Podcasts about Texas Music Educators Association

On Tuesday's show: NOAA (and the National Weather Service within it) is among federal agencies under scrutiny right now by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency. But Space City Weather meteorologist Eric Berger says “it would be a bad idea to take a hammer and start whacking NOAA and the National Weather Service.” He explains why and outlines how it might impact us here in southeast Texas.Also this hour: We learn about artist Keith Wasserman's mental health journey, which included a period where he began a "creatively obsessive" correspondence with musician Ani DiFranco. A documentary called Dear Ani tells his story and about Wasserman's eventual friendship with DiFranco. The film is part of this year's ReelAbilities Houston Film & Arts Festival.Then, we learn about a new opera adaption of West Side Story from Houston Grand Opera.And we meet the directors and members of Katy ISD's Tompkins High School Honor Orchestra, which is performing at this week's Texas Music Educators Association convention.

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

Sean Michael Casey has just released A Progressive Guide to Orchestral Excerpts for the Double Bass, which is a step-by-step method for teaching the fundamentals of good orchestral double bass playing. Sean is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the American Federation of Musicians, and the International Society of Bassists.  Sean currently operates a teaching studio in Allen, TX, with students making All-Region and chosen for TMEA's All-State orchestras. His students have attended prestigious music schools like Baylor and Julliard. Learn more about Sean on his website, and pick up a copy of his book in our DBHQ sheet music store! Subscribe to the podcast to get these interviews delivered to you automatically!   Connect with us: all things double bass double bass merch double bass sheet music   Thank you to our sponsor!   Dorico - This podcast episode is sponsored by Dorico: the next-generation music notation software from Steinberg, that's packed with smart, time-saving features to help you spend less time in front of your computer and more time doing what you love: making music.   The latest version of Dorico 5, includes Iconica Sketch, a new orchestral sound library, bringing more expressive playback, and making it easy to produce more life-like performances with a dynamic stereo soundstage. Try Dorico Now For 60 Days For Free: visit dorico.com     theme music by Eric Hochberg

SynopsisWhat do you see when you hear music? That's an odd question, perhaps, but sometimes composers confess that particular places, persons and scenes play a role in how music is created.On today's date in 1994, in San Antonio, Texas, for example, a new symphony for wind ensemble by the American composer David Maslanka received its premiere performance during a convention of the Texas Music Educators Association.In program notes, Maslanka confessed two major inspirations: The first was “the powerful voice of the Earth that comes to me from my adopted western Montana, and the high plains and mountains of central Idaho.” The second, he said, was his fascination with President Abraham Lincoln. Maslanka explained that reading about a Civil War brass band playing the “Old Hundreth” hymn tune at sunset as Lincoln's coffin was transferred to a waiting funeral train was an image that haunted him.“For me,” Maslanka wrote, “Lincoln's life and death are as critical today as they were more than a century ago. … My impulse through this music is to speak to the fundamental human issues of transformation and rebirth in this chaotic time.”Music Played in Today's ProgramDavid Maslanka (1943-2017): Symphony No. 4; Dallas Wind Symphony; Jerry Junkin, cond. Reference Recordings RR-108

Clint Hardy, Middle School Choral Director in Keller, TX, is here to share several great ideas for teaching expectations and sharing information, activities to help you learn about your students, helping students get to know each other, and teaching us a fun music game involving rhythms.   These are fabulous ideas to use at the start of the year or integrate at other times as well. Instagram - @choirwithclint Twitter - @tsms.choirs Podcast - The Choir Chronicles Facebook Group: The Choir Chronicles Teachers Pay Teachers - Choir with Clint Facebook Group:  Choir with Clint   Meet Clint: Clinton Ray Hardy is in his fifteenth year of directing choral music, and is the head choral director at Trinity Springs Middle School in Keller ISD. He received his Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Texas Christian University and earned his Master's degree in Music Education from the University of North Texas.  At Trinity Springs, Mr. Hardy directs seven choirs and serves as the head of the fine arts department.  His choirs consistently have earned Sweepstakes awards for superior ratings at the yearly University Interscholastic League Concert and Sight-Reading Contest. Mr. Hardy's Varsity Treble Choir was invited to perform at this past year's 2023 Texas Music Educators Association Convention. Previous to this, his Varsity Treble Choir performed at the 2022 Southwestern American Choral Directors Association Convention, his Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir performed at the 2021 National American Choral Directors Association Convention. In addition, his Varsity Treble Choir performed at the 2019 Texas Music Educators Association Convention and in 2018 his Varsity Treble Choir performed at the MS/JH National Cambiata Institute Convention. The Keller Honor Choir, under the co-direction of Clinton Hardy, performed in the elementary division for the 2017 Texas Music Educators Association Convention, and in 2014 his Varsity Tenor-Bass Choir was invited to perform at the MS/JH National Cambiata Institute Convention. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Mr. Hardy currently serves as the National ACDA JH/MS R&R Chair. He also currently serves as the TMEA Region 30 MS/JH Secretary. Mr. Hardy is frequently requested to be a clinician/conductor for All-City, All-Region, and All-State Choirs. He is an adjudicator for UIL Concert and Sight-Reading contests throughout the state and is a judge for Solo and Ensemble contests in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  He is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Choral Directors Association, the American Choral Directors Association, and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. He is proud to have had 120 students selected for the TCDA All-State Choir and 663 Middle School All-Region Choir members selected during his thirteen years of teaching.  Mr. Hardy has been named Teacher of the Year three times in teaching career.  The first happened in 2013-2014 for Linda Jobe Middle School in Mansfield ISD, and the second and third were at Trinity Springs MS for the 2016-2017 and the 2020-2021 school years.  In 2014 he was awarded the TCDA Young Director of Distinction Award. He strives to first teach his students how to be the best humans possible and then to be excellent musicians.   Jessica's Links: Website: www.jessicagrant.org Instagram: @howtoteachmusicwithjessica  

"The middle school was a three-story building. At the bottom were all of the 'rough' kids. There was a second floor that was moderate. All the kids who had resources had their classes on the third floor. I'm teaching choir down in the bottom where there's a fight every 90 seconds. Over the course of my five years there we ended up through the choir program merging the entire school from top to bottom. It was one of the most memorable, rewarding experiences of my entire life."Reginal Wright was born in Henderson, Texas. His life as a musician began in his middle school band as a trombonist. As a 20-year educator, Reginal has earned many awards including Outstanding Teacher, Who's Who Among America's Teachers, and a nomination for the UIL Sponsor Excellence Award. Reginal also earned the 2018 Educator of the Year Award for the Mansfield School District.Reginal has performed music in Vienna and Salzburg, Austria as well as Munich, Germany and throughout the United States. As a conductor, he is a sought after clinician in both Gospel and Classical genres. He has enjoyed the opportunity to conduct Honor Choirs for many school districts throughout the United States. He also serves as a clinician in many Texas All State Choir camps and All State Choirs. Reginal is also an aspiring composer, writing music that caters to school and church choirs.Reginal received both his Bachelor and Masters of Music Education Degrees from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He is currently the head choral director at Mansfield High School. His choirs are consistent sweepstakes winners in both concert and sight reading contests. Choirs under his direction also earn “Outstanding in Class” awards at National Music Festivals. In 2012 and 2022 the Mansfield High School A Cappella Women's choir was honored as SWACDA honor choir.   In 2018, the Mansfield Varsity Men's Choir performed at the prestigious Texas Music Educators Association Convention in San Antonio.  He is a member of Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, American Choral Directors Association and served as Vocal Chair for TMEA Region 5 from 2014-2017. He was recently appointed Artistic Director of the Arlington Master Chorale.Reginal resides in Arlington with his wife Renetta, son Gabrien, daughter Reece and Yorkie Cooper.To get in touch with Reginal, you can find him on Facebook (@reginalwrightmusic and @reginal.wright.39) and Instagram (@regwright). You can check out his website at https://www.reginalwright.com/ .Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode from September 16, 2022, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

