The Bandmasters Podcast

By The Bandmasters Podcast

Arts Education Performing Arts Music K-12

What's The Bandmasters Podcast about?

Band and music education professional development on-the-go! Listen to interviews, tips and techniques from some of the top educators in the band field.

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The Bandmasters Podcast episodes:

04.04.2021
Episode 37: Bill Jastrow, Retired, Indian Prairie School District 204, IL
Bill Jastrow discusses comprehensive musicianship, organizing a school district's music program, and the caring and "feeding" of the young percussionist. Special thanks to my friend and colleague Scott Barnas for taking the lead on this episode! Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, or...
03.03.2021
Episode 36: Damien Crutcher, Crescendo Detroit
I sit down with Damien Crutcher to discuss what life looks like right now, what motivates him, how to recognize passion, working through difficult times, and leaving a legacy. Check out Mark Connor's interview with Damien to hear more about his...
04.30.2020
Episode 35: Bobby Lambert, Wando High School, Mt. Pleasant, SC
Bobby Lambert talks about the hows and whys of student leadership, recommends some classic band pieces, and talks musical mentors. Head to Bobby and Jeff's Young's Podcast "That Band Life" at Apple Podcasts to hear more. For more content related to music...
04.30.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 9: Bob Mecozzi on Getting Things Done
Bob Mecozzi, band director at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, IL, talks about the Getting Things Done system and how we can reduce stress by managing our tasks. For more content related to music education, visit...
04.22.2020
Episode 34: Dr. Joe Manfredo, Retired, Illinois State University
Dr. Joe Manfredo talks about his time with Dr. Begian, provides literature suggestions, and discusses his research and publications in the area of band history and the undergraduate conducting curriculum. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com,...
04.09.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 8: Tim DeBoer and Peter Lipari on Opera
Tim DeBoer (Joliet West High School Choral Director and AP Music Theory teacher, Joliet, IL) and Peter Lipari (Joliet Township District 204 Orchestra Director and conductor of the West Suburban Symphony) talk opera. Tune in for recommendations of full productions,...
04.01.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 7: Chris Gleason on Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose (and Practicing!)
Chris Gleason talks to me about educational purpose and autonomy during the quarantine, and how students can effectively practice (even if they don't have an instrument at home). I also highly recommend watching Chris's TedX talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4CzFQ7Esi4 for...
03.31.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 6: Sebastian Martinez Recommends his Favorite Latin Music
Sebastian Martinez is the senior drum major of the Joliet Central High School Band. In this episode, Sebastian recommends some of his favorite Latin music. Links are provided below. Moncayo - Huapango (Alondra de la Parra, Orchestre de...
03.30.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 5: Kirk Hickman and Eric Wellman Provide at Home Percussion Practice Tips
Kirk Hickman, band director at Hinsdale South High School in Hinsdale, IL, and Eric Wellman, band director at Joliet West High School in Joliet, IL, provide some tips and resources on how percussionists can practice at home (and how percussionists...
03.29.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 4: Alex Kaminsky on Breathing
Alex Kaminsky from VanderCook College of Music talks about the importance of air in wind playing and demonstrates two count breathing. Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio.
03.27.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 3: Yanni Ovalle and Alexus Maldonado on Being the Class of 2020 During COVID-19
We are hearing a lot from policymakers and pundits about the current situation but not a lot from our students. Joliet Central High School band seniors Yanni Ovalle and Alexus Maldonado talk about how they are dealing with the current...
03.26.2020
Sidenote Series Episode 2: Steve Pyter and Jermaine Stegall on Composing
Steven Pyter and Jermaine Stegall discuss composing, recommended listening, and provide some advice on what you can do NOW to begin composing, creating, or arranging. Steven Pyter is a published composer of school band works from Joliet, IL. Jermaine...
03.26.2020
NEW SERIES: The Bandmasters Sidenote Series; first episode featuring Charlie Menghini
Dr. Charlie Menghini of Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends speaks with me about how and why we should put our dreams and ambitions into action. Listen to the Bandmasters Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or direct download at www.thebandmasters.com....
02.20.2020
Episode 33: Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III, Harvey School District 152, Harvey, IL
