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


    • Feb 28, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 50m AVG DURATION
    • 383 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Growing 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!

    313 Mike Perez and Kameron Durr

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 8, 2026 18:47


    Krystle sits down at the Excelcia Music Publishing booth at Midwest 2025 with Mike Perez (Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School - Colorado) and Kameron Durr (MS) to discuss young band techniques and building in a small program.⁠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!

    305 Teaching Improv - Jazz Education Series with Milas Yoes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2026 38:02


    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!

    161 Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts Rehearsal Strategies with Michele Fernandez

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2026 45:32


    Of Endless Miles of Empty Rafts is the 2024 CBDNA Young Band Composition Winner, and gives your band a chance to perform authentic afro-latin music with your Concert Band! In this session composer Michele Fernandez and Kyle Smith of the Growing Band Director Podcast get together to explain the history behind the piece, the format of how it is constructed, and key components to preparing it in an authentic 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!

    304 Composer Spotlight Andrew Boysen Jr

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2025 75:16


    Kyle sits down with Andrew Boysen Jr to discuss:-Conducting advice for band directors -Effective techniques in organizing and managing an honor band-Advice to be sure the students are successful when you are asked to conduct an honor band-We listened to so many of his great pieces as well! 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!

    332 The Origin of the Young Band Composers - Quincy Hilliard with Andrew Balent

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 28, 2025 40:40


    ⁠Support the Show Here⁠Quincy Hilliard hosts a conversation with the legendary young band writer Andrew Balent to learn more about the history of the composers who started writing for young 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!

    (105) Craft Your Rehearsals for Student Success Throwback with Laura Estes

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2025 58:21


    In this episode Kyle meets with Laura Estes to learn some keys to crafting rehearsals to help your student succeed, and they have a conversation about Laura's switch to being a composer, and finally - feature two amazing compositions of hers - Cook Strait Crossing-Grade 1 (Recorded at Midwest 2022-William Mason HS, Ed Protzman, conductor) and Sinterklaas's Rooftop Ride - a hilarious Grade 2.5 Dutch holiday piece! 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!

    302 Sight Reading Success at Assessment with Christy Strump

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 38:57


    Christy Stump is the band director at Gulf Breeze Middle School in Gulf Breeze, Florida. She joins the show to give ways in ensure your students are successful in their sight reading process at assessment festival.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!

    (162) Beginning Band Adaptable Series Throwback with Mary Cogswell and Ron Stary

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 37:35


    Learn from experienced beginning band educator Mary Cogswell, as she teams up with Ron Stary to discuss many aspects of teaching beginning band, including some new repertoire recently put out through Murphy Press for your beginners! 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!

    311 - Midwest Clinic Day Three - Colonel John Bourgeois

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 88:02


    Guests include Colonel John Bourgeois, Doug Beach, Paul Baker, Tim Hendrix, Dennis Llinas, Tyler Reese, Christina Huss and Michael Sweeney 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!

    310 Midwest Clinic Day 2 - 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 95:55


    In person interviews on Day 2 of The Midwest Clinic 2025 includeLHeath Wolf, Terry White, Jeff Jarvis, Mike Perez, Stephen Sholey, Mark Casperson, Brian Rhodes, Travis Weller, and 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!

    Midwest 2025 Day 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 94:52


    Great guests include:Kameron Durr, Jackson Smith, Aaron Noe, Heather Hastings, John McAllister andDan 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!

    Ep 301 Successful Beginner Practices with Mike Perez

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 53:38


    Mike Perez is the band director at Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School in Fort Collins, Colorado. He joins Kyle to share his best practices with beginning band.Mike's Placement SystemYou can find Mike's content at www.mikeperezband.com and find him on Youtube and Instagram @mastering_the_young_bandTo 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!

    (166) Arranging with a Full Band Throwback with Jake Sturtevant

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2025 28:06


    Learn about this great process to arrange a piece of music with your full band class! Jake Sturtevant has been doing this project with this ensembles for over a decade and knows how invested students get in the process, the outcome, and how much ownership they take over it! ⁠Project Overview Paperwork⁠ Jake's Website⁠ 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!

    300 Carol Brittin Chambers - Composer Spotlight

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 83:17


    Carol Brittin Chambers joins Kyle to discuss some of her most popular pieces, as well as some of her brand new works for musicians of all ages! They also discuss practical solutions for marching band and concert band from the band director perspective.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!

    (59) Six Stellar Pieces of Music YOUR Students Should Know Throwback

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2025 43:40


    Six pieces of music (Three for Concert Band and Three for Jazz Band) that your students would benefit from working on and performing! 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!

    303 Midwest Preview with Tim Hendrix of Bentonville HS (AR)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 65:42


    Bentonville High School made Top 12 at Bands of America Grand Nationals in November, and are performing at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago in December! Their director, Tim Hendrix, joins the show to discuss the journey they went on, as well as preview their program for Midwest and discuss the process for their 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!

    chicago midwest bands bentonville comour orchestra clinic midwest band
    (156) Commissioning Music for Beginning Band Throwback with Del Hubers and Ron Stary

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2025 47:27


    Ron Stary interviews Del Hubers - a veteran teacher of 39 years who has made it a mission to get more music written for beginning band! Hear his process, philosophies and some of the pieces that have been written recently! 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!

    299 Band BFFs Crossover with Laura Bell and Katie Lewis

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 66:16


    Band BFFs Podcast creators Laura and Katie join Kyle to share about their score study based podcast that analyzes grade 1-3 pieces of music for band to help other band directors choose repertoire for their students, and to help them understand and teach the pieces the best way possible.BandBFFs PodcastTo 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!

    (175) Edge of Your Seat Rehearsals Throwback with Matthew Arau

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2025 37:48


    Matthew Arau is the founder of ⁠Upbeat Global ⁠and shares many ways to maximize your student engagement during rehearsal. 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!

    298 Success In the Interview Process with Steve Nendza

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2025 43:41


    Steve Nendza (snendza@d142.org) is a past band director and current principal. He joins Kyle to discuss advice for people interviewing for their first, or next, teaching position.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!

    (92) When Students Don't Seem to Want to Improve Throwback with Tyler Ehrlich

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 15, 2025 47:19


    As band directors, so many times we come across students who are not as motivated as we were as students. Music Educator and Doctoral Student Tyler Ehrlich has written in "Upbeat" as well as on ⁠tylerehrlich.com⁠ on just this - and shares many practical tips to helping foster these students in your 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!

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