Everything Band Podcast

Jenny Neff conducts three concert bands at Bala Cynwyd Middle School, is on the NAfME Council for Band Education, and is currently the Interim Director of the Master of Music and Summer Music Studies programs at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Topics: Jenny’s early background as a horn player and the importance of the early support and experiences that she had that led to her career as a music teacher. Jenny’s program at Bala Cynwyd Middle School and the value of having all of the music teachers working together. The transition period known as middle school or as Jenny says “they come in being babysat and they leave as babysitters.” The genesis of her Midwest Clinic Presentation with Scott Watson (Episode 2) and the value of using Skype to have composers work with her band. The Master of Music and Summer Music Studies programs at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia. Links: Jenny's Creative EDge Enhancing the Ensemble Experience Using Composer Skype Sessions NAfME Council for Band Educat

Conductor David Vickerman of San Jose State University joins me to talk about his career and share his wisdom. Notably, this includes an extended discussion about our responsibility as leaders to help promote diversity. Topics: David’s job at San Jose State and his background growing up in Northern California through his first job at the College of New Jersey and his return back home to the Bay Area of California. Choosing music and some thoughts about finding quality literature regardless of aesthetic tastes. The importance of actively trying to make changes in our system and helping to promote diversity in the band community. The music program at San Jose State University. Trying to be better at asking and answering the "Why? as conductors and teachers, and using comprehensive musicianship through performance. Links: San Jose State University David Vickerman Armando Bayolo Tina Tallon CASMEC Bill Walsh: The Score Takes Care of Itself John David Mann Mozart: Serenade in C minor, K. 388 Bryant: Ecstatic

I made it to 50! Joining me is Rodney Dorsey, the current head of bands at the University of Oregon and who was just announced as a new professor of music in bands at Indiana University beginning in Fall 2018. Topics: Rodney’s background growing up in Florida including having Robert Sheldon as his band director. Key lessons learned from his teachers including James Croft, John Paynter, and Mallory Thompson. The band program at the University of Oregon and Rodney’s new gig at Indiana University. Increasing diversity in the band world and the need to commission and perform more music by under-represented composers. Links: University of Oregon Indiana University Andrea Reinkemeyer: The Thaw Kristin Kuster Wagner: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral Lauridsen: O Magnum Mysterium University of Oregon Conducting Workshop Biography: Dr. Rodney Dorsey comes to SOMD from a position as the associate director of bands at the University of Michigan where he conducted the Concert Band, taught undergraduate conducting,

The founder and conductor of the Desert Winds in Las Vegas, Chuck Maguire shares his thoughtful and insightful opinions on music education and the importance of composers and their music. Topics: Chuck’s origin story and his early career and particularly his time at Troy University and a life-changing moment with Robert W. Smith. The story of building community at Goshen High School and tips for young directors starting out at small rural high schools. The importance of meeting the needs of the stakeholders in an ensemble or school and the example of the Desert Winds. Commissioning new music, the importance of composers, and some wonderful anecdotes about two works written for the Desert Winds and their 2016 Midwest Clinic performance. Links: The Desert Winds Brooklyn Wind Symphony Carol Dweck: Mindset Ralph Ford: Its Vegas Baby! Julie Giroux: Hearthstone Cesarini: Archangels Biography: Dr. Charles A. Maguire is the founding Artistic Director of “The Best of Las Vegas Performing Arts Group”, The Desert

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 li

Max McKee is the founder of the Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) and the American Band College (ABC). In this episode, the longtime educator tells the story of how and why he founded WIBC and explains how the curriculum he developed at Southern Oregon University eventually became the American Band College. Topics: Max’s musical background and his early experience at the Gunnison music camp that set his course and has served as the inspiration for much of what he does. The story of the Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) including the story of the it’s founding, it’s format, and what a director should expect if they go. How Max’s belief in experiential learning for his music education students at the Southern Oregon University  led to the American Band College. The American Band College program. Links: Western International Band Clinic (WIBC) Bandworld Bandworld Top 100 American Band College Download Center Overtone Series Videos Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry Biography: Editor of Band

Texas composer Daniel Montoya Jr. joins me on the eve of TMEA 2018 to discuss his career as a composer and share his opinions on a variety of topics, including writing for marching bands and why sometimes it is better to not talk too much! Topics: Daniel’s background, growing up in the Texas band tradition, and the story of his humorous biography. The inspiration behind Daniel’s early efforts as a composer and how relationships he built over time led to early success as a published composer of percussion music and eventually to his current career as a composer of music for marching band and concert band. The process of commissioning a piece of music and Daniel’s advice for how to deal with your percussion section. In what is the greatest soliloquy in the history of this podcast, Daniel dishes on competition and band and keeping everything in its proper perspective. Links: Daniel Montoya Jr. The Portfolio Composer, Episode 25: Aprille Janes Mahler: Symphony No. 2 “Resurrection” Maslanka: Symphony No. 4 Bi