I got to sit down with one of my favorite people - Roosevelt Griffin. On this episode, Roosevelt talks about growing up in and teaching in low-income areas, strategies for reaching and advocating for students in your programs, tips and...
01.19.2020
Episode 32: Mark Iwinski, Victor J. Andrew High School, Tinley Park, IL
Mark Iwinski talks about his career up to this point, how to be on the cutting edge of musical literature and technology, and how he worked through some stressful moments in teaching in order to gain a work-life balance while...
01.14.2020
Episode 31: Dan Valkema, Retired, Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield, IL
Dan Valkema and I sat down at his house to discuss his career as a band director at the high school and middle school level, changes and consistencies across the year, and how he “failed” retirement. FULL BIO Daniel Valkema recently...
12.13.2019
Episode 30: Matt Bufis, Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL
Happy end of the school year/pre-Midwest Clinic! Matt Bufis and I discuss his journey to Illinois, adapting a program to the current needs of students, repertoire selection, and work-life balance. Musical selections featured in this episode include March for the...
08.20.2019
Episode 29: Alex Kaminsky, VanderCook College of Music
I hope everyone is enjoying their first days back to school! Please enjoy this episode with Alex Kaminsky, Director of Bands at VanderCook College of Music. We talk about Alex’s musical upbringing, transitioning to a college band, and repeating success. Music...
07.05.2019
Episode 28: Matt Temple, New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL
Matt Temple discusses the music program at New Trier High School, philosophies on competition in music, and comprehensive musicianship. FULL BIO Matt Temple was appointed Director of Bands at New Trier High School in 2007. He conducts the curricular Freshman...
06.25.2019
Episode 27: A.R. McAllister, Joliet Township High School, Joliet, IL, Part I
Referred to as the “Band Pioneer,” A.R. McAllister would help to promote the high school band movement in the early 1900’s. Part one of A.R. McAllister takes us through his early years up to the National High School Band contests...
06.10.2019
Episode 26: Dr. Rodney C. Dorsey, Indiana University
Let’s kick off summer with an interview with Dr. Rodney C. Dorsey, Director of Bands, Indiana University. Dr. Dorsey discusses his musical upbringing, building connections with students, competition in music, and warns us of the dangers of not ordering buses...
01.31.2019
Episode 25: James F. Keene, University of Illinois
“With most people of my generation, and the generation that preceded me, we tend to be doom and gloom because everyone isn’t doing it the way we did it . . . , no matter what people tell you,...
01.29.2019
Episode 24: Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O'Fallon Township High School, O'Fallon, IL
Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds was gracious enough to sit down for an interview at our recent Illinois Music Education Association State Conference. Dr. Gustafson-Hinds speaks about how she handles working with students that might move in or out of her school,...
01.14.2019
Episode 23: Gary Smith, University of Illinois, and Cody Birdwell, University of Kentucky
Happy Belated New Year! My colleague R. Scott Barnas and I had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Gary Smith at the Midwest Clinic. We also had the pleasure of having a “party-crasher” show up; Dr. Cody Birdwell from...
11.21.2018
Episode 22: Robert Herrings, Director of Bands, Henry Middle School, Cedar Park, TX
Going out of town for Thanksgiving? Our interview with Robert Herrings would make for great listening on that long car ride. Robert has some fantastic advice about objectives in band, what new teachers should do when they don’t know what...
09.17.2018
Episode 21: John Thomson, Retired, New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL
John Thomson made the drive to Joliet to talk about programming, commissioning new music, and comprehensive musicianship. Mr. Thomson goes into detail about his musical career including his assistantship with Mr. John Paynter and his time at East Allegheny High...
08.25.2018
Episode 20: Bruce Pearson, Author/Music Educator, Tradition of Excellence
Bruce Pearson is the first composer I ever played, so this was a particular treat to interview him. Dr. Pearson outlines his career teaching at all levels, discusses learning theories, and speaks about his experience writing and publishing music, including...
08.16.2018
Episode 19: Jim Stombres, Retired, St. Charles North, IL
Jim Stombres talks about his career, working on a team, changing a culture, and surrounding yourself with talented and hard-working people. Jim has taught almost all levels of band, and even though he's retired, he's still going. Jim is one...
08.09.2018
Episode 18: Arris Golden, Assistant Director of Bands, Michigan State University
Arris Golden shares her career path, speaks on middle school and college recruitment, and goes into detail on the process for commissioning works for school programs. Arris brings forth a wide variety of music education experience and stories. I had...
08.04.2018
Episode 17: Wendy Higdon, Director of Bands, Creekside Middle School, Carmel, IN