"It gave me some amazing opportunities, just that one phone call, that one chance. For my grad students, that's one of the things that I really try to model and mentor and teach them: you can be a fantastic musician, but if you aren't one that seizes the moment or takes the initiative, it makes a difference."John Dickson is Professor Emeritus and former Director of Choral Studies at Louisiana State University's School of Music.  Holding the School of Music's first Chair as the Edward G. and Catherine M. Galante Chair for Choral Music Education, he conducted the A Cappella Choir and supervised the masters and doctoral programs in choral conducting.  Recently retired after forty-four years of collegiate teaching, he continues his conducting through workshops and festivals, and as the founding artistic director and conductor of Coro Vocati, one of Atlanta's most accomplished professional chamber choirs.  He also serves as one of the principal guest artists for KI Concerts.As a conducting pedagogue, he has presented masterclasses before the Association of British Choral Directors, the American Choral Directors Association, the Royal Northern Music Conservatory (Mancester), and the Russian State Music Conservatories of St. Petersburg and Moscow.  He has conducted festivals and workshops in England, Wales, Scotland, Finland, France, Italy, Hungary, Austria, the Czech Republic, Mexico, Canada, and throughout the U. S.  For three decades his choirs have been featured at conventions of the ACDA, ABCD, Texas Music Educators Association, and the National Collegiate Choral Organization.Appointed as a Visiting Fellow of Wolfson College, Cambridge University in 1992, Dr. Dickson sang with Sir David Willcocks and The Bach Choir; a second post-doctoral fellowship in 1998 allowed him to serve as principal rehearsal conductor under musical director David Hill.  For his summer conducting institutes Dr. Dickson has co-directed with British friends and colleagues Stephen Cleobury, David Hill and Bob Chilcott.  He is the Founding Director of the C. S. Lewis Choral Institute, featuring a professional chorus for its triennial symposium in Oxford and Cambridge.  He holds the D.M.A. degree in choral conducting from The University of Texas, at Austin, the M.M. degree in musicology from Baylor University, and has done post-doctoral study at Cambridge University, Cambridge.You can email John at jdickson@lsu.edu.Choir Fam wants to hear from you! Check out the Minisode Intro episode from September 16, 2022, to hear how to share your story with us. Email choirfampodcast@gmail.com to contact our hosts.Podcast music from Podcast.coPhoto in episode artwork by Trace Hudson from Pexels

Jo Scurlock Dillard is past president of the Texas Music Educators Association and was for 13 years director of choral activities as Reagan High School in San Antonio. Jo remains highly active as a choral clinician for all-region and all-state groups throughout Texas and beyond. Today, Randy and Jo discuss the key components in providing visionary leadership to high school choirs today.

Jo Scurlock Dillard is an educator, clinician, mentor, student teacher supervisor, and past President of the Texas Music Educators Association. A legendary high school choral director in Texas and beyond, Jo spent 13 years as choral director at Reagan High School in San Antonio, where she built a dynasty in choral music which gained statewide and national recognition. Today, Jo and Randy discuss the critical importance of effective communication in the high school choral setting.

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

Welcome back and thanks for listening. If you missed episode one and two, don't worry - they aren't sequential - but you should definitely go back and check it out when you are done here. It was a good one. If you are a first time listener: this show features conversations with composers, and yes, it is about their music - but mostly it is an opportunity to get to know them as people. We will be sharing a drink and just talking about things that interest us. I hope that this feels a little bit less like an interview, and more like a casual conversation at a bar during happy hour. Consider this an invitation to pour yourself a drink, sit down, relax, and join us. Episode 3 features a conversation with Mari Esabel Valverde. Mari and I actually met years ago at a bar in Seattle, but unfortunately didn't have much time to chat. I am so glad that she was able to join me for a drink and a conversation. We had a chance to discuss how artists begin to define themselves as artists, repertoire and required lists, and even briefly chat in French. Her music is gorgeous and challenging, and if you somehow aren't already familiar with her work - you will be soon. As always, if you like what you hear - you can buy us a beer! Visit us at www.buymeacoffee.com/whateverchoir and click "Support." Your contribution goes to supporting future projects by whateverandeveramen. Award-winning composer and singer Mari Esabel Valverde has been commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Seattle Men's and Women's Choruses, and Boston Choral Ensemble among others and has appeared with Dallas Chamber Choir, Vox Humana, and EXIGENCE (Detroit). She was a featured composer at the 2016 Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses Festival, where her “Our Phoenix” was premièred by six collective ensembles from the United States and Canada. Her works are published by earthsongs and Walton Music and self-published. Fluent in Spanish and French, she has a particular interest in Brazilian Portuguese and Swedish. She has translated numerous vocal works and documents including a phonetic guide of Ravel's opera L'Enfant et les Sortilèges. Based in North Texas, she taught voice at the high school level for over six years. Her former students have participated in All-State Choirs and State Solo Competition. She currently teaches singing and transgender voice training with TruVoice Lessons. She holds degrees from St. Olaf College, the European American Musical Alliance in Paris, France, and San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She is a member of the American Choral Directors Association and the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers.

About our guest Nassar Edwards is the orchestra director at Langham Creek High School in Houston, TX. He has studied violin under Helen Kim, a Juilliard graduate and Kenn Wagner (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra). Nassar has been a violin clinician at various schools in the Cypress, TX area and in the metro-Atlanta area during his collegiate years. Nassar served as the president of the Collegiate National Association For Music Education and American String Teachers Association at Kennesaw State University. Nassar also served as a teacher for the KSU String Project for three years. He also was the Librarian for Kennesaw State University Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra. Nassar is a member of the American String Teachers Association and Texas Music Educators Association. Since middle school, Nassar always knew he wanted to be a music educator. Nassar enjoys listening to music and podcasts, hanging out with his friends, trying new restaurants, and hopes to influence a community through his love for music. Mr. Edwards can be reached at nasssar.edwards@cfisd.net. IG: nassar.edwards | Facebook: Nassar Edwards Langham Creek Orchestra: IG: langhamcreekorch | Twitter: CreekOrch | Facebook: Langham Creek Orchestra Booster Club Please help Charles raise funds for charity!! Charles is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. AFSP is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health by engaging in the following core strategies: Funding scientific research Educating the public about mental health and suicide prevention Advocating for public policies in mental health and suicide prevention Supporting survivors of suicide loss and those affected by suicide in our mission You can learn more about Charles' fundraiser and donate here: https://www.facebook.com/donate/211035227449343/ Subscribe to The Orchestra Teacher Website, YouTube Channel, and Podcast! Website | YouTube Channel Podcast: Anchor.fm | Spotify | Google | Apple Podcasts Looking to advertise a product or service to string and orchestra teachers? Consider an audio advertisement on the Orchestra Teacher Podcast! Proceeds from your ad will help offset costs of equipment and web hosting. Please contact Charles at charleslaux1@gmail.com for more information. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/orchestrateacher/support

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

Shawna Longo joins the show to talk about our hybrid teaching gear, social emotional learning, cloud-based music tools, and our favorite apps/albums/tech tips of the week. Topics include: COVID hybrid teaching strategies Teaching hardware (on a cart!) Teaching performance virtually social emotional learning music tools in the cloud the Canvas mastery grade book Show Notes: Shawna’s Microphone (Presonus Revelator) Shawna’s Generic AirPods (Altec Lansing True Evo Air Wireless Earbuds w/ wireless charging case) Universal Control app Loopback Rogue Amoeba Music Ed Tech Talk episode #23 - Rogue Amoeba Audio Apps, with Paul Kafasis Presonus Studio One Develop Performance Skills Remotely with Cloud Software - My Presentation at the Texas Music Educators Association conference Rehearse Your Ensembles Remotely! - My Presentation at the MarylandMEA conference (Session Notes) Onward: Cultivating Emotional Resilience in Educators The Playful Classroom MusicFirst Junior Music Ed Tech Talk Episode #10 - Designing Curriculum and Assessing Students with FileMaker, with Ben Denne Spark Chasers Podcast Brene Brown Podcasts Tech Tips of the Week: Robby - Command+K (or Control+K) will create a hyperlink Shawna - Mute All for Google Meet | Use AirPod mic as input in Google Meet App of the Week:  Robby - TIDAL Shawna - Scannable Album of the Week: Robby - Future Nostalgia - Dua Lipa Shawna - Happiness Begins - The Jonas Brothers Where to Find Us: Robby - Twitter | Blog | Book Shawna - Twitter | Website Please don’t forget to rate the show and share it with others! Subscribe to Music Ed Tech Talk: Subscribe to the Blog Subscribe to the Podcast in… Apple Podcasts | Overcast | Castro | Spotify | RSS

