Everything Band Podcast

Joe Allison joins me to talk about the marching arts, surrounding yourself with great people, and being open to learning from others. Topics: The Marching Roundtable Podcast and the importance and role of the marching arts in a comprehensive high school music program. Joe's incredibly diverse and unique background and how that has made him a better musician and teacher. The Marching Roundtable Judge's Academy. The importance of persistence and hard work to being a good teacher.   Links: Joe Allison Eastern Kentucky University School of Music Marching Roundtable Podcast Marching Roundtable Judge's Academy Drum Corps International Drum Corps Associates Quadrant Arts Education Research Fisher Tull: Sketches on a Tudor Psalm Bela Bartok: Concerto for Orchestra Vincent Persichetti: Symphony Marching Band Amplification and Electronics Survey Biography: Dr. Joseph H. Allison is currently Professor of Music at Eastern Kentucky University, serving as an Arts Curriculum Designer and Director of the Marching Arts R

Mark Norman is the director of bands at the North Carolina School of the Arts, a professional tuba player, and owner of the Charlotte Music School and he brings his wonderfully varied experiences to the podcast in a conversation that takes some unexpectedly informative turns. Topics: Mark’s background, Karel Husa’s Music for Prague 1968, and the Selmer Musical Aptitude Test. Creating experiences for his ensembles and a story about David Maslanka. Mark’s time in the Navy Band and his journey to becoming a college band director. Putting yourself in a position to be successful by being prepared and the kind of person that others want to work with. How playing or working with great musicians helps you to understand what a great sound is and why that helps you to demand it of your students. Starting a new ensemble or small business and the Charlotte Music School. Having a mission statement for each ensemble, knowing some basic business skills, and always making sure the books add up. Building trust and never taki

Emily Moss, music education professor and chair of the Department of music at California State University, Los Angeles talks about training young music teachers and not allowing our ego to get in the way of our growth. Topics: Emily’s background, her current position, and her early years growing up in a small town north of Seattle, Washington where she played last saxophone and bassoon. How an experience playing David Maslanka’s Symphony No. 4 changed Emily’s view of the wind ensemble. The influence of Tim Salzman and the importance of singing and modeling for your students. The nature of the program at CSU Los Angeles and the emphasis on urban music education. Emily’s tips for young music teachers, dealing with fear of criticism, and thoughts for picking and programming music. Making mistakes is part of our growth and progress as music educators and why reflecting upon our failings helps us grow as people and musicians. Links: Emily Moss California State University University, Los Angeles Benjamin Taylor:

Middle school band director Aaron Given joins me for a conversation about his background, his career, and his belief that his passion for music influences everything that he does as a teacher. Topics:  Aaron’s background and his current position as a middle school band director near Columbus, Ohio. Lessons learned from Ken Singleton at the University of Northern Colorado. Why it is so important to care about your students and the value of bringing that to the classroom. The use of electronics in band music. What Aaron’s program looks like and the value of doing a November concert rather than one in December. The problems with the push towards vocational training and why we must resist that and re-embrace the liberal arts model. Links: Aaron Given Julie Giroux - The Bonsai Tree Scott McAllister - Images (Performed by Aaron's band) Phillip Sparke - Dance Movement Antonin Dvořák: Serenade for Winds, op. 44 A Survey of Performance Practice of Electroacoustic Music for Wind Bad Grades 2-3  Biography: Aaron Giv

In this episode I am joined by trumpeter Amy Cherry. Amy is currently the secretary of the International Women's Brass Conference (IWBC) and joins me to talk about that organization, tell her story, and offer some advice from her own career as a performer and teacher. Topics: Amy’s background and early years as a musician including being steered towards playing the flute even though she wanted to play the trumpet and how growing up in Fairfax County Virginia gave her great musical experiences. We get in a weeds with a bit of conversation about the trumpet, including some teaching tips and thoughts about the potential impact of regional dialects when learning to articulate. The International Women’s Brass Conference (IWBC), its history and mission, and the current programs offered by the organization. The Penny Turner competition for young female brass students. Links: Balaton Brass IWBC Aaron Copland: Lincoln Portrait Hindemith: Symphony in B-flat Michael Kallstrom: Changing Times and Colors Biography: A

