Everything Band Podcast

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