Michelle Flowers is an avid trombonist who has performed nationally and internationally in the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany with a wide variety of ensembles ranging from opera and musical theater orchestras to jazz ensembles to a circus band. Dr. Flowers’ ground-breaking research on self-handicapping among the musician population has led her to be a stand-out in the field of music and medicine. She has presented her findings on several platforms, including the Performing Arts and Medicine Association International Symposium in Aspen, CO (2017), the International Brass Women’s Conference in Phoenix, AZ (2019), the International Trombone Festival in Muncie, IN (2019), and is a regular presenter at the Texas Music Educators’ Association in San Antonio, TX, the largest music education conference in the United States. In addition to her work on musicians’ mental health, she also is the author of a regular column discussing Golden Age film scores in Film Score Monthly Online Journal. Michelle is currently the trombone professor at Texas Woman’s University where she has a flourishing studio. She founded and conducts the TWU Trombone Choir which recently was invited to perform at the TMEA convention. Flowers holds a Master’s and Doctorate of Musical Arts in Trombone Performance from the University of North Texas and received a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. In addition to music, she enjoys hiking in the mountains with her golden retrievers and binge-watching Doctor Who. https://www.tromboneflowers.com/

A question: what do you SEE when you HEAR music? An odd question perhaps, but sometimes composers themselves confess that particular places, persons, and scenes play a role in how music is created. On today’s date in 1994, in San Antonio, Texas, for example, a new symphony for wind ensemble by the American composer David Maslanka received its premiere performance during a convention of the Texas Music Educators Association. In program notes, Maslanka confessed two major inspirations: The first was “the powerful voice of the Earth that comes to me from my adopted western Montana, and the high plains and mountains of central Idaho.” The second, he said, was his fascination with President Abraham Lincoln. Maslanka explained that reading about a Civil War brass band playing the “Old Hundreth” hymn tune at sunset as Lincoln’s coffin was transferred to a waiting funeral train was an image that haunted him. “For me,” wrote Maslanka, “Lincoln’s life and death are as critical today as they were more than a century ago… My impulse through this music is to speak to the fundamental human issues of transformation and re-birth in this chaotic time.”

A question: what do you SEE when you HEAR music? An odd question perhaps, but sometimes composers themselves confess that particular places, persons, and scenes play a role in how music is created. On today’s date in 1994, in San Antonio, Texas, for example, a new symphony for wind ensemble by the American composer David Maslanka received its premiere performance during a convention of the Texas Music Educators Association. In program notes, Maslanka confessed two major inspirations: The first was “the powerful voice of the Earth that comes to me from my adopted western Montana, and the high plains and mountains of central Idaho.” The second, he said, was his fascination with President Abraham Lincoln. Maslanka explained that reading about a Civil War brass band playing the “Old Hundreth” hymn tune at sunset as Lincoln’s coffin was transferred to a waiting funeral train was an image that haunted him. “For me,” wrote Maslanka, “Lincoln’s life and death are as critical today as they were more than a century ago… My impulse through this music is to speak to the fundamental human issues of transformation and re-birth in this chaotic time.”

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

Use code "Beach86" for a $5 discount on "Side By Side" through November https://wiffrudd.com/product/side-by-side-by-wiff-rudd/Wiff Rudd joined the faculty of Baylor University’s School of Music in 2002 as Professor of Trumpet and Brass Division Coordinator. From 1998-2002 he was Associate Professor of Music at the University of Arkansas, principal trumpet of the North Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Boston Mountain Chamber Players. He served as Assistant Professor of Music at Oklahoma Baptist University from 1978-1985 and performed regularly with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra. Wiff received music degrees from Baylor University (BME) and the University of Northern Colorado (MM). His primary mentors include Ron Fox, William Pfund, the late Michael Ewald and Larry Skinner.From 1985-1993 Wiff toured internationally with the Dallas Brass and is a founding member (1993) and manager of Rhythm & Brass. He plays with the Baylor Brass, is principal trumpet of the Waco Symphony and performs often with the symphony orchestras of Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, Harrisburg, and other orchestras throughout Texas. As an active soloist, he enjoys collaborating with orchestras and bands. He has participated in numerous commissions and has been a featured artist in several Carnegie Hall concerts, the annual Mid-West International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, the Texas Music Educators Association Conference, the National Trumpet Competition, and International Trumpet Guild Conferences.Wiff Rudd has performed in concert and presented clinics/master classes at more than 300 colleges, universities, and conservatories across the country and abroad. He has also appeared with Rhythm & Brass at the New York Brass Conference, the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute, Bands of America/Music for All, the Brevard Music Center, the Great American Brass Band Festival, MENC national and regional conventions, and the Music Educators Associations of Georgia, Oklahoma, Montana, Minnesota, Florida, Iowa, and New York.He has adjudicated for the International Trumpet Guild and National Trumpet Competition Solo Competition Finals, the Louisiana Trumpet Solo Competition, and the State Solo Contests of Oklahoma and Texas. In 2009 and 2012 he served as the judges’ chair and performed recitals for the Concurso y Festival Nacional Inter-Universitario de Trompeta in Bogotá, Colombia.His students have been enthusiastically involved with the National Trumpet Competition since 2008 in solo and ensemble divisions with multiple finalists in both. Baylor’s trumpet ensembles have placed 5th (2011), 4th (2009), 3rd (2012, 2014,2019) 2nd (2018) and 1st (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019) in the ensemble divisions of NTC. Wiff’s most current project has been writing his second book, Side by Side: Building and Sustaining an Effective Community in the Music Studio. In 2010 Wiff received Baylor’s Outstanding Faculty Award in Teaching and was named the Centennial Professor, which provided a grant for his Collaborative Practice Concepts project. His publishing company, WR Enterprises, has released Aaron Witek’s book, Gordon Mathie: The Treasured Legacy of a Master Teacher and Performer (2014), Jordan Tucker’s Sonata for Trumpet and Piano (2015), and serves as an outlet for trumpet ensemble arrangements written for NTC competitions.Wiff is affiliated with the International Trumpet Guild, the Texas Music Educators Association, and has been a Yamaha Performing Artist since 1988.Support the show (https://thatsnotspit.com/support/)

Ricardo T. Brown is a native of Portsmouth, VA. The second child of Ricardo Sr. and Terry Brown. He received his high school degree from Churchland High School where he was selected to All District Band, All-State Band and Virginia Honor Band. He was also a student in The Governor's school of the Performing Arts under the baton of Mr. Ray Pancarowicz. He then went on to Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA receiving his Bachelors and Masters Degrees studying trumpet with Dr. Steve Carlson and Dr. Timmey Zachery. While at Norfolk State he was principal trumpet in the wind ensemble, Brass Quintet, as well as lead in the University Jazz Ensemble under Ms. Stephanie K. Sanders as well as a performance with Mr. Frank Foster, legendary jazz saxophonist. He then furthered his education at Cambridge College in Boston, MA pursuing a degree in Educational Administration. Mr. Brown began his teaching career working under Mr. John Boyd as the Assistant Director at Princess Anne High School in 2005. He then moved on to W.E Waters, where he was previously a student, in 2007. He was then made the graduate assistant for the Norfolk State University band program. After 7 great years at Waters, Mr. Brown was afforded the opportunity to join the staff at Prairie View A&M University as the Assistant Director of Bands, Band Business Manager and Adjunct Professor. Mr. Brown was later appointed the Associate Director of Bands. When not working with the amazing students at Prairie View, Mr. Brown works with numerous ensembles around the country including the 2016 World Champion Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, the 2005 World Champion Cadets Drum and Bugle Corps, as well as numerous clinics and adjudicating engagements. Mr. Brown has also performed with numerous ensembles including the Virginia Symphony, Virginia Beach Symphony, Fancy Pants Productions, The Right on Band, numerous churches, NASCAR, Houston Symphony, Ballet Afrique Cotton Club, and well as numerous performances and gigs across the country. In the marching idiom, Ricardo marched 5 years with Drum Corps international first in 1999 with The Crossmen then from Newark, Delaware for 1 season before moving on to The Cadets in 2001, and stayed there for 4 years. Mr. Brown also holds memberships in Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Jazz Educators' Association. Previously, Mr. Brown was a member of the Virginia Music Educators Association. Mr. Brown has also had the opportunity to conduct many ensembles including the Portsmouth Public Schools All City Elementary school band as well as one of the highlights of his career, which was having the opportunity to conduct The Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines with Tallwood High School in 2007. At Prairie View Mr. Brown worked with all the band ensembles as well as being the Director of the Universities Large and Small Jazz Ensemble. At the University of Connecticut Mr. Brown will serve as the Associate Director of Bands. Mr. Brown Loves music and being able to help students grow in their matriculation through all institutions that he is associated with. He looks forward to assisting the band staff in moving the UCMB and all other ensembles he is associated with forward. Mr. Brown resides in Willington, CT with his wife, Tiffany, and their dog Hooch. We sat down with Ricardo to discuss his top ten list, Go Check it Out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/musicspeaks-podcast/support

