a THREE part series to take your Jazz Ensemble to the next level! A can't miss! Don Zentz - Best Charts to use with your band Master List! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    279 Band Music With Anthony O'Toole

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 28, 2025 38:28


    Kyle sits down with composer Anthony O'Toole to discuss some of his works for band.Anthony's WebsiteTo 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!

    281 Jazz Education in Schools with Rich DeRosa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 25, 2025 55:15


    Joining Kyle is Grammy nominated composer and arranger Rich DeRosa. From his experience as the Director of Jazz Composition and Arranging at University of North Texas to his time writing for and conducting the WDR Big Band in Germany - Rich has a vast background that can help us in our journey to be better jazz educators.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!

    (71)Dennis Llinas on Conducting, Rehearsing and "The Workshop" Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2025 58:24


    The Director of Bands at University of Oregon, Dennis Llinas sits down with Kyle and Jeff. Get insight into a great new tool Dennis has conceived called "The Workshop" - plus many more insights to conducting, and all things music education! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    280 Asking For Help Through Mentorship with Meghan Fay Olswanger, Vanessa Abernathy Perala and Phil Hartman

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2025 70:58


    Joining Kyle are three veteran band directors with tons of experience with the mentorship with the Idaho Music Educators Association. They share critical aspects needed for quality mentoring both from the mentors as well as the mentees. They highlight the possibilities for growth and enhanced community through mentorship.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!

    (44) Do you Have or Want a Jazz Program? Throwback with Aaron Bush

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2025 25:17


    In part one of this interview with Aaron Bush from Foxboro High School (Mass.) you will learn many ways to build a top level jazz program! A Can't Miss! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    throwback jazz program aaron bush
    282 Jazz Band Repertoire with Rich DeRosa

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 14, 2025 65:17


    Joining Kyle is Grammy nominated composer and arranger Rich DeRosa. His vast experience as a composer and arranger for some of the finest musicians in the world has allowed him the opportunity to not only write for some world class ensembles, but also some young band charts that are pure gold! They discuss and listen to six of Rich's charts that span Grades 1-5.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!

    278 Understanding the Piece - A Guide To Score Study for Band Directors with Anthony O'Toole

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 48:42


    Anthony O'Toole is a composer and the creator of the Youtube Series Wind Band Score Studies that has been extremely popular! Learn ways to study a score effectively and hear about some of his greatest mentors - Jack Stamp and Mark Camphouse.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!

    (77) Chip DeStefano and Caitlin Ramsey - Focus on Tone, Pitch and Starting Beginners Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 9, 2025 65:34


    Join Kyle and Caitlin Ramsey as they meet with one of America's finest middle school band directors, Chip Destefano, and learn some of the pillars of what make a successful 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    277 Relating To Your Administrators with Nick Atchley

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 36:17


    Nick Atchley is an Assistant Principal at Fremont Middle School, as well as a past Dean of Students and an experienced band director. Nick sits down with Kyle and gives us an insight to his world as an administrator, and helps us find common ground to be able to relate to, and connect with, our administrators.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!

    (147) How to Insure Your Band Sounds Mature Throwback with Krystle Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2025 68:29


    One of the GBD most popular episodes! Concert programming so your students will succeed and sound amazing, and Teaching the Rhythm Section and the Full Jazz Band. Oh, and what to do in that first concert! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If 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 Jul 28, 2025 59:51


    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 PostTo 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!

    (25) Craig Skeffington - Jazz charts, Rehearsing the Jazz Band, and Arranging for Your Band Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025 62:37


    Craig Skeffington - jazz composer/arranger, band director and trumpet player - joins Kyle for an AMAZING discussion about your jazz band.  They talk about great jazz band charts, great educational jazz arrangers, writing and arranging for your jazz band, and many other jazz band topics!  A must listen for all educators! 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    275 Melodies From the Pacific - Teaching Band in Hawaii with Chadwick Kamei

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 64:13


    Kyle sits down with Chadwick Kamei - band director at Pearl CIty High School and the University of Hawaii West Oahu to discuss all of their shared hawaii experiences in the band world, and highlight some amazing band directing that is happening on O'ahu.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!

    (172) Programming Substance for Festivals Throwback with Julius Tolentino

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2025 38:37


    Julius Tolentino joins the show to discuss programming music of substance for a means of developing your jazz musicians in a way that will foster growth, and understanding of the rich history of Jazz ⁠JTolemusic.com⁠ 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.com⁠ 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: ⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠ ⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠  ⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠ ⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠ ⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠ If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    274 Speaking Admin Language for Band Directors with Steve Nendza

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 44:26


    Steve Nendza is an elementary school principal and a long time band director. He joins the show to give us advice to help connect with our admin, especially for those observations - how to make common ground and explain what we do to administrators who don't understand band!WoodenOn Teaching Band

    (171 )Setting Up Your Beginners Throwback with Krystle Smith

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2025 57:05


    Learn some steps that you can take to help your beginning band be more successful - better balanced - have less instrument switching - happier band parents and more student success! ⁠Krystle Smith⁠ has been the Director of Bands at Westbrook Middle School since 2006. 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.com⁠ 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: ⁠Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com⁠ ⁠On Youtube The Growing Band Director⁠  ⁠Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group⁠ ⁠Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector⁠ ⁠Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector⁠ If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    273 Improving Percussion Skills with Dirkjan van Groningen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 27:59


    Join Kyle and Dirkjan van Groningen (Netherlands) for a discussion around using backing tracks to improve the skills of your percussion students.Band Music CenterAudio StretchThe Benefits of Preparing Percussion Music with RecordingsDirkjan's Youtube ChannelStormbreak-Jim Casella

    (167) Jazz Piano For Band Directors Throwback with Jake Sturtevant

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2025 35:41


    Jake Sturtevant is a seasoned band director and professional piano player. In this session we go through exactly what to have your kids play, and what to ignore in those jazz band charts! It is quite simple! Complete with demonstration....less is more - and you really only need two notes! ⁠https://Jakesturtevant.com⁠ 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    271 Making Time for What Matters with Matt Klohs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 44:25


    Matt Klohs is a conductor and musician with a rich and deep history of musical excellence worldwide. Based out of Perth, Australia, he joins the show as part 2 of this rich discussion around all things band!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!

    (159) You Can Gain Energy Through Score Study Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 28, 2025 42:27


    Knowing the music at a deeper level gives you energy and excitement, which will show in your teaching and transfer to your students. Using four examples we show you some possible ways to include score study in your teaching! ⁠Down a Country Lane - Copland/Patterson⁠ (Gr. 2.5) ⁠Cenotaph - Jack Stamp⁠ (Gr. 3.5) ⁠On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss - David Holsinger⁠ (Gr. 3) American Salute - Morton Gould/Wagner⁠ (Gr. 3.5) 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.com 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Follow the show: Podcast website : Thegrowingbanddirector.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director  Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and  Share us with another band director!

    energy throwback score study
    272 The Engaged Classroom with Michael Antmann

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 64:43


    Michael Antmann (Freedom HS, Orlando, Fla) has experience as a music administrator, as well as a middle school and high school band director. Fresh off of his Florida Music Educators Association presentation on classroom management - he joins the show to share tips with us to help in our own classrooms.FMEA Presentation HandoutSurvive and Thrive - Classroom Management in the Music RoomTo 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!

    Claim The Growing Band Director

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel