Everything Band Podcast

Courtney Snyder is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Michigan, the president-elect of the Women Band Directors International, and a panelist for the brand new ...And We Were Heard project. Topics: Courtney’s background and the stories of some of the teachers who influenced her career. The story of “And We Were Heard”, a new project designed to record and promote the music of composers from underrepresented communities. The value and importance of programming music by a diverse group of composers. Challenges faced by women conductors and Courtney’s advice for young women who are interested in a career as a composer or a conductor. Building connections and being aware of our surroundings so that we can find and offer the help that we and others need. Links: Courtney Snyder …And We Were Heard Schachter: "Karnatakamallika" Valerie Coleman Schwantner: “...And the Mountains Rising Nowhere” Women Band Directors International Composition Competition Biography: Dr. Courtney Snyder is associate d

Mark is joined by Sean Smith from the Source Material Podcast and Olin Hannum from the AMusEd Podcast as we have a conversation about our expectations for the 2018 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. In the episode we discuss a few sessions we're interested in, take some time to talk about creativity in the large ensemble, and offer some advice for first time attendees. The Music Teacher Development Podcast Network is a network of podcasts with the common goal of providing support for music education in the form of audio on demand programming designed by, and for music educators. In addition to Everything Band, Source Material, and AMusEd, the fourth podcast in our network is the Anacrusic Podcast hosted by Anne Mileski. Special thanks to VanderCook College of Music for sponsoring this episode. With a world-class faculty, a location just minutes from downtown Chicago, and an intensive summers-only masters program, it's no wonder VanderCook College of Music has graduates teaching music in all 50 s

John Bogenschutz, the creator of the band and music themed Tone Deaf Comics tells the story of why he switched from band director and composer to comic strip creator and offers thoughts about our community from a very different perspective. Topics: John’s early musical background and his experience as a band director and composer. How being a stand-up comedian is similar to being a band director. The story of the founding of Tone Deaf Comics and the development of the strip’s style. How John comes up with ideas and anecdotes about some of the notable composers and conductors who have appeared in the strip. Links: Tone Deaf Comics “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield Mahler: Symphony no. 2 “Resurrection” Biography: Tone Deaf Comics was created, and is ran, by John Bogenschutz. John received a Bachelors of Music Education degree from Northern Kentucky University. He was also a band director for a couple of years, a music arranger for about ten years and now cartoonist. He also has 3 published compositions

The Director of Bands at the University of Missouri, Brian Silvey joins the show to talk about his background, music teacher education, and the importance of conducting gestures. Topics: Brian’s background as a young trombonist from rural Kentucky, the lessons he learned from his band director, and his path to becoming the director of bands at the University of Missouri. Music teacher education and the challenges faced by young teachers and the resources to help young teachers succeed. Thoughts about differentiated teaching in band, particularly keeping the students who are pushing ahead of their classmates occupied and engaged while not discouraging others. Brian’s research into expressive conducting and some interesting findings about the importance of what conductors do on the podium. The types of classroom routines that are most effective for classroom management and good rehearsals. Links: Brian Silvey The University of Missouri School of Music Maslanka: A Child's Garden of Dreams Vaughn-Williams: Sym

President Emeritus of VanderCook College of Music, Charlie Menghini enjoyed a long career as a music educator in the Kansas City area before joining the faculty at VanderCook. In this episode he shares wisdom and anecdotes from a remarkable career. Topics: Charlie’s background growing up in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and how an influential 7th grade band teacher nurtured and inspired a young cornet player. How a speech by John Paynter at Bands of America and a subsequent meeting with his former high school band director helped a young Charlie understand the value of the high school music teacher. After following Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser to the University of Missouri, the story of how Charlie got his first high school teaching job at Winnetonka High School outside of Kansas City. Your first big mistake is not an indicator of your future success and other anecdotes from Charlie’s first job. Practical tips and thoughts about getting better as a band director, as well as thoughts about building connections and crea

Sister Gail Buckman has been teaching in the St. Louis are since 1968, and I recently had a chance to visit Sister Gail in her band room at St. Gabriel the Archangel School. Here is my conversation with this truly remarkable music educator. Topics: Sister Gail’s early career and influences. The importance of always trying to learn from others and the value of mentors. “No one rises to low expectations” A brief conversation about fundraising. A discussion of classroom management and tips for regaining control if it’s been lost. Why music is the one of the few things that parents can’t help their students with and why that, and the need for practice is so valuable for kids. Why having students name their instruments can be a valuable teaching strategy.  Links: St. Gabriel the Archangel School De Haan: Yellow Mountains Biography: Sister Gail Buckman is in her 50th year of teaching and has taught music in the St. Louis/St. Charles area for the past 47 years. For the past 23 years she has, and is currently tea

Composer and arranger Rob Romeyn joins me this week to talk about his career, the lessons he learned from great mentors as a young arranger, and his current work with C.L. Barnhouse. Topics: Rob’s background growing up in Florida and his exposure to some of the great names in the music education and marching arts communities during his early career in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The story of a band arranging class taught by Bob Cotter that exposed Rob to band music and arranging while still in high school. How conducting a community band led to Rob’s transition to writing for concert band and his introduction to Andy Glover at C.L. Barnhouse. Rob’s current compositional process, the value of writing holiday music, and how he formulates a plan for each piece that he writes. Links: Rob Romeyn C.L. Barnhouse Second Time Arounders Marching Band Walton: Crown Imperial Romeyn: Soar with Dragons Romeyn: Apollo: Myth and Legend Romeyn: Atlantis: The Lost Continent Biography: Rob Romeyn’s (b. 1961) music caree

Ron Sikes has been a band director in Jefferson County Missouri for 19 years and a MMEA Past Jazz Vice President. In many ways, Ron embodies the growth mindset and in this episode he discusses his relentless pursuit of personal growth in all that he does. Topics: Ron’s background growing up and the winding road that he took to becoming a music teacher and music professional. Thoughts about jazz education, tips for teaching improvisation, and how those experiences led to Ron composing music for his own band and eventually those around him. The importance of taking private lessons on instruments that you don’t know well and advice for bartering your knowledge in exchange for those of another musician. Working with other composers, especially Gary Gackstatter (Episode 12) and the value that these collaborations bring to his students and the audience. Links: MLO Music Publications Jefferson R-VII School District Funky Butt Brass Band Missouri Music Education Symposium Wagner: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral

Steve Graves has been a middle school band director in Orange County, California for over 30 years. In this episode he shares his advice about teaching middle school including some really great advice for young band teachers. Topics: Steve’s background and his career as a successful middle school band director. Great teaching is not about teaching people to play instruments but rather to teach young musicians to be great people. Classroom management and thoughts about how to create a set of expectations that help students to stay on task. Steve and I get into the weeds about teaching beginners and he shares some wonderful advice about teaching time and articulation. The value of commissions for both students and composers. Links: Standridge: Frogs Jager: Esprit De Corps Reed: Russian Christmas Music Biography: Currently in his 32nd year of teaching junior high band, Steve is the band direct and VAPA chairperson at Lexington Junior High School in Cypress, CA. An active adjudicator for marching bands, conce

Self-described as "an Australian composer with a penchant for colour and creativity in the wind band genre," Jodie Blackshaw shares the story of her career, her music, and her thoughts about teaching band. Topics: The conversation begins with a discussion of Jodie’s current project, a 25 minute work for band and how she’s incorporated ideas from chamber works for winds to show off the colors of the ensemble. Jodie’s background growing up in Yenda, a small town in New South Wales, Australia with an electric organ in her house and a few wonderfully inspiring teachers. The band tradition in Australia and how instrumental music is taught without the school band and orchestra tradition that defines instrumental music in the United States. The experience that inspired Jodie to a career as a professional musician and her thoughts about what we can do to help nurture girls and young women as composers. Jodie’s work Belah Sun Woman and her interesting thoughts about the type of music that kids like to play. Links:

Dr. Michael Nickens, aka "Doc Nix" is the Director of Athletic Bands at George Mason University. He joins the show to discuss the incredible variety of bands at GMU and share his thoughts about inclusiveness and building community. Topics: The Green Machine Bands and Ensembles The birth of the “Doc Nix” and how the persona and wardrobe have become a part of making the Green Machine pep band a signature part of the George Mason basketball games. How a student violist who wanted to become part of the group led to a diverse ensemble that includes the standard band instrumentation but also features vocalists, rappers, string players, and more. The importance of building and being present as part of a community both to build a program and also to rely on the community in times of need. Michael’s musical background growing up in Northern Virginia as a tuba player, high school drum major, student conductor, and even a composer and how his varied experiences have led him to his current success Links: Dr. M

Myra Rhoden is the director of bands at Fayette County High School in Georgia and founder of the Athena Music and Leadership Camp. Myra is the recipient of numerous teaching awards, including being named the 2018 NAfME Band Director of the Year. Topics Myra’s story of growing up in Tuskegee, Alabama in a family that valued the arts, and how her high school band director created an environment that encouraged the students to do things outside of the school. The inspiration behind Myra’s decision to become a music teacher rather than a math teacher and the lesson she took from her first job teaching beginners in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. “Don’t make excuses, figure out what you can do with what you have” and other advice for young teachers. Winning the NAfME 2018 “Band Director of the Year” and what she feels might be most responsible to her success at Fayette County High School. The genesis of the Athena Music and Leadership Camp and what it means for the students who go to the camp. Links: Myra Rhoden Myra Rho

Composer Rossano Galante joins the show to discuss his career as a band composer and Hollywood orchestrator. Topics: Rossano’s early years growing up in Buffalo, New York, the story of how he used to organize his own reading bands for his music, and how he became an orchestrator for Hollywood movies. A discussion of composing including using pencil and paper versus the computer, the compositional process, and advice for young composers. Self-publishing, social media platforms, commissions, and the importance of being patient. Links: Rossano Galante on IMDB John Williams: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial Galante: Resplendent Glory Biography: Born in Buffalo, New York, Rossano Galante received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Trumpet performance from SUNY Buffalo in 1992. That same year he was one of nineteen people from around the world to be accepted to the University of Southern California’s Film Scoring Program. He studied with the late Jerry Goldsmith, who won an Academy Award for his film score for The Omen.

Eric Combs is a middle school band director in Olney, Illinois and is dedicated to helping his peers through his Sound Beginnings website and Thoughts from a Beginning Band Director Facebook page. Topics: Eric’s background and how he overcame his early self-doubts to become a very successful middle school director in Only, Illinois. Eric’s impulse to share his strategies and successes as a teacher with others and his work to help other band directors find success. A few tips and best practices for first and second year band directors including being willing to take the time to visit other successful programs in your area. The system of differentiated instruction that Eric uses and a discussion of classroom management. Links: Sound Beginnings McCracken Middle School Band Ed Lisk: The Creative Director David Newell: Classroom Management in the Music Room Scott Rush: Habits of a Successful Middle School Band Director Stone: Shadows of Eternity Biography: Eric Combs earned both his bachelors and his master

Cait Nishimura is the winner of the 2017 Canadian Band Association Composition Competition and a rising star as a composer for band. Topics: Cait’s background growing up in Canada, playing the bass clarinet, going to an arts high school, and deciding to become a composer. Commissions and how and why Cait made the transition from aspiring teacher to full time, self-published composer. Being a young, non-white, Canadian composer and how that has helped Cait along the way, but how writing good music that connects with audiences is ultimately the most important factor in her long-term success. The sense of belonging and acceptance that she got from being in band. Links: Cait Nishimura, composer Canadian Band Association Composition Competition Nishimura: Chasing Sunlight Holst: The Planets Biography: Cait Nishimura (b. 1991) is a Canadian composer and music educator based in Toronto, Ontario. Described as having a "refreshing buoyancy", her music uses minimalist patterns, simple yet lush harmonies, and themes