High school band director Aaron Dugger returns to the podcast to discuss process and product in secondary marching bands. in the Texas UIL system, it can feel like your teaching to a test but Aaron offers productive insight as to how to take the system and make it work for students and programs of all kinds. Aaron Dugger, a native of Pennsylvania, graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a degree in Music Education. While at Penn State, Mr. Dugger was a performing member of the Penn State Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Tuba/ Euphonium Ensemble, and the Penn State Marching Blue Band. He is a student of Velvet Brown, Dennis Glocke, Darrin Thornton, and Christopher Hornick. In 2016, Mr. Dugger relocated to Texas where he served as the Assistant Director of Middle School Bands at Melissa Middle School in Melissa Texas. After 2 years, Mr. Dugger moved to Melissa High School where he served as the Associate Director of Bands and the director of the Cardinal Marching Band. The 2018 Cardinal Band appeared in 4A State Finals for the first time in school history. Under his guidance, the Melissa Middle School and High School non-varsity bands received consecutive Sweepstakes Awards. Most recently, Mr. Dugger served as an Assistant Band Director at Colleyville Heritage High School where the program made its first appearance at the UIL State Marching Contest in 20 years. Mr. Dugger is an active clinician and drill writer for bands across the country. He serves on the brass staff for the 2019 DCI World Championship Silver Medalists, The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps. Mr. Dugger was a performing member of the Bluecoats from 2013-2015. Additionally, Mr. Dugger served on the brass staff for the Academy Drum and Bugle Corps in 2016. He has also served as a consultant for the Melissa Winterguard, Gateway Winterguard, Melissa Indoor Percussion, and several other groups across North Texas. Mr. Dugger's professional affiliations include Phi Kappa Lambda, the International Tuba/Euphonium Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, and the Texas Bandmasters Association. He lives in Lewisville, Texas with his adorable boxer puppy, Sophie. Propser ISD Bluecoats Drum Corps Find Aaron by contacting him at amdugger@prosper-isd.net --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/musicast-podcast/support

Emily Tannert Patterson is a percussion educator and clinician. She was previously the percussion director at the Rouse High School and Wiley Middle School, in Leander, TX, from 2015 till 2018, and was the percussion director at East View High School, Georgetown, TX from 2011 until 2015. Her ensembles have garnered numerous accolades, including winning the 2016 PAS International Percussion Ensemble Contest. Patterson holds a Master's degree in Percussion Performance (2010) as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Music Education (2008) and undergraduate Performance Certificate in Percussion from The University of Texas at Austin, where she studied with Thomas Burritt and Tony Edwards. Patterson is an educational endorser for Innovative Percussion sticks and mallets, Remo drumheads, and Zildjian cymbals. She holds professional memberships in the Texas Music Educators Association and the Percussive Arts Society, and serves on the PAS Education Committee. In addition to remaining active in the percussion community, Patterson works as a Learning Designer at Cambridge University Press in Cambridge, England.

Renee Wang is the Head Orchestra Director at Space Center Intermediate in Clear Creek Independent School District. She is a native of Clear Lake (southeast Houston), Texas. Ms. Wang earned her Master's degree in Music Education at The Ohio State University, where she studied with Dr. Robert Gillespie, taught undergraduate courses as a Graduate Teaching Associate, worked with the Columbus Symphony Chamber Strings as an assistant conductor, and administrated the Ohio State Morning String Student Workshop summer camp. Prior to graduate school, she was the Orchestra Director at Queens Intermediate in Pasadena, Texas. She received her Bachelor's degree in Music Education from Baylor University, where she studied with Dr. Michael Alexander and Dr. Bruce Berg. While at Baylor, Ms. Wang received the Bennett Award in Music Education and was inducted into Pi Kappa Lambda. Ms. Wang has had the opportunity to present sessions at the annual conventions for the American String Teachers Association, Texas Music Educators Association, and Ohio Music Education Association and is actively involved as a clinician and administrator for the Ohio State University String Teacher Workshop. Outside of the classroom, Ms. Wang enjoys leading worship at her church, squirrel-watching and spending time outside with her dog, Alto, and performing in the Houston area. If you would like to connect with Renee, please email her at rewang@ccisd.net. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/orchestrateacher/support

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

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

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

Katherine Willer is in her second year as an Assistant Band Director at Henry Middle School. At Henry, Ms. Willer conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches the beginning flute, clarinet, and double-reed classes. She also assists with the Concert and Honors Bands. Ms. Willer graduated magna cum laude from the University of Houston in May 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. While at the University of Houston, Ms. Willer was a drum major for the Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band. She was also president of the UH chapter of the National Association for Music Education and a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, National Honorary Band Fraternity. She studied flute under Melissa Suhr. Ms. Willer’s professional memberships include the Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association. During her summers, Ms. Willer is part of the brass staff at the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Ryan Johnstone is currently the Associate Director of Bands at Rouse High School in Leander, Texas. Prior to his position at Rouse, Mr. Johnstone served as Director of Bands at Canyon Vista Middle School in Austin, Texas, for two years. Mr. Johnstone also served as Director of Bands of the Aledo (TX) Middle School Band program for five years and as an Associate Director at Aledo High School, 2006-2009. In addition to his graduate degree in Trombone Performance from Yale University, Mr. Johnstone holds a Bachelor’s degree in Trombone Performance from the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, PA. In 2012, Mr. Johnstone was honored by the Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Mu as the “Texas Young Bandmaster of the Year.” His bands at Canyon Vista and Aledo Middle School were consistent sweepstakes award winners at UIL and invitational festivals. Top groups at each school also advanced to the Texas Music Educator Association’s State Honor Band Competition three times under his direction, placing 4th in 2011, 2nd in 2013, and 6th in 2015 (his first year at Canyon Vista). Additionally, the AMS Honor Winds were invited performers at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in December 2013. In addition to teaching at Rouse, Mr. Johnstone is active as a guest clinician and music education consultant for other public school music programs. He has also been a guest conductor/teacher for the Baylor University and TCU Summer Music Camps and has served on the brass staff for the Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps in San Antonio, Texas. His professional affiliations include memberships in the Texas Music Educators’ Association and Texas Bandmasters’ Association. Mr. Johnstone enjoys motivating musicians to reach their full potential on a daily basis. The cornerstone of his music education philosophy is the belief that the many lessons taught and positive habits learned through music serve as a catalyst for greatness and the foundation for each student’s success in life. He feels privileged and honored to have many fellow music educators, mentors, and friends who have influenced his teaching and career thus far, and he is grateful for the love and support of his family and wife, Rachel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Damian Gonzales is the Central Texas Sales Rep for TMF Tours & Travel. Previously he was Director of Bands at Grisham Middle School in Austin, TX. Prior to his time at Grisham, he was the Director of Bands at Pflugerville Middle School in Pflugerville, TX. Under his direction, the Grisham Middle School Honors Band, and Pflugerville Middle School Honors Band and Wind Ensemble have been awarded the title of Sweepstakes Band at the Texas UIL Concert and Sight Reading Contest in each of his previous 12 years of teaching. His bands also received multiple years worth of unanimous first division ratings and ‘best in class’ awards at various festivals around Texas. In addition to many performances around the state of TX, Mr. Gonzales’ ensembles have twice been awarded the honor to perform at the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington (2015 - Grisham Honors Band; 2011 - Pflugerville Wind Ensemble). Mr. Gonzales received his music education from The University of Texas at Austin where he graduated with a degree in Music Studies in 2004. While at UT, Mr. Gonzales studied saxophone with Harvey Pittel and was honored to perform with the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Jerry Junkin. He also performed in the Symphony Band, Longhorn Band, and Tex-Sax, the university’s saxophone choir. Each summer, Mr. Gonzales returns to the University of Texas to teach at the Longhorn Music Camp as either a conductor or woodwind specialist for both the middle school and high school camps. Mr. Gonzales’ professional affiliations include the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He currently lives in Cedar Park, TX with his wife Jessica, and sons Jason and Trey. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Katie VanDoren is currently a band director at Vandegrift High School in Austin, Texas. Originally from Cedar Park, Texas, Mrs. VanDoren graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Katie joined the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps after spending 12 years with Carolina Crown. She joined the brass staff in 2013, after marching with the corps from 2008-2012. Katie also works with the SASI Leadership Faculty, a group of current and former teachers dedicated to developing student leaders. Since 2013, she has enjoyed getting to be a part of the “SASI Experience”, an uplifting and empowering environment for both students and staff. Katie’s professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and the Association of Texas Professional Educators. She currently resides in Austin, Texas with her husband Evan and their dog, Cooper, where both enjoy being part of a wonderful community of outstanding music educators. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Hector Gil is in his 18th year of teaching and joined the staff at Vista Ridge High School and Henry Middle School as the Director of Percussion in 2008. He attended Texas A&M University-Commerce where he received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2001, and he completed one year of graduate work at Texas Christian University. While at A&M – Commerce, and TCU, Mr. Gil performed in various ensembles including the Texas A&M University-Commerce Wind Ensemble, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Drumline, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Steel Band, the Texas Christian University Wind Symphony, the Texas Christian University Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble, and the North East Texas Symphony Orchestra. He was a member of the Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 1997 and 1998 and was also a member of the 2000 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition winning collegiate ensemble with the Texas A&M University-Commerce Percussion Ensemble under Dr. Brian West. After college, Gil began his teaching career at United High School in Laredo, TX. After 3 incredible years, he moved to Fort Worth to teach at Texas Christian University as the Drumline Instructor for the TCU “Horned Frog” Marching Band. After leaving TCU in 2007, he moved to Austin and is now in his 11th year as a music educator in Leander ISD. Hector’s students and ensembles have achieved numerous accolades that include being named The Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition Winners in 2014 and 2018, The TMEA Honor Band Winners in 2010, 2014, and 2018, The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic Performers in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016, The Black Swamp Percussion Ensemble Showcase Winners in 2017, The Western International Band Clinic in 2008 and 2013, the Texas State Marching Band Championship in 2008, 2013, 2015, and 2016 and The Winter Guard International World Championships in 2006 and 2007. He has been extremely fortunate to study from some incredible teachers that include Mr. Carlos Gil, Dr. Brian West, Mr. Bobby Francis, Mr. Bill Bachman, Dr. Jim Yakas, and Mr. Matt Savage. Gil is an active composer/arranger for many Texas high school programs, adjudicates for many competitions, and has served as a clinician for numerous percussion programs throughout the state. His professional affiliations include The Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and is a proud Education Artist with Innovative Percussion Inc. He is happily married to his beautiful wife Brandy and they have two beautiful daughters, Makayla and Elena. Hector is extremely lucky to have been able to experience so many incredible moments in his career and he recognizes that those moments were not achieved alone. He feels the individuals that have impacted him the most in his life have been his mom and dad, Carlos and Grizelda Gil. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