On this episode, I sit down with Wendy Higdon. Wendy Higdon is the Director of Bands and Unified Arts Department Chair at Creekside Middle School in Carmel, IN. Sitting down with Wendy was a fun conversation. Her experiences include opening up...
07.28.2018
Episode 16: Scott Casagrande, Director of Bands, John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, IL
I was excited this summer to sit down with Scott Casagrande, Director of Bands at John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights, IL. Scott has some fantastic sounding ensembles, and has been a great help to me when I've reached...
07.21.2018
Episode 15: Daniel Moore, Retired, Naperville North High School, Naperville, IL
I told a few people prior to publishing this episode that the next guest would be Dan Moore. The response was unanimous, but the inflection varied: "oh man, I gotta hear that guy." Dan Moore took a break from his...
07.13.2018
Episode 14: Rachel Maxwell, Traughber Junior High, Oswego, IL
On this episode, I sit down with Rachel Maxwell, director of bands at Traughber Junior High in Oswego, Illinois. Rachel talks about teaching techniques, professional development, the rise of nerd culture, and why she feels that this might be a...
07.03.2018
Episode 13: Chip De Stefano, Director of Bands, Oliver McCracken Middle School
What I Did On My Summer Vacation, by Don Stinson 1. Selected two pieces for score study. Ultimately, I spilled a cup of coffee on one of them so badly that it changed the physical structure of the piece. Good news,...
03.01.2017
Episode 12: Barry Houser, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Illinois
After a long hiatus, we're ready to get back into it. Steve and I visited the University of Illinois and sat down with Professor Barry Houser in the historic Harding Band building. Professor Houser talks about his journey to...
07.10.2016
Episode 11: Ray Cramer, Director Emeritus, Indiana University, and Michael Fiske, Director Emeritus, Joliet Central High School
TWO GUESTS this time around. Steve and I sit down with Ray Cramer, Indiana University, and Mike Fiske, Joliet Central High School, and realize that they're both better at hosting a show than we are. We...
05.18.2016
Episode 10: Stephen G. Peterson, University of Illinois
I had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Stephen Peterson at the SuperState 2016 band festival. Dr. Peterson holds the distinguished honor as the current Director of Bands at the University of Illinois, a program that many consider...
03.24.2016
Episode 9: Edwin Franko Goldman and Bruce Houseknecht
On this episode, we present a interview of Edwin Franko Goldman from the Goldman Band, and Bruce Houseknecht from the Joliet Township High School Band. This interview is used with permission from WJOL Radio Station in Crest Hill/Joliet, Illinois....
03.03.2016
Episode 008: Don Owens, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
Featured music: Joyous Celebration, by Don Owens. Chunky Monkey, by Don Owens. Dan Moore and I were lucky have Dan's mentor, Don Owens (D.O.) come out and work our band in rehearsal. Of course, we couldn't let D.O....
12.22.2015
Episode 007 (No, not THAT episode 7): James Lambrecht, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL/Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble, Tokyo, Japan
Let's be honest; this is the episode 7 that we've all been truly waiting for. My guest co-host Daniel Moore and I sit down with Dr. James Lambrecht, director of bands and professor of trumpet at Augustana College in...
08.03.2015
Episode 006: Charles Menghini, VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL
We had a lot of fun sitting down with Dr. Menghini, and as usual, we learned something. We know you'll all enjoy hearing Dr. Menghini talk about time management, his first years teaching, and his thoughts on education.
06.16.2015
Episode 005: Chip Staley, Neuqua Valley High School, IL
Under the leadership of Charles "Chip Staley, the Neuqua Valley High School music program has received seven Grammy Gold Awards for excellence in music, and is recognized as a 2013 and 2015 National Grammy Signature School, a Kennedy Center for...
12.23.2014
Episode 004: Ken Snoeck, Lake Park High School
Our interview with Ken Snoeck, Director Emeritus of Lake Park High School in Roselle, IL. Ken talks about his compositions, running a successful band program in the concert and marching areas, and gives advice to younger teachers on "burnout."
11.30.2014
Episode 003: Ted Lega, Part 2
Part two of our interview with Ted Lega, which is actually part one! We kick off with a sample of a track from the Teddy Lee Orchestra's album "Sentimental Journey," and then Ted goes into some great history of...
10.26.2014
Episode 002: Ted Lega, Part 1
In part 1, Ted Lega, Director Emeritus at Joliet Township High School and Troy Middle School, talks expression in music, and discusses his musical mentors, including Dr. Harry Begian. Part 2 coming soon, including the history of the Joliet Township...
09.30.2014
Episode 001: Greg Bimm, Marian Catholic
Greg Bimm, Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School, talks luck, the perfect phrase, and Taco John's.