While at the Florida Music Educator's Conference in early January I had a chance to sit down with composer Jim Stephenson and talk about his career, his thoughts about composing, and winning the 2017 Revelli Prize.  Topics: Jim’s background as a trumpet player with the Naples Philharmonic and the decision he and his wife made to quit playing professionally and take the leap to become a professional composer. The opportunity to write for both band and orchestra and the connections that have helped Jim find success in both communities. Commissioning a work from Jim and how the personality of the performer and the needs of ensemble influence the final result. Jim’s advice for young composers and the early success that went mostly unnoticed but had a profound influence on his career. The story of Symphony No. 2 “Voices” that was written for and premiered the United States Marine Band and which won the National Band Association’s 2017 William D. Revelli Award. Links: Stephenson Music 2017 William D. Revelli Co

Composer Peter Meechan joins the show for a wonderfully thoughtful discussion that includes conversations about his career, music in England, the merits of self-publishing, composition, and the bar at the Royal Northern College of Music. Topics: Pete’s background growing up outside of Birmingham as the son of two folk musicians who surrounded him with music. A discussion of the band system in England including opportunities for young musicians and the Black Dyke Brass Band. How the bar at the Royal Northern College of Music led to the relationships and opportunities that helped Pete launch his career. The value of being self-published as a composer and the importance of retaining your copyright. Links: Meechan Music Royal Northern College of Music Stravinsky: Symphony of Wind Instruments Scott McAllister: Gone Melanie Brooks "Building Bridges through Music" Festival Biography: The music of Canadian-based British composer Peter Meechan is performed throughout the world. His music has been commissioned, re

Sean Smith is the Assistant Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Illinois and a recent graduate of that program. Sean recounts his experiences at his first job, describes the transition from high school teacher to graduate student, and shares his opinion about the larger issues facing music education. Topics: Sean’s experience as a young band director learning the ropes in Conneaut, Ohio, including both his best decision and his worst decision in his first year on the job. The decision to leave his position as a high school band director and return to school to pursue a master and doctorate. The history and importance of the University of Illinois band program and its influence on the college band tradition. The University of Illinois Band Podcast. Links: Sean Smith The University of Illinois Bands Podcast Transforming Music Study from its Foundations: A Manifesto for Progressive Change in the Undergraduate Preparation of Music Majors The Problems of Band: An Inquiry into the Future of Instrume

Episode 43 features composer and publisher Walter Cummings. Walter and his wife Janet co-founded Grand Mesa Music Publishers in the early 1990's and have not only survived as a business in a competitive industry, but have had 25 years of nearly continuous growth. Walter shares his story and some of his thoughts about what has made his business so successful. Topics: Walter’s background growing up in Mississippi and his journey from band director to composer to publisher including a surprising link to an earlier podcast guest. Walter’s willingness to take risks and how that has been a large part of the success of Grand Mesa Music. How the saying “You must be present to win” led to the growth of Grand Mesa Music and led to a meeting with Randall Standridge at the Arkansas Bandmasters Meeting Advice for composers who might want to find a publisher, including some tips for keeping a fresh cache of ideas available for new works. Links: Grand Mesa Music Publishers Wagner: Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral Biog

It was my pleasure to speak with Dutch composer Johan De Meij about his career, hear his thoughts about writing music, and of course chat about his landmark "Lord of the Rings" Symphony. Topics: Johan’s background as a brass player and his transition from performer to arranger to composer including the huge initial success that he had with the Lord of the Rings Symphony. A bit about the tradition of wind band music in the Netherlands and Johan’s experiences and thoughts with music competitions. The importance of knowing what you’re good at and doing it well and some great advice for young composers. A surprising discussion of the Elvish language and the copyright issues surrounding the use of Tolkien's work. Links: Johan De Meij The Past, Present, and Future of Tolkien Scholarship Conference Johan De Meij: Symphony no. 1 "Lord of the Rings" Johan De Meij: "Casanova" Johan De Meij: Symphony No. 3 "Planet Earth" Leonard Bernstein: Suite from "West Side Story" (Empire Brass) Igor Stravinsky: "Le Sacre Du Prin

Composer Tyler S. Grant has enjoyed a meteoric rise to success and is one of the most exciting and interesting young composers for band today. In this  interview Tyler tells his story and provides insight into his background and career. Topics: Tyler’s musical background and the story of how he ended up writing music at a very early age and his early relationship with Brian Balmages at FJH Publications. His early experiences working as a conductor with students that are very close to his age and the growth he’s seen as a music education student at the University of Alabama. The thought process behind Tyler’s decision to have his young band works commercially published while self-publishing his works for more advanced ensembles. His experience with honor bands, his compositional process, and his thoughts about commissioning and consortiums. Links: Tyler S. Grant FJH Music Company University of Alabama Tyler S. Grant: “Solace in Equinox” Adam Schoeberg: “Symphony no. 2” Frank Ticheli “Rest” Biography: Tyler