Chris Bernotas is passionate about teaching! He is infectiously energetic as he talks about his career and shares wisdom gained as a high school band director, a composers, and a co-author of three books in the Sound Innovations series. Topics: The Sound Innovations books, Chris’ background, and the lessons he learned from his high school band director that he still applies in his classroom. Insights into Chris’ compositional process, how he got his first piece published, and learning how to deal with rejection. The importance of always trying to get better and thoughts about how to avoid burnout. Tips for other band directors who might want to start composing. Links: Chris Bernotas Sound Innovations Chris Bernotas: Pony Express Robert Sheldon: Shadows of the Equinox Rossano Galante: A Childhood Remembered Biography: Composer, conductor, clinician and educator Chris M. Bernotas brings an energetic and enthusiastic approach to the world of music education. An active composer and arranger of concert band mu

I am thrilled to welcome conductor Jerry Junkin to the show for a conversation about his career, how every commission provides a new opportunity, and the importance of cultivating good relationships. Topics: Jerry’s background as the son of a high school band director and being prepared to take advantage of serendipitous opportunities that helped to shape his early career. Collaborating with other musicians and how to ask a composer to work with your group. The most important bit of advice that Jerry looks to pass along to all of his conducting students at the University of Texas. Criteria for selecting literature for his concerts and advice for sifting through the large number of pieces that are released each year. Links: Jerry Junkin The University of Texas Butler School of Music Dallas Winds Senzoku Gakuen College of Music Hong Kong Wind Philharmonia Cornet Favorites, Gerard Schwarz & William Bolcom Composers and Schools in Concert The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Harvey Penick's Little Red Book

Giovanni Santos joins me to discuss social media, being selfless, and his willingness to take risks. Topics: Giovanni’s background including his time in college and his teaching stops including starting a band program in a new high school with some special challenges. The music program at La Sierra University and tips for building a program. The importance of being true to yourself. Do things the way that you think that they should be done. The value of having guest composers, conductors, and other teachers into your band room and giving your students an experience that they will remember. Special things take time to build. Have patience and persistence and good things will happen. Building relationships by being a nice person, not letting people down, and listening to your heart. Not having regrets and making your dreams happen any way that you can. Links: La Sierra University Giovanni Santos Holst: First Suite in E-flat Biography: Giovanni Santos serves as assistant professor and Director of Wind and Pe

Composer and conductor Andrew Ardizzoia is the new director of instrumental studies at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He joins me to tell his story and share his thoughts about music and teaching. Topics: Andrew's background, education, and an influential early horn teacher. Studying conducting with Eric Hammer at the University of Pacific and then moving on to study composition at Arizona State and the Hartt School. Andrew’s new gig at Muhlenberg and his plans for the instrumental program. Concert programming, especially for his first concert in a new job. Making the performing ensemble accessible and welcoming. The importance of being open to paths different than what you expect and the potential importance of a “gap year” Links: Andrew Ardizzoia Muhlenberg College Holsinger: On a Hymnsong of Lowell Mason Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy Nelson: Courtly Airs and Dances Sochinski: The Legend of Alcobaça Biography: Assistant professor of music, director of composition and instrumental studies a

An interview with conductor Andy Pease of Hartwick college and author of the Wind Band Literature blog and Wind Band Symphony Archive. Topics: Andy's background through his time at Columbia University as well as lessons learned while studying with Gary Hill at Arizona State. His current position at Hartwick College, commissioning composers, and the value of "putting a face" to the music. Learning to take risks and to let go of inhibitions as a conductor and finding balance in your programming. Links: Andrew Pease Hartwick College Catskill Valley Wind Ensemble Wind Band Literature Wind Band Symphony Archive Steven Bryant: Concerto for Wind Ensemble Julie Giroux: Riften Wed Biography: Andrew D. Pease serves as Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental Music at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY, where he directs the Wind Ensemble and Brass Ensemble and teaches conducting, orchestration, and brass methods.  In the early part of his career, he helped to put the wind band back on the map in New