What's The Bandmasters Podcast about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The Bandmasters Podcast episodes:

Episode 37: Bill Jastrow, Retired, Indian Prairie School District 204, IL

Episode 36: Damien Crutcher, Crescendo Detroit

Episode 35: Bobby Lambert, Wando High School, Mt. Pleasant, SC

Sidenote Series Episode 9: Bob Mecozzi on Getting Things Done

Episode 34: Dr. Joe Manfredo, Retired, Illinois State University

Sidenote Series Episode 8: Tim DeBoer and Peter Lipari on Opera

Sidenote Series Episode 7: Chris Gleason on Autonomy, Mastery, and Purpose (and Practicing!)

Sidenote Series Episode 6: Sebastian Martinez Recommends his Favorite Latin Music

Sidenote Series Episode 5: Kirk Hickman and Eric Wellman Provide at Home Percussion Practice Tips

Sidenote Series Episode 4: Alex Kaminsky on Breathing

Sidenote Series Episode 3: Yanni Ovalle and Alexus Maldonado on Being the Class of 2020 During COVID-19

Sidenote Series Episode 2: Steve Pyter and Jermaine Stegall on Composing

NEW SERIES: The Bandmasters Sidenote Series; first episode featuring Charlie Menghini

Episode 33: Dr. Roosevelt Griffin III, Harvey School District 152, Harvey, IL

Episode 32: Mark Iwinski, Victor J. Andrew High School, Tinley Park, IL

Episode 31: Dan Valkema, Retired, Plainfield Central High School, Plainfield, IL

Episode 30: Matt Bufis, Evanston Township High School, Evanston, IL

Episode 29: Alex Kaminsky, VanderCook College of Music

Episode 28: Matt Temple, New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL

Episode 27: A.R. McAllister, Joliet Township High School, Joliet, IL, Part I

Episode 26: Dr. Rodney C. Dorsey, Indiana University

Episode 25: James F. Keene, University of Illinois

Episode 24: Melissa Gustafson-Hinds, O'Fallon Township High School, O'Fallon, IL

Episode 23: Gary Smith, University of Illinois, and Cody Birdwell, University of Kentucky

Episode 22: Robert Herrings, Director of Bands, Henry Middle School, Cedar Park, TX

Episode 21: John Thomson, Retired, New Trier High School, Winnetka, IL

Episode 20: Bruce Pearson, Author/Music Educator, Tradition of Excellence

Episode 19: Jim Stombres, Retired, St. Charles North, IL

Episode 18: Arris Golden, Assistant Director of Bands, Michigan State University

Episode 17: Wendy Higdon, Director of Bands, Creekside Middle School, Carmel, IN

Episode 16: Scott Casagrande, Director of Bands, John Hersey High School, Arlington Heights, IL

Episode 15: Daniel Moore, Retired, Naperville North High School, Naperville, IL

Episode 14: Rachel Maxwell, Traughber Junior High, Oswego, IL

Episode 13: Chip De Stefano, Director of Bands, Oliver McCracken Middle School

Episode 12: Barry Houser, Director of Athletic Bands, University of Illinois

Episode 11: Ray Cramer, Director Emeritus, Indiana University, and Michael Fiske, Director Emeritus, Joliet Central High School

Episode 10: Stephen G. Peterson, University of Illinois

Episode 9: Edwin Franko Goldman and Bruce Houseknecht

Episode 008: Don Owens, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

Episode 007 (No, not THAT episode 7): James Lambrecht, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL/Musashino Academia Musicae Wind Ensemble, Tokyo, Japan

Episode 006: Charles Menghini, VanderCook College of Music, Chicago, IL

Episode 005: Chip Staley, Neuqua Valley High School, IL

Episode 004: Ken Snoeck, Lake Park High School

Episode 003: Ted Lega, Part 2

Episode 002: Ted Lega, Part 1

Episode 001: Greg Bimm, Marian Catholic