In this episode, I turn over the hosting reins to my friend John Mlynczak live from the exhibit hall at the Texas Music Educators Association annual conference. I'll be honest, I much prefer being the host and instigator, asking the tough questions, and it was a big change to be in the spotlight. I hope you all enjoy this inside look into the Music Ed Mentor Podcast.

Ogechi Ukazu is a doctoral candidate in wind conducting, under Jerry Junkin, at the University of Texas at Austin where she also serves as a teaching assistant for the UT band program. Prior to this position, she acted as Visiting Instructor of Instrumental Music at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. Ms. Ukazu spent 10 years as a Band Director in both middle and high schools in the Houston area. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the University of Houston and a Master’s Degree in Conducting from Sam Houston State University. In 2011, the Claughton Middle School Symphonic Band, under the direction of Ms. Ukazu, performed at the Midwest International Band & Orchestra Clinic. Ms. Ukazu is an avid proponent of quality music education for all students and has presented on music education advocacy at workshops and clinics around the state of Texas. Ms. Ukazu’s professional affiliations include College Band Directors National Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity, Tau Beta Sigma, and honorary membership in Kappa Kappa Psi. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Happy TMEA Week to all of our music educators in the Lone Star State! Come and hang out with Amanda and music director in Chapel Hill, Emily Boren as they discuss all things choir, band, orchestra, and music with the Texas Music Educators Association! Celebrating 100 years of excellence, friendship, and passion, this episode is dedicated to all teachers who give their lives every day to better our future generations. Even if music isn’t your thing, we promise you’ll still be highly entertained and learn so much about Texas fine arts, the importance of the fine arts elective, and how YOU (yes YOU) can keep fine arts going in Texas. Thanks for letting us be a part of your day, and we hope this tune will be your favorite episode yet!

Mr. Shiree Williams is currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Wind Conducting at The University of Texas at Austin, under the tutelage of Professor Jerry Junkin. Prior to his enrollment, Mr. Williams served as Director of Bands at Faubion Middle School and the Associate Director of Bands at McKinney High School. A native of south Georgia, Mr. Williams holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree cum laude from Valdosta State University and a Master of Music in Conducting (Wind Emphasis) degree from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music where he was the conducting student of Dr. Glenn Price. Regarded to be an effective educator and conductor, Mr. Williams receives opportunities to teach and conduct in many settings. He is a frequent guest clinician for concert and marching bands and has guest conducted various middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles. Mr. Williams has also had the great fortune to work with and learn from masterful conducting teachers in H. Robert Reynolds, Craig Kirchoff, Richard Floyd, Mallory Thompson, Rodney Dorsey, Kevin Sedatole, Donald Schleicher, Mark Scatterday, Jamie Nix, and Colonel Timothy Holton. Mr. Williams's professional affiliations include Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, the National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, World Association of Bands and Wind Ensembles, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmaster’s Association, National Association for Music Educators, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Dr. Blair Williams (PhD, The Ohio State University, MM, Kansas State University, BME, Baylor University) is an Assistant Professor of String Music Education in the School of Music at Texas Tech University. Her duties at Texas Tech include supervising string student teachers, teaching courses in string music education, instruction in instrumental/orchestral conducting, and directing the Texas Tech University String Project. During the summers, Dr. Williams is active with the TTU Summer Master of Music Education program, the TTU Band and Orchestra Camp Academy for beginning students, and the TTU Band and Orchestra Camp. Additionally, she serves on the editorial board for American String Teacher, on the National String Project Consortium Board, on the ASTA Collegiate Committee, as a Member-at-Large for NAfME-Texas, as the TMEA Region 16 College Chair, and as an advisor to the Epsilon Pi chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon and the TTU Student Chapter of the American String Teachers Association. Dr. Williams has presented clinics regionally and nationally including invited sessions at the National Association for Music Education National In-Service Conference, the annual American String Teachers Association conference, the Ohio State String Teacher Workshop, Texas Music Educators Association, and Colorado Music Educators Association. Her research interests include: rural string music education, music teacher education, secondary music teaching, and viola. She has been published in The American String Teacher and SmartMusic. Additional conducting engagements have included: youth, regional, and all-city ensembles in Kansas, Texas, Ohio, and Oregon; Graduate Conductor/Section Coach-Columbus Symphony Youth Orchestras, Chamber Strings; Graduate Conductor-Kansas State Orchestra; Assistant Director/Administrator of the Gold Orchestra (Manhattan, KS) including an invited performance at The Midwest Clinic in 2010; and Associate Director/String Coordinator of the Waco Symphony Youth Orchestra. After earning her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor, Dr. Williams served as Director of Orchestras and the Associate Director of Orchestras in Midway ISD, Waco, TX teaching grades 5-12. While teaching in Texas, Dr. Williams' ensembles (string and full) consistently received superior ratings and sweepstakes awards at UIL Solo and Ensemble, UIL Large Group Contest, and other festivals. In 2009, she founded the Midway High School chapter of Texas Future Music Educators with 20 students. Dr. Williams also continues to enjoy working with public school students as a guest adjudicator, clinician, and conductor. She is a member of ASTA, NAfME, TMEA, Pi Kappa Lambda, CMS, and Mu Phi Epsilon. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/orchestrateacher/support