Back to school! This past July I had the chance to watch Tiffany Hitz in action at the UNC-Greensboro summer band camps and she is an exceptionally energetic and passionate teacher. At that moment I knew I had to have her on the podcast to talk about teaching, band music, and what composers need to to better! Topics: The Fairfax County School system, Tiffany's early musical experiences, and the importance of knowing the difference between and English and French horn Finding your team, having a growth mindset, and being open to criticism and judgement Study guides, how to choose music and Tiffany's thoughts about composers Links: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck Composer Gordy Haab Brian Balmages: Smithsonian Suite Michael Markowski: The Cave You Fear David Maslanka: Give Us This Day Eric Whitacre: October Biography: Tiffany Hitz teaches band at Rachel Carson Middle School in Fairfax County, VA. She received her Bachelor of Music in Music Education degree from Virginia Commonwealth U

Michael O'Connor joins me for a fascinating discussion of 19th Century band music in the United States. Topics: Mike's musical background as a euphonium player The development of te American band in the early 1800's and the types of instruments used during the 19th Century Claudio Grafullo, Thomas Coates, Patrick Gilmore and the impact of the American Civil War on band music in America The Golden Age of band music in the 1870's-1890's Links: Palm Beach Atlantic University Newberry Victorian Cornet Band Thomas Coates Brass Band Robert Hazen and Margaret Hindle Hazen - Music Men: Illustrated History of Brass Bands in America, 1800-1920 Kenneth Kreitner - Discoursing Sweet Music: Brass Bands and Community Life in Turn-of-the-Century Pennsylvania Biography: Dr. Michael O'Connor is a native of central New York but now makes his home in Jupiter, Florida. He is an Associate Professor of Music History at Palm Beach Atlantic University, but in his first career, he was the euphonium player for the Clyde Beatty-

Composer Chris Stark joins me to reflect upon the legacy of David Maslanka. Chris studied with David for a year and shares some of his memories before discussing his own exciting career. Topics: David Maslanka as a teacher, composer, and man and the lessons that Chris learned while his student Chris' background in Montana and his thoughts about writing for wind ensemble Writing the music for the upcoming movie Novitiate and advice for young composers Links: Christopher Stark Washington University Novitiate Chris Stark: Velocity Meadows David Gillingham: Waking Angels Joseph Schwantner: ...and the mountains rising nowhere David Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 World Chess Hall of Fame Biography: A 2017 Guggenheim Fellow, Christopher Stark (b. 1980, St. Ignatius, MT) is a fast-rising and dynamic young composer equally at ease in the diverse mediums of contemporary classical, electronic, and film. The New York Times has called his music, "fetching and colorful," and he has received prestigious awards from the Fromm

Iconic American conductor Gerard Schwarz offers his insights about music and conducting gained from an illustrious career at the pinnacle of the classical music world. Topics: Maestro Schwarz' musical beginnings, the American Brass Quintet, and the New York Philharmonic Four steps to success: Talent, Hard Work, Say Yes, Stay Positive Tips for conductors including thoughts about becoming more artistic, even with young ensembles and score preparation The importance of listening to learn styles and listening to your own old performances to gain insight on the music The All Star Orchestra and the Khan Academy Keep analyzing yourself and the perception of your career to keep improving. The conducting institute at the Eastern Music Festival Jerry's Experiences with conducting wind band, particularly the Marine Band Schwarz' new book Behind the Baton: An American Icon Talks Music The relevance of music in modern society and the importance of music in education  Links: Gerard Schwarz Eastern Music Festival All Sta

Composer and conductor Andrew Boysen Jr. joins me to discuss his career and offer his thoughts on music education. Topics: Andrew's background, early experiences as a teacher, and the transition when taking over a program Andrew's early start as a composer and the use of notation software to compose vs. pencil and paper The band program at the University of New Hampshire Thoughts and advice for young teachers and challenges facing music and music education Links: Andrew Boysen Jr. University of New Hampshire The Art of Sound Music Daniel Bukvich: Buffalo Jump Ritual David Maslanka: Symphony No. 4 Andrew Boysen Jr.: Symphony No. 6 Biography: Andrew Boysen, Jr. is presently a professor in the music department at the University of New Hampshire, where he conducts the wind symphony and teaches conducting and composition. Under his leadership, the UNH wind symphony has released six recordings and been invited to perform at regional conventions of the College Band Directors National Association and National Ass

