Everything Band Podcast

Charles McGhee is the band director at Double Peak School in the San Marcos Unified School District, just North of San Diego. This is Charlie’s final year as a band director and he joins the show to share some of the wisdom he's learned in 30 years of teaching. Topics: Charlie’s background as a percussionist and his choice to go to college in his 20’s to earn his teaching credential. A long discussion about some of the skills required to be a successful middle school music educator including topics such as discipline and motivational tools. Charlie’s current gig at Double Peak and the interesting way that his students are introduced to instrumental music. To offer saxophone or not in beginning band day one? This is Charlie’s retirement year and we talk about his feelings as he approaches the end of his time as a full time music teacher. Links: Double Peak Music Del Borgo: Shaker Variants Balmages: Industrial Loops Basic Training for Concert Band Piazzola, arr. Longfield: Street Tango Biography: Charlie M

Jacquie Dawson is the Director of Bands at the University of Manitoba. Prior to this position she was a highly successful band director at several schools in the Winnipeg area. Topics: Jacquie's early musical education including a discussion of an early move from flute to clarinet and the music teacher who helped her find the right instrument. Jacquie's difficult first year as a music teacher and the lessons that we can take from her experience. Her teaching career, building a culture and community around her band programs, and her move the University of Manitoba. Teaching artistry to even the youngest students. Links: Jacquie Dawson University of Manitoba, Desautels Faculty of Music Winnipeg Wind Ensemble Maslanka: Symphony No. 4 Schwantner: ...And the Mountains Rising Nowhere Colgrass: The Winds of Nagual Messiaen: Et exspecto ressurectionem mortuorum Biography: Noted for her unique ability to create an inspiring ensemble experience and sculpt an impressive wind band sound, Jacquie Dawson has had a mark

Composer Omar Thomas is one of the brightest new talents in the band community, using his jazz background to write powerful works with a social conscience. Topics: Omar’s background in his high school music program and a young trombonist and why he doesn’t remember his high school cafeteria. Some tips for teaching jazz and some advice for teaching the language of swing. The story about how Omar was commissioned to write his first large scale work for wind ensemble (“Of our New Day Begun”) to honor the victims of the shooting a the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. “When does an opportunity present itself when you’re ready? The answer is never.” Omar’s position at the Peabody Conservatory and the lessons that musicians can take from dancers. Links: Omar Thomas Thomas: Of Our New Day Begun Thomas: Come Sunday Thomas: A Mother of a Revolution! Maria Schneider Anita Baker Biography: Described as "elegant, beautiful, sophisticated, intense, and crystal clear in emotional

Cathi Leibinger is the band director at Ransom Everglades Middle School, the current president of the Florida Bandmasters Association, and knows just about everyone in the band world! Topics: Cathi’s early musical experiences, her educational background, and early experiences as a horn player and music educator. The organization of the program at Ransom Everglades Middle School and some discussion of the specific pedagogical decisions Cathi has made with her students. The Band Director's Facebook group. Cathi’s long association with the American Band College and why she seems to know everyone. Cathi shares an anecdote about Sam Pilafian and then talks a bit about her impostor syndrome and how she deals with it. Links: Cathi Leibinger Florida Bandmasters Association Program Notes Podcast American Band College Reed: Russian Christmas Music Music Mentor Network Biography: Cathi Leibinger is currently in her 30th year of teaching middle school in Miami Florida. she is the current president of the Florida Ban

Composer and conductor Onsby Rose has had a remarkably diverse career as a performer, teacher, and railroad conductor and was recently appointed Director of Instrumental Activities/Associate Professor of Music at Dordt College. Topics: An overview of Onsby’s remarkably diverse career including a discussion about being a Marine Corps musician and his move to the classroom after a career working with professionals. How Onsby started to compose, his relationship with David Maslanka, and his recent success as a composer. His thoughts about what’s most important to teach aspiring music educators. Links: Onsby Rose Rose: Symphony No. 1 "Heroes" Dordt College Maslanka: Symphony No. 4 Biography: Onsby C. Rose hails from Royal Oak, Mi but grew up primarily in Abingdon, Va. Upon graduation from Abingdon High School in 1993, Mr. Rose attended the University of South Carolina as a music education major. After three years of studies, Onsby auditioned and was accepted a trombone instrumentalist for the US Marine Corp