The year was 1979. Jimmy Carter was president, Sony released the Walkman, and Margaret Thatcher is the first woman elected Prime Minister in the UK. And on May 1st, Jeremy Wayne Spicer was born in San Antonio, TX, “Military City, USA!” Jeremy Spicer graduated from Texas State University and is the owner of SASI – The Leadership People, LLC., a student leadership consulting firm focusing on the empowerment of young leaders. Jeremy or “J-Spice” as he is known all over the known universe is the former Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School. The marching band was named the 2013 University Interscholastic League (UIL) 4A State Marching Band Champion. Prior to his appointment at Vandegrift, Spicey spent eight years as a member of the staff at Cedar Park High School. The marching band is the 2006 recipient of the Sudler Shield, an international award for marching excellence awarded by the John Philip Sousa Foundation. Jeremy began his drum corps career playing mellophone in the Santa Clara Vanguard. Since his age-out year, Mr. Spicer has been on the brass staff of the Carolina Crown, Southwind, Boston Crusaders, Santa Clara Vanguard, and is a Program Consultant for the Crossmen Drum & Bugle Corps from San Antonio, TX. Jeremy Wayne is active in the United States as a clinician and adjudicator for Bands of America, and his professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He currently lives in Leander, TX with his beautiful wife Elizabeth, precious daughter, Coral Amber, and their handsome son, Aiden Joseph. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/message

Ben and Michael are honored to be joined by newly appointed head band director of Hays Middle School, Mr. Ben Aune. His bio is as follows:Benjamin Aune will return to Prosper for his 16th year in music education as the new Director of Bands at Hays Middle School in Prosper, TX. Mr. Aune will conduct the Symphonic Winds, assist and oversee all middle school ensembles, and teach beginner brass classes.Mr. Aune most recently comes from Celina ISD where he was the director of bands for Celina High School. During his time there, the program grew by over 100% and all ensembles routinely received “Superior” ratings at UIL competitions and festivals. The Bobcat Marching Band was an area qualifier at the UIL level and was a silver medalist at the Bands of America DFW regional.​Before his time in Celina, Mr. Aune was a member of the staff in Prosper ISD. There, he team-taught a number of different ensembles grades 6-12 as a brass specialist under the guidance of John Alstrin. During Mr. Aune’s time in Prosper, ensembles routinely were awarded “Superior” contest ratings, named “Most Outstanding” at festivals and contests, and increased in membership by nearly 50%. The Prosper High School Marching Band qualified for the 5A Region 24 Marching Band Finals for the first time in school history. ​From 2012-2014 Mr. Aune was on the campus of Texas Christian University. As a Master conducting student of Mr. Bobby R. Francis, Mr. Aune assisted with all aspects of the TCU band program as a Graduate Associate to the University Bands. In addition to giving music education lectures to undergraduate students, Mr. Aune rehearsed and conducted the Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Horned Frog Marching Band. Mr. Aune was awarded his Master of Music in Wind Conducting in May of 2014.​Prior to his appointment at TCU, Mr. Aune learned from Christine Cumberledge as the Associate Band Director at Central Junior High School in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD. There his duties included conducting and rehearsing a number of award winning ensembles including two Concert bands, the Jazz band, and instructing the beginning brass and percussion classes. During the 2009-2010 academic year, Mr. Aune was named the District Teacher of the Year for HEB ISD and was nominated as a finalist in Region XI for State Teacher of the Year. Upon completion of his undergraduate degree, Mr. Aune held the same position at Vivian Field Middle School in Carrollton – Farmers Branch ISD studying under Tricia Crowder before moving to HEB.​Mr. Aune received his B.A. in Music Education from Texas Lutheran University in Seguin, Texas. During his studies, he received multiple performance awards as well as the Jones Fine Arts award for outstanding musicianship. His principal instruments are the bass trombone and trombone, which he studied under Chris Branagan. During Mr. Aune’s undergraduate work, he played in a variety of different ensembles including the Symphonic Winds, Jazz Band, and Orchestra under the direction of Keith Dye. In addition to his studies, he also provided private instrument instruction to a number of band programs in the Seguin area. Mr. Aune did his student teaching at Reagan High School in San Antonio, TX benefiting from the instruction of Mark and Carol Chambers.​Mr. Aune is a graduate of L.D. Bell High School in Hurst, TX. Mr. Aune was influenced greatly by many great band directors in high school including Joe Grzybowski, Steve Madsen, Jeremy Earnhart, Michael Boone, Brian Youngblood, and John Pollard.​Mr. Aune is an active member of the Texas Music Educators Association and the Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society. In his free time, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife of 12 years Lindsey, sons Anders (7), Abraham (3), and daughter Adaline (5). He is an avid follower of all TCU sports and is a life-long fan of the Minnesota Vikings.

John Denis is an Assistant Professor of Music Education at Texas State University. He has 8 years of teaching experience as a high school and middle school band director in Texas and is the host of the Program Notes: The Beginning Band Director Podcast. Topics: John’s background growing up West of Fort Worth and thoughts about why he became a teacher. Some advice for young teachers who might be discouraged or burnt out in their first years of teaching. The music education program at Texas State University. Best practices for classroom management and a serious in-depth discussion of teaching beginning band. Finding a music teaching job in Texas. Links: John Denis Program Notes: The Beginning Band Director Podcast For Clarinets Only by Marilyn Mattei Intelligent Music Teaching by Robert A. Duke Bocal Majority Method Books Teaching Rhythm Logically by Darcy Vogt Williams Grainger: Molly on the Shore Biography: John Denis, Assistant Professor of Music at Texas State University, has 8 years of Texas band directing experience working with middle school and high school students. He recently completed a PhD degree at the University of North Texas and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Music Adjudicator's Association, NAfME, Pi Kappa Lambda, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Dr. Denis has been active as a clinician in North Texas and Oregon. He has also presented at the TMEA Convention, California All-State Music Education Conference, Maryland Music Educators February Conference, the NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education National Conference, ISME World Conference, and NAfME Teacher In-service Conference.

Philip Obado is the Director of Bands at Allen ISD in Allen, Texas where he oversees a high school and middle school band program with over 1,800 musicians. Topics: The story of how Phil went from dreaming about a career as a concert trombonist to earning a doctorate in conducting and eventually landing as the director of bands for one of the largest high school music programs in the country. The decision to leave his position as the Assistant Director of Bands at Baylor University to return to high school teaching. The structure of the program at Allen and how Phil and his assistant directors are able to manage what is very likely the largest marching band in the world by developing a culture of leadership. A very general conversation about student discipline, having them buy into a program, and teaching by putting the students first. The extremely hierarchical band boosters at Allen High School and how they support the program. Links: Allen High School Band Boosters Strauss: Four Last Songs Biography: Dr. Philip A. Obado is currently the Director of Bands at Allen I.S.D. in Allen, Texas. His responsibilities include serving as director of bands at Allen High School where he oversees the Allen Eagle Escadrille as well as conducts the AHS Wind Ensemble, Concert Band White (Fall), Concert Band II (Spring), and Jazz Band II. In addition to Dr. Obado’s teaching duties, he helps maintain a comprehensive and vertically aligned band curriculum (grades 6-12) with the help of the directors at Allen High School, Lowery Freshman Campus, Curtis Middle School, Ereckson Middle School, and Ford Middle School. Dr. Obado was previously Assistant Director of Bands at the Baylor University School of Music. His responsibilities included serving as Associate Director of the Golden Wave Band, director of the Courtside Players, director of the Concert Band, and teaching courses in conducting. Prior to this appointment at Baylor, Dr. Obado was Associate Director of Bands at Illinois State University where he was the director of the Big Red Marching Machine, conducted the Symphonic Winds and Symphonic Band, and taught courses in conducting and marching band techniques. He has also enjoyed twelve years teaching in the Florida public schools most notably as the Director of Bands at East River High School (Orlando), University High School (Orlando), and South Fork High School (Stuart). Originally from Florida, Dr. Obado received the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in wind conducting from Michigan State University, a Master of Music Education degree from Florida State University, and a Bachelor of Music in Education and Performance from Ithaca College. His primary conducting teachers include Kevin Sedatole, John T. Madden, Stephen Peterson, and James Croft. Dr. Obado’s professional affiliations include the College Band Directors National Association, National Band Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and is an honorary member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and Tau Beta Sigma.