Matthew Provino is an accomplished middle school band director in Southern California and the co-author of a two volume free beginning band method that he makes available as a free download. Topics: Matthew’s background growing up in Southern California and some of the influences on his career. The story of how Matthew and Phillip Herrera wrote their own (free!) method book and then wrote a second book that’s three times as long. The challenges of writing a beginning method book, the methodology, and the what’s still left to finish. Matthew’s experience with the American Band College and what he learned while he was there. Music education conferences and professional development opportunities in California, especially the Southern California School Band and Orchestra Conference. Links: Matthew Provino (with links to method books) Justin Dickson The American Band College Southern California School Band and Orchestra Conference Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral Biography: Matthew Provino has been the band

As the composer of more than 250 works for band and co-founder of Queenwood Publications, Anne McGinty has enjoyed a remarkable career. In this episode she shares highlights and stories from her extraordinary musical life, and offers advice for young composers and teachers. Topics: Anne's early years as a young musician, including her stint as a flutist for the Tuscon Symphony in her early 20's. How she got into writing for band music and the story of Queenwood Publications. The story of her commission by the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own" Advice for young composer and thoughts about commissions. Links: McGintyMusic.com Queenwood Catalog at Neil A. Kjos Music Company NAMM Oral Histories: John Edmondson McGinty: Tuba and 12 McGinty: Clouds McGinty: All the Pretty Little Horses Biography: Anne McGinty is known throughout the world as the most prolific woman composer in the field of concert band literature, having written more than 225 pieces, with more than 50 of those commissioned by bands across

Conductor and Composer Jack Stamp shares his story, including his early musical education and the people and experiences that contributed to his remarkable career. Topics: “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity”: Jack’s education and eclectic musical background including the story about how and why he taught himself to play the piano from popular music lead sheets. How an experience playing the Persichetti Symphony for Band in high school taught Jack to listen beyond his own part as a percussionist and hear what everyone else in the band was doing. Jack’s first teaching job, how that experience taught him about teaching and dealing with students, and what he misses about teaching at the high school level. The story of the Gavorkna Fanfare and how the “Gavorkna Factor” changed Jack’s career. Links: Jack Stamp Stamp: Gavorkna Fanfare “Why Music Matters” Persichetti: Symphony for Band Vaughn Williams: Symphony no. 5, Third Movement Prayers for a Troubled Nation Biography: Dr. Jack Stamp is currently ad

Andrew Glover is the Executive Vice President in charge of music production, staff arranger, and one half of the band editorial board at the C.L. Barnhouse Company. He joins the show for a conversation that touches on the history of circus bands in America, the story of C.L. Barnhouse, and what he looks for when deciding what to publish. Topics: Andy's background growing up in St. Louis through his time as a music education student at Central Missouri University. Windjammers Unlimited and the history and influence of the circus band on American band music. The story of C.L. Barnhouse and how he founded the publishing company that bears his name. A discussion of the criteria used by Barnhouse to determine what music might be published by the company and some strong advice for young composers. Links: Andy Glover C.L. Barnhouse Windjammers Unlimited Claude Smith: God of Our Fathers Elgar/Glover: Nimrod Variations Biography: Andrew Glover’s diverse career in music has included successful tenures as educator,

Lynne Jackson has been a music teacher for over 40 years and shares some of her thoughts about music and band, and offers some tips for teachers heading back to school for the new year. Topics: Lynne's background growing up in Michigan, deciding to be a band director in the 8th grade, early mentors, and playing in William D. Revelli's band at the University of Michigan. Lynne's journey from Michigan to Texas via VanderCook University and the Midwest Clinic. Lynne's advice for teachers as they head back to school this year and the most common concern she gets from music education students before they head into the classroom. Best practices for starting beginners. Links: Lynne Jackson Persichetti: Symphony for Band Young Educator Seminar Biography: Lynne Jackson has taught forty-three years and currently teaches wind method and graduate music education classes at Southern Methodist University. Jackson also serves as a wind pedagogy specialist for the Berkner area in the Richardson Independent School Distri