Composer and conductor Brian Balmages is the Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company and a passionate advocate for music education. Topics: Brian’s background growing up as the son of a band director and the influence his father had on his early musical career. Brian’s move from performer to composer and conductor and his approach to writing music for young band and orchestra. The role of the conductor in an ensemble and the importance of programming music that inspires you and your students. What it looks like to commission a work from Brian and his role at FJH Publications. Links: Brian Balmages FJH Music Company, Inc. Mahler: Symphony no. 2 "Resurrection" Balmages: Grace Biography: Brian Balmages (b. 1975) is an award-winning composer, conductor, producer, and performer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from James Madison University and a master’s degree from the University of Miami in Florida. His compositions have been performed worldwide at the state, national and intern

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:

Elisa Janson Jones is a band teacher, community band conductor, blogger, podcaster, public speaker, the founder of the online Music Education Summit. Topics: Elisa’s origin story as the daughter of a prominent band director in Utah including her early music education and influences. The story of how Elisa used her experience, her network, and her personal skills to successfully open up a new middle school despite it being her first year of teaching. How getting an MBA while raising her children ultimately led her back into music education and the skills that she learned from that degree that transfer to the music classroom, including thoughts about fundraising. Tips for successfully finding grants for your program. The online Music Education Summit that is coming up this summer and a code (EVERYTHINGBAND20) to save 20% off of the registration fee. Links: Elisa Janson Jones The Professional Music Educator's Blog The Music Education Summit The Music Ed Mentor Podcast The Music Educator’s Guide to Thrive Be

Composer Jennifer Jolley is on the faculty at Texas Tech University and Interlochen and is a member of ADJ*ective New Music and the Blue Dot Collective. In this episode she discusses her career, including how she got into writing for band. Topics: Jennifer’s background and her current gig as a composition professor at Texas Tech University. Combining electronic music with band and how composers can best help teachers bring these types of works to life. How Jennifer got involved in writing music for band and the story of “And The Eyes of the World are Upon You” commissioned by Jerry Junkin and Kappa Kappa Psi. The Fail Blog. Jennifer’s thoughts about self-publishing and distributors and why that’s important for composers. The story of how Jennifer has recognized that her anxiety was in getting in the way of her happiness and the story of her decision to seek help. Links: Jennifer Jolley Why I Compose, aka "The Fail Blog" Blue Dot Collective ADJective New Music Murphy Music Press Jolley: The Eyes of the Worl

Rachel Maxwell has enjoyed tremendous success as the Director of Bands at Traughber Junior High School in Oswego, Illinois where she teaches over 400 students in three bands. Topics: The organization of the program at Traughber Middle School and how the growth of the town has changed her program during her tenure. Dividing bands strictly by grade levels and the goal to help every kid be successful regardless of their ability level and challenges. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” How teaching college music theory and aural skills relates to teaching band. Rachel’s background growing up in Rockford, Illinois and how the size of her horn case almost ended her musical career before it got started. The Traughber Band Literature Commision Project and how a conversation at the Chicago Hilton with John Mackey led to his work “The Sheltering Sky” and has continued with pieces from Donald Grantham, Scott McAllister, Dana Wilson, Julie Giroux, Randall Standridge, and David Bi