Going out of town for Thanksgiving? Our interview with Robert Herrings would make for great listening on that long car ride. Robert has some fantastic advice about objectives in band, what new teachers should do when they don't know what to do, and programming for every kid in your ensemble.Mr. Herrings has hands down one of the most impressive bands I have heard. The intro and outro music is Robert's band performing Candide Suite: The Best of All Possible Worlds arranged by Clare Grundman and Grainger's Shepherd's Hey, respectively. You can also search Henry Middle School Band on Youtube for more impressive video and recordings from Robert Herrings and the Henry Middle School Band.Special thanks to Chip De Stefano for the connection and for co-hosting this interview.“The biggest shoes you have to fill are your own.”FULL BIORobert Tyrome Herrings, III is entering his fifteenth year of teaching and has been teaching at Henry Middle School in Leander ISD since 2004. Prior to coming to Leander ISD, he was the Director of Bands at Rockdale Junior High in Rockdale, Texas.In 2003, Mr. Herrings received his Bachelor of Music Education degree from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, where he studied under Michael Haithcock, Jeff Grogan, Dr. Kevin Sedatole and Barry Hopper. While in college, Mr. Herrings was a member of the Baylor University performing wind bands, as well as a member of the Baylor University Golden Wave Band.At Henry Middle School, Mr. Herrings conducts the Honors Band, assists with the Symphonic Band, Concert Band and beginning trombone class. He also teaches beginning flute and trumpet. Mr. Herrings' bands have consistently received UIL Sweepstakes ratings, as well as unanimous first division ratings, Best In Class, and Overall Outstanding Band honors at festivals around the state. In 2009-2014, the program at Henry earned distinction as a National Wind Band Honors Class AA winner, and in 2008 and 2013, the Henry Middle School Honors Band was selected to perform at the Western International Band Clinic in Seattle, Washington. The program was named the 2010, 2014 and 2018 TMEA Class CCC Honor Band and was also selected to perform at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2010, 2012, and 2016. In June 2011, Mr. Herrings and his program were awarded the prestigious John Philip Sousa Foundation Sudler Silver Cup Award, and in July of the same year, Mr. Herrings was named the Phi Beta Mu Outstanding Young Bandmaster of the Year. In 2013, the Texas Chapter of the American School Band Director's Association awarded the Artie Henry Middle School Band the Outstanding Band Program Award. The Percussion Ensemble at Henry Middle School was selected to perform at the 2014 Percussive Arts Society International Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Most recently, the Henry Middle School Band Program was named the Texas Bandmasters Association's Exemplary Middle School Program of the Year for 2018.An active clinician and adjudicator around the state, Mr. Herrings is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association and the Texas Music Adjudicators Association. Mr. Herrings also serves as the TMEA Region 32 Middle School Band Chair, as well as the Region 32 TBA representative. He is also a mentor to new-to-profession teachers at Henry Middle School.Mr. Herrings enjoys motivating young musicians to achieve the highest level of performance by sharing his extreme love and passion for music with them on a daily basis. He feels honored, privileged and extremely blessed to have a loving mother and grandmother, many great mentors, band directors and close friends who have influenced his career thus far.Above all, his students have been his greatest inspiration!

I'm excited to welcome Rob Chilton, fantastic director, leader, and musician to the podcast for the start of a series discussing director leadership. Rob's kids recently performed at the Texas Music Educators Association convention as one of the state honor bands. For those unfamiliar with the Texas band scene, this is a pretty big deal. It means that among schools of similar size, Mr. Chilton's band was deemed to have the best performance and invited to perform at our annual meeting. I sincerely hope that listeners out there get something out of this chat. ©2018 John M. Denis

Texas band director Ogechi Ukazu is a rising star in the music education community and the new Visiting Assistant Professor of Music at Mary Hardin Baylor College. Listen to this episode and you'll understand why she's heading for great things!  Topics: Ogechi’s background growing up, studying, and teaching in Texas and the exciting plans for her future. How a few great teachers who took a chance on Ogechi made all of the difference in her life and career. How she went from successful middle school director to an assistant band director at Cypress Ridge High School now to a Visiting Assistant Professor at Mary Hardin Baylor College. Ogechi offers her opinions about race in the music education community, what’s important as a teacher in a minority-majority school, and thoughts about how we can encourage young people from at-risk populations to become composers. Links: Cypress Ridge High School University of Mary Hardin Baylor Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy Biography: Associate Director of Bands Ogechi Ukazu is new to Cy-Ridge High School Band Program this year. Prior to her current appointment, she served as Director of Bands at Clear Creek High School (Clear Creek ISD) in League City, TX. Ms. Ukazu conducted the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and was responsible for the administration of the band program. Just before Clear Creek, Ms. Ukazu graduated from Sam Houston State University where she received a Master of Music in Conducting. While at SHSU, Ms. Ukazu served as principal trombone in the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra, and lead trombone in the Jazz Ensemble. Ms. Ukazu taught middle school for four years in Spring ISD before attending SHSU—her final two years as the Director of Bands at Claughton. In 2011, the Claughton Middle School Symphonic Band performed at the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Ms. Ukazu received a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Houston where she was principal trombone in the Wind Ensemble, split lead trombone in the Jazz Orchestra, and Trombone Section leader for the Spirit of Houston Marching Band.  Ms. Ukazu is currently part of the Brass Staff for The Guardians, an open class Drum Corps out of Houston, TX. Her professional affiliations include, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Sigma Alpha Iota – International Music Fraternity for Women, and Tau Beta Sigma – National Honorary Band Service Sorority.

For this special bonus episode I recorded three interviews in the exhibit hall at the 2018 Texas Music Educators Association Convention. The guests are composer Jack Wilds, composer Haley Woodrow, and Keith Kelly, the founder of the Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra. Links: Jack Wilds Wilds: Legacy Fanfare Wilds: Solstice Dance Haley Woodrow Woodrow: And It Begins Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less Hindemith: Symphonie in B-Flat Celtic Horizon Tours Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra Gaelic Athletic Association Artane Band Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry Biographies: Jack Wilds' music has been performed at state educators’ conferences across the country and in international venues including the Midwest Clinic, the International Trombone Festival, and the Slider Asia Clinic in Hong Kong. His works for concert band have been selected to the J.W. Pepper Editor’s Choice List and the Bandworld Top 100. In addition to his career as a composer Mr. Wilds is an active clinician and music educator. He lives in Kyle, Texas with his family. ---- Haley Woodrow loves to partner with performers in crafting musical experiences that offer listeners an active role. Her music reflects a broad range of influences and genres, and combines styles as a primary objective.  Haley’s compositions have received awards from the National Band Association (for And it Begins), the Texas Music Educators Association (for And it Begins and March for Jazz), the MACRO Composition Competition (for Place of the Pike: Then and Now) and the Noteflight Big Band Composition Contest (for Something Entirely Different). Alfred, Hal Leonard, Barnhouse and MurphyMusicPress offer published versions of several of her compositions and she also actively self-publishes through her company, Woodrow Music.  As an educator, Haley currently is an Adjunct Instructor for both Tarrant County College and Weatherford College. Haley served as the staff Orchestra Director and Arranger for Cornerstone Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas, completing approximately 500 arrangements and establishing a home production studio in 2012. Haley began her musical journey as a trumpet player, and has performed professionally and taught many students privately for well over a decade.  Haley graduated with a Bachelor’s of Music in jazz studies from the University of Texas at Arlington, and earned her Master’s of Music in composition from Texas Christian University. She currently lives in Bedford, Texas with her husband Jonathan Woodrow and is an avid CrossFitter and contributing member of Gateway Church of Southlake. ---- Having studied clarinet and saxophone in Dublin’s Artane School of Music, Keith Kelly joined the Irish Defence Forces Band in 2004. Here he served as principal clarinetist of the Band of the Western Command for over 10 years and featured as a clarinet and saxophone soloist on many occasions. During this time, Keith was actively involved within Irish community banding. As a conductor and administrator, Keith assisted in the founding of successful Irish concert bands such as the Clara Town Band and Midlands Wind Ensemble, both of which would go on to win national awards at the IABCB and South of Ireland Band Championships. In 2014, Keith and a team of other passionate music educators and performers founded the Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra, an ensemble of almost 100 performers from throughout Ireland. This ensemble was formed to promote the highest quality of wind band repertoire, and after only 3 years has worked with international icons such as Johan de Meij, Philip Sparke and Mark Heron. In 2017 Keith was privileged to be part of this ensemble as it represented Irish community banding on the world stage at WASBE in Utrecht, Netherlands. Keith now works in the performing arts department of Celtic Horizon Tours, working with an experienced and dedicated team in bringing performing arts groups from around the globe to visit Ireland and experience its unique musical heritage  