Formerly of the Boston Brass, Andrew Hitz is currently a freelance musician, clinician, podcaster, and speaker. In this episode he joins me for a discussion about tuba and offers his perspective on band, teaching, and the future of music education. Topics: Andrew's background and his new book series The Band Director's Guides Starting beginners on tuba and tips on posture and breathing. Having a characteristic sound for your instrument Thoughts about how music education needs to fight for survival and relevance Managing time and exploring creative opportunities early in a career Links: AndrewHitz.com The Band Director's Guides Pedal Note Media Boston Brass Baltimore Brass Tuba Stand Holst: First Suite in E-Flat Biography: Andrew Hitz is an internationally renowned soloist, clinician and speaker having appeared in over 40 states and 30 countries including Japan, Brazil, Russia and Singapore. In 2014 he ended a 14 year tenure as the tuba player for Boston Brass. Andrew has also appeared with the National Sy

A legend in the state of Oregon, Patrick Vandehey joins me to discuss believing in music education with passion. Topics: Pat's background, including his time as a rock and roll musician and an anecdote about a very bad school administrator The importance of a strong performance background and how experience as a player was his most valuable asset for his success. His high school programs and then his time at George Fox University and his move to Portland State. Thoughts about the future of music education The marching arts and competition in music education Links: Portland State University George Fox University Phillip Sparke: A Savannah Story David Maslanka: Symphony no. 4 Biography: Patrick Vandehey is an Associate Professor of Music at Portland State University in Portland, Oregon. Prior to the PSU position he taught 14 years at George Fox University, a small private liberal arts college in Newberg, Oregon and 23 years teaching in area public high schools. Mr. Vandehey received his Bachelors of Art an

Texas composer Carol Brittin Chambers talks about writing marching band shows and the twists and turns of her fascinating musical career. Topics: Carol's background as a trumpet player and pianist Teaching good fundamentals and skills and teaching in Texas Moving from being a full time band director to a full time composer Writing marching shows Carol's concert band music and her creative process Links: Aspenwood Music Texas Lutheran University Carl Fischer Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy Copland: Appalachian Spring Valley Concert Band Biography: Carol Brittin Chambers is currently on the music faculty at Texas Lutheran University. She lives in San Antonio, Texas, where she is the owner and composer of Aspenwood Music. She also maintains an active performance schedule, including appearances with the Mid-Texas and San Antonio Symphonies. Chambers is commissioned each year to compose and arrange works for concert band, marching band, and various other ensembles. She has arranged and orchestrated marching show

My special guest for my first Fourth of July episode is Michael Colburn, former director of the United States Marine Corps Band ("The President's Own") and current band director at Butler University. Mike joins me to discuss his time in the Marines, his current position at Butler, and the importance of being ready for any opportunity that might come your way. Topics: Mike's background as a euphonium player and son of a high school band director Performance vs music education degrees and the need for musicians to be entrepreneurial A deep discussion into the Marine Band including auditions, requirements, it's mission, and a few anecdotes from Mike's time as director Mike's transition to becoming a conductor and the lessons he's brought to Butler University from his time in the Marines. Working with composers and his thoughts about the future of music education. His favorite work and performing Stars and Stripes Forever thousands of times. Links: Butler University The United States Marine Band, "The Presiden

Retired band director Blair Smith joins the podcast to discuss building relationships and finding balance. Topics: Blair's background Commissioning composers, Sean O'Loughlin's pants, and the David Holsinger bedroom Networking and advice about how to properly use your state conference to build relationships Advice for young band directors Digital Performance Gear Parallels between golf and music Links: Digital Performance Gear Mahler/Reynolds - Finale from Symphony No. 3 Claude T. Smith - Entrada, Adoration, and Praise Biography: Blair Smith recently retired after 30 years of service to the North Carolina public education system. His final 25 years was at Central Cabarrus HS and Jay M. Robinson HS. Blair is from Mechanicsville, VA. He began his 30-year teaching career at Chaloner MS in Roanoke Rapids. He moved to Central Cabarrus in 1991. Mr. Smith’s concert bands have performed under numerous national educators. His bands have received Superior ratings at all grade levels as well as commissioning and pr