Bruce Pearson is the teacher, composer, and author behind the Best in Class, Standard of Excellence, and Tradition of Excellence (with Ryan Nowlin) method books.  Topics: Bruce talks about his method books starting with Best In Class, Standard of Excellence, and Tradition of Excellence and then offers advice about choosing method books. Bruce’s background growing up playing both clarinet and hockey, and the similarities between music and athletics. Bruce’s early career, a flirtation with medical school, and how a move to teaching beginners at the elementary school level sharpened his teaching skills and changed the trajectory of his career. How to foster a culture of excellence in your program. Bruce talks about teaching from sound to sight, how to properly teach a whole note, and talks about the questions most asked about his method books. Links: Bruce Pearson Music Neil A. Kjos Music Company Beethoven: Symphony No. 9 in D Major, Op. 125 Biography: Bruce Pearson is a world-renowned music educator, author

Episode 100! John Mackey joins me for a conversation about his hugely successful career, from Commodore 64 through his remarkable "Places We Can No Longer Go" that was recently premiered at CBDNA 2019! Topics: The story of how John went from writing primarily chamber and orchestral music to becoming one of the most celebrated composers of music for wind ensemble and band. John’s background growing up and learning music and how to compose not in a traditional band, choir, or orchestra but instead on his computer through thousands of hours entering music via a joystick and reverse engineering what he was transcribing. The value of self publishing and the story of John’s growth from printing and shipping everything himself to having two employees to handle his current workload. The impact of writing dance music and how it’s influenced his compositional style and then an extended discussion of impostor syndrome, including John’s feelings about his most recent work Places We Can No Longer Go written about his mot

Anthony Barfield is a composer and music producer in New York City. In this episode Anthony discusses his early career as a trombonist, his “Heritage Concerto” for euphonium and band, and also a bit about his current career as a producer for commercial and urban music. Topics: Anthony’s background growing up on his family farm in Mississippi and how the work ethic developed as a child has helped him achieve success as a musician. How Anthony’s success in high school helped to give him an identity outside, the impact of his middle school and high school band directors on his musical growth, and how the television show “Family Matters” may have helped him develop perfect pitch. The story of how Anthony kept leveraging his success into opportunity, including how being brave and persistent led him to studying trombone with Joe Alessi at Juilliard, and how that relationship led to his career as a composer. Anthony’s music for band and the story of the Heritage Concerto and his current work in commercial music. L

Jason Nam is the Associate Director of Bands at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. In this episode Everything Band went "on the road" to Bloomington and had a chance to chat with Jason in the IU band offices. Topics: The importance of doing your best in every stop and how opportunity can come from those around seeing you value and not wanting to let you get away. Thoughts about building relationships and connections and how awareness of these relationships can help guide your interactions with fellow professionals as well as your band parents. Advice for creating a multi-year plan for your band program, including a conversation about band music and the perception that music for education is of lesser value than more advanced works. Jason’s background growing up in Southern California, attending the University of Redlands, his subsequent teaching and his move to the University of Indiana where he is an Assistant Professor of Music and Associate Director of Bands in the Jacobs School of Music. Coll

T. André Feagin is the assistant director of bands at Colorado State University. He joins the show to talk about his career and his involvement in DCI, and to share his thoughts about how conductors are advocates for the composer. Topics: T. André’s early musical training through high school and college and some excellent advice for directors and teachers considering a decision to return to graduate work full time. T. André’s experience growing up with DCI from the age of 17 and his continued involvement in the activity. How to know when it is time to change jobs or career direction and how to know when you’re in a good job or position. “In the end, the only thing that matters is the music you make and the people you make it with.” Thoughts about the commissioning process and the importance of being a composer’s advocate. Links: T. André Feagin Boston Crusaders Naylor: Yes, I Want to Cross Over Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 Biography: Dr. T. André Feagin is the assistant director of bands and assistant profess