For the next few episodes, the Choir Ninja podcast will focus on Voices From Houston, lifting up the directors in south Texas as they recover from Hurricane Harvey. This first episode in the series feature a replay of an interview that originally aired back in 2015. This interview is exactly what you need to start the new school year! A truly wonderful sit-down interview with Texas native and Houston-area high school choral director, Adrian O. Rodriguez. Listen in on how you can start your year off right by building an empowered music program through creating trust and staying relevant! Listen: Highlight to Tweet: “I realized that being with those friends in choir, that community, that’s where I wanted to be.” - Adrian Rodriguez Show Notes: The moment you knew you’d dedicate your life to music         When Adrian was a sophomore in high school, he felt pressured to follow his parents and go into a “more academic” career like a lawyer or doctor. Self-doubt set in, and he contemplated leaving chorus. Then his father encouraged him to try out for TMEA All State Choir. He was accepted. During the festival, Adrian was approached by clinician Betsy Cook Weber, who gave him her business card and encouraged him to apply to the University of Houston. He eventually attended the University of Houston, and owes his success to the support of his father and his mentor Dr. Weber. Later in high school, he took over rehearsal for the chamber choir in his director’s absence. He found out there how much he loved making music with his peers. Worst musical moment When Adrian was in college, he lost himself. Because of “impostor syndrome” he was doing musical things to impress others, because he didn’t consider himself as talented as those around him. He was pursuing performance, even though he was in Music Ed. He came to the realization that he didn’t like being in a practice room by himself and loved being with others. The proudest musical moment As an upperclassman in college, Adrian got the chance to direct a chamber ensemble of his peers. Your “Forte” Adrian recently gave a talk at TMEA entitled “From Passion to Action: Building Empowered Music Programs.”  He speaks about his open and vulnerable relationship with his students. He addresses four things on the first day of school with EACH class: What THEY want to learn, what TEXAS expects, what the PRINCIPAL expects, and what HE believes they should learn. Adrian gets it all out on day 1 and creates an unbelievable trust relationship with his kids. Most excited about right now Adrian is excited for his second year (he says his first “real” year) at his high school in Austin. Advice for your younger self Commit to be relevant to your students and create an education that is meaningful to them. Bio: Adrian O. Rodriguez currently serves as the Director of Choirs at Stephen F. Austin High School (Sugar Land, TX). In addition to conducting five choirs, he is the music director of the musical theatre program and teaches Advanced Placement Music Theory and Honors Music History. Rodriguez received his Bachelors of Music in Music Education from the University of Houston (2011) and, after finishing his thesis, will have earned his Masters of Music Education from the Westminster Choir College (Princeton, NJ). As an active choral clinician and consultant in Southeast Texas, Rodriguez has worked with a variety of school, church, and community choirs and has been invited to present the Texas Music Educators Association (2015) and the Texas Choral Directors Association (2014). His academic interests include: empowering pedagogical practices, community and culture in school music programs, and building choral sound. Rodriguez is a member of the American Choral Directors Association, National Association for Music Educators, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. Resources/links Mentioned: Your students are worth the investment, with Dr. Amanda Quist Natalie Weiss – Breaking Down the Riffs On presence and keeping secrets, with Betsy Cook Weber Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Choir Nation group on Facebook Email Patreon - Support the podcast! Sponsored by: Sight Reading Factory (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for 10 free student accounts!) My Music Folders (Use promo code “NINJA” at checkout for “last column” or best pricing - usually reserved for bulk purchases only!)

Episode 47: "Simplify" A conversation with Kyle Milsap Kyle Millsap is Assistant Professor of Trumpet & Jazz at Texas A&M University-Kingsville. In addition to applied teaching duties, Dr. Millsap directs Jazz Band 3, the TAMUK Trumpet Ensemble, the Jazz Trumpet Ensemble, and performs with the Kingsville Brass Quintet. His performances span orchestral, chamber, and jazz/commercial idioms, including opportunities to perform in England, Germany, Mexico, and throughout the United States. He has performed with The Temptations, Mannheim Steamroller, Johnny Mathis, the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra, Al Kapone, Jon Mayer, Rufus Reid, Kirk Whalum, Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Eroica Ensemble, Memphis Repertory Orchestra, Germantown Symphony Orchestra, Corinth Symphony Orchestra, Wichita Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta Sinfonica UANL, Jazz Orchestra of the Delta, Memphis Jazz Orchestra, as well as productions with Ballet Memphis. Theater credits include performances for nearly a dozen national touring company productions, including The Addams Family, Anything Goes, Chicago, Dreamgirls, High School Musical, South Pacific, and Young Frankenstein. He has performed at halftime for the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies, the Elvis Presley 35th Anniversary concert, and been seen on BET television. He has been frequently heard on the Memphis Public Radio WKNO Live Lunch series. He has been a featured soloist with the Corpus Christi Wind Symphony and the TAMUK Wind Symphony. A proponent of new music for trumpet, Dr. Millsap has commissioned and premiered several new works for trumpet: Shalom, Salaam, Peace… (2010) written for two trumpets and organ, Scatter the Darkness (2011) for trumpet and organ and A Whisper of Angels (2012) for trumpet quartet and narrator, 2x4: Domestic Tranquility (2013) for trumpet and flugelhorn duet, Cuando las ranas crien pelo (2014) for trumpet sextet. His recording of these compositions will be released on the album Scatter the Darkness: New Music of Stanley Friedman. He can be heard as principal trumpet with the Memphis Repertory Orchestra on their recordings Dvorak & Tchaikovsky and Voyagers, and as lead trumpet on the Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra recording Voices. Dr. Millsap has written articles and reviews for the International Trumpet Guild Journal and serves as a music reviewer. He has published compositions and arrangements through Cimarron Music and Triplo Press. He has performed at the International Horn Symposium and presented at the Texas Music Educators Association and Tennessee Music Educators Association conventions. He is a member of the Artist Faculty for the National Trumpet Competition. Dr. Millsap holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Memphis, Master of Music degree from the University of North Texas, and Bachelor of Music degree from Wichita State University. Prior faculty appointments include the University of Memphis and Murray State University. He is a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, National Association of College Wind and Percussion Instructors, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Jazz Educators Association, and Pi Kappa Lamba. Dr. Millsap is a Yamaha Performing Artist, as well as an artist for Torpedo Bags. For more information on the trumpet studio or Dr. Millsap, visit tamuktrumpets.com or millsaptrumpets.com.   

Jeb Mueller, of the University of Houston, stops in to talk about the value of dreaming big, telling others your goals, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strategies to clear your mind and be your best self for rehearsal. This episode is sponsored by KI Concerts. Listen   Bio Jeb Mueller serves as Associate Director of Choral Studies at the University of Houston Moores School of Music where he conducts three choirs, prepares opera choruses, teaches choral music education courses, and maintains a graduate conducting studio. In addition to his academic duties, Mueller is an active clinician, adjudicator, and conference presenter with engagements throughout the United States. Mueller’s choirs have been described as “stellar,” “inspired,” and singing with “mature line and a beautiful, vibrant tone.” Under his direction, UH’s Concert Women’s Chorus performed at the 2016 American Choral Directors Association Southwest Division Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Mueller taught high school choral music in the Houston area for six years. His choirs consistently earned superior ratings at contests and were twice chosen the Overall Best Choir at state and national choral festivals. He was recognized with Taylor High School’s “You Make a Difference” award on two occasions, received recognition as an HEB Excellence in Education state semifinalist, and was selected as a Katy Independent School District Outstanding Teacher. Dr. Mueller holds degrees from The University of Miami, The University of Texas, and Texas Tech University. He has studied with Joshua Habermann, James Morrow, Kenneth Davis, Karen Kennedy, Donald Oglesby, and Suzanne Pence. His training also includes master classes and/or lessons with such choral luminaries as Joseph Flummerfelt, Craig Hella Johnson, Ragnar Bohlin, Robert Porco, Vance George, Patrick Dupré Quigley, and Weston Noble. Dr. Mueller also concertizes as a baritone, having sung with Santa Fe Desert Chorale II and Miami’s Musica Judaica. Mueller is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Choral Directors Association, and The National Association for Music Education. Links Uhchoirs.org Jeb’s Facebook Jeb’s Twitter Support the show on

This week we are releasing the first episode recorded in front of a live audience. During the Texas Music Educators Association convention in February 2014 I was privileged to be the moderator of a panel of college deans and professors. This panel answered questions regarding majoring in music and we gave advice including information about degree plans, reasons for majoring in music, and time management. The panel included: Dr. Robert Tucker - Hardin Simmons University Dr. Marylynn Flecher - Victoria College Dr. John Scott - North Texas University Dr. David Scott - Texas AM Commerce