Current Past President of the Florida Music Educator's Association and 2017 Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor winner John Southall joins me for an inspiring conversation about music education. Topics: Why a good music education program should inspire the potential teacher to continue to learn and grow throughout their career. Creating a sustainable and passionate appreciation for music and the arts in as diverse a community as possible. The Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic Medal of Honor and Alfred Watkins. Why healthy competition can help build community and teach life lessons as long as we remember that students and their well-being must be more important than the success of the performing ensemble. Put the same amount of energy that you put into being a good teacher into our personal lives. Be like a magnet and bring everyone into your orbit! Links: John Southall Indian River College Midwest Clinic Medal of Honor Bernstein, arr. Grundman: Candide Suite Biography: John K. Southall, PhD, currently serves a

Matt Koperniak of Riverwatch Middle School in Georgia joins the show to talk about his school's upcoming performance at the 2017 Midwest Clinic. He also shares his thoughts about music education and tips for other teachers in this very informative episode. Topics: The story of Riverwatch being accepted to the Midwest Clinic from the application process to breaking the news to the kids and selecting music. The pieces that were commissioned for the Midwest Clinic, the value of having commissioned works for the students, and the process of learning new a new work. Small things that create a sense of community and the importance of each individual to the greater good. The importance of professional development and thoughts for convincing administrators of the value of conferences and conventions. Links: Riverwatch Middle School Band  William Schuman: Chester (Overture for Band) AMusEd Podcast Midwest Clinic Biography: Matt Koperniak is Director of Bands at Riverwatch Middle School in Suwanee, Georgia. Under h

Mary Land joins me to share 29 years of experience as a middle school band director. Also discussed is her role on the Midwest Board of Directors, finding balance as a band director, and her recent transition to college professor. Topics: The program at Young Harris College and how Mary made the transition from a 29 year career as a middle school band director to a college band director. “You can not teach to empty chairs.” Mary’s thoughts about building a program and attracting students to participate in the band. How to choose good music and creating packets to help students learn the skills necessary to play a piece effectively. Practical advice about competitions, score preparation, cues, and dealing with the percussion section. Keeping balance in your life as a band director and being a lifelong learner. Links: Mary Land Young Harris College Composers and Schools in Concert BandQuest Contemporary Music Project Biography: Mary Land is Director of Bands and Assistant Professor of Music at Young Harris

Kenny Hansen of Blue Springs South High School joins me to discuss his award winning program, the importance of expecting excellence, the value of marches, and the story behind his band's exceptional YouTube channel. Topics: Kenny’s background and the program at Blue Springs South High School. Blue Springs South’s recent run to to the BOA finals in Indianapolis and the value of the marching program to the rest of the band program at the school. The value of marches and why they are so important to a successful band program. Having visitors to the band room and allowing people to help you become a better teacher and your band a better band. The exceptional website and YouTube channel of the Blue Springs South Band and tips and thoughts for a successful social media presence. Learning to be prepared for every possible situation as a way to reduce stress and have positive reactions during those moments when students make a mistake. Links: Tiger Pride - The Blue Springs South High School Band Blue Spring South

Former director of bands at Eastern Illinois University and current CEO and founder of the non-profit Music Guerrilla, Milt Allen joins me to speak about his own career and his views of music education and the band world. Topics: The problem of elitism in music and the need to eliminate placing value judgments on different genres of music. A discussion of the value of self-publishing versus commercial publishing for composers. Milt’s background growing up in Salina, Kansas and the lessons that he learned as a young musician including the importance of having a mentor. Why being vulnerable is unavoidable for all musicians. Quality is attracted to quality and raising the level and expectations of the music making as they key to building a program. "Unless you have the heart of a child and the soul of a musician you should never be in front of students." Suggestions for improving music teacher training in music education programs. Why conducting is the most important rehearsal tool that every band director has

Joe Parisi is a professor of music education at UMKC and the director of the Fountain City Brass Band. He joins me to talk about music education, brass band, and how music gives us a sense of belonging. Topics: Joe’s background and current position as a music professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City. Teaching students to love music through band and the importance of creating lifelong learning through music. The exceptional faculty, including Elliot Del Borgo and Tony Maiello at SUNY Potsdam during Joe’s undergraduate study there and the lessons that he learned from those great musicians. Increasing the number of great moments so that students want to come back and work harder. The program at UMKC including commissioning and premiering over 50 new works and stories of commissioning composers. The Fountain City Brass and brass banding and using competition as a way to build community. Links: Joe Parisi University of Missouri - Kansas City Fountain City Brass Ben Zander "The Art of Possibility" Ca

Joshua Gailey is a PhD candidate in musicology at Yale University and his dissertation focuses on the factors that influenced the development of the school band movement during the Progressive Era. The fact that this episode falls on the birthday of John Philip Sousa is a happy coincidence! Topics: The institutionalization and standardization of the concert band in the early years of the 20th Century as part of the larger social reform movements of the era. The “Golden Age” of the wind band during the 19th Century and how it performed European music, particularly the high art that hadn’t come to America yet. The founding of NAfME and the early goals of music education during the Progressive Era. Early marching bands and the role of marching in the early development of school bands and the development of standardization through early band competitions sponsored by the MSNC. The role of instrument manufactures in the development of the school band and the reality behind the myth of Harold Hill. The historical