Composer and arranger Matt Conaway is the associate director of the Purdue "All American" marching band with his original music and arrangements published by C.L. Barnhouse and Hal Leonard. Topics: Matt’s position at Purdue University. Matt’s musical background including his grandmother who played honky tonk piano. Ways that we can support the careers of aspiring young composers and conductors that find their way into our classrooms. Matt’s education and his teaching position in West Lafayette, Indiana and his move to Purdue University. Matt’s composing including the story of how he got started and his work with C.L. Barnhouse and Hal Leonard. Commissions and some thoughts on the new trend of crowdsourcing consortium commissions. Links: Matt Conaway Purdue University Bands and Orchestras Biography: Matthew R. Conaway was appointed to the Purdue faculty in August 2012 as an Assistant Professor, and was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor with tenure in July 2018. He serves as an associate director

Acclaimed young composer Viet Cuong joins the show to share his thoughts about band music, his work as a composer, and how growing up in the Lassiter band helped him fit in and find his place in the world. Topics: 
Viet’s background and how he got his start as a musician, percussionist, and composer. How band and music helped Viet “find his place” in the world and the importance of band as a place where kids who are struggling to feel accepted have a place where they can fit in and grow. Growing up in the legendary Lassiter Band Program under the baton of Alfred Watkins. Thought about what band directors can do to support young musicians who are writing music or want to become composers. Thoughts about academic music, new music for band, and some insights into building design at Princeton. The Blue Dot Collective Links: Viet Cuong, Composer The Blue Dot Collective Cuong: Diamond Tide Cuong: Moth Stravinsky: Rite of Spring Biography: Called “alluring” and “wildly inventive” by The New York Times, the “inge

Robert Sheldon has had a remarkable career as a composer, conductor, and music educator and is the Director of Concert Band Publications at Alfred Music.  Topics: Robert’s incredible music background as the “Forrest Gump” of band music that included vaudevillian parents, studies at the University of Miami with Clifton Williams, Alfred Reed, and Frederick Fennell, and playing in the very first Disney World Band directed by Meredith Willson! Robert’s teaching career in Florida including stops at the University of Florida and Florida State University and his eventual move to Bloomington/Normal, Illinois. Robert’s role as the band editor at Alfred Publishing, commercial publishing vs. self-publishing, and the Sound Innovations series. What it looks like to commission a new band work from Robert Sheldon. (Hint: You need to plan it out several years in advance.) Links: Robert Sheldon Alfred Music Sound Innovations Ravel: Daphnis et Chloè Biography: Robert Sheldon (b. Feb 3, 1954) has taught instrumental music i

A former middle and high school band director in Utah, Kaitlin Bove is currently a doctoral student in conducting at the University of Kentucky and one of the founders of the And We Were Heard recording project. Topics: Kaitlin's background growing up in Northern California and as a student at the University of the Pacific. The importance of giving kids an understanding and ability to play their instrument by themselves and some tips for helping students to learn ways to to do this. Kaitlin's experience teaching middle school and high school in Utah, and her move to the University of Kentucky to pursue her doctorate. Her transcription for concert band of Caroline Shaw's Pulitzer Prize winning "Partita for 8 Voices". The origin story of And We Were Heard and how the project will help create diversity by creating a database of recordings of concert band literature by underrepresented composers. Links: Kaitlin Bove And We Were Heard Jay Buckey Mackey: Frozen Cathedral Shaw: Partita for 8 Voices Biography: Ka

Works by composer Randall Standridge are consistently among the highest selling and most widely performed music each year. In this episode, he offers insight into his music and career as a composer. Topics: A brief overview of Randall’s career from college student at Arkansas State through the success of his works Afterburn and Adrenaline Engines. Randall’s family influences and high school teachers who fostered his creativity, his first (and only) teaching job, and the story of his transition to becoming a full time composer. Thoughts about composition and Grand Mesa Marching. The story of how Percy Grainger and a guiro led to the creation of the huge Grade 1 consortium for his work Frogs. Links: Randall Standridge Grand Mesa Music Marching Band Barnes: Fantasy Variations of a Theme of Nicholo Paganini Standridge: Frogs Standridge: The Nine Biography: Randall Standridge (b.1976) received his Bachelor's of Music Education from Arkansas State University.  During this time, he studied composition with Dr. T