TBA

TBA

This week's episode is a first for the "Band BFFs"! We were honored to record a crossover podcast episode with Kyle Smith of "The Growing Band Director"! We had great conversation about how and why we choose pieces and even literature for our own bands. We spoke about some of our favorite pieces and Kyle gave great insight to us as well! Check out this informative and fun Crossover episode with "The Growing Band Director"!

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Destiny Fanfare by Mekel Rogers, exploring its energetic march-like character, approachable range, and percussion-driven fanfare style. They share practical insights for balancing parts, shaping phrasing, and programming it as a concert fanfare or a march, or even for an All Region band!

In this Band BFFs episode, the hosts break down Randall Standridge’s Choose Joy, which is a brisk, high-energy showpiece with lots of percussion, a calm middle section, and an “Ode to Joy” moment—ideal year-round (especially winter concerts). They highlight practical rehearsal tips (clean articulation, balance), range demands for first trumpet, and all the cool percussion moments!

In this Band BFFs episode, the hosts break down JaRod Hall’s You Better Sleigh!—a funk-style, cut-time crowd-pleaser in concert B♭, which is packed with call-and-response lines, sax and low-brass features, and fun claps that make it a standout for winter concerts and elementary demo visits! They stress clean, independent counting for the syncopation, ample percussion coverage, and smart layering to keep the groove tight and the showmanship high!

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore Excitation March by Rob Grice — a perfect introduction to march style for beginning and sub–non-varsity bands. This short, 90-second piece uses only the first six notes of the B♭ scale and stays in 2/4 throughout, making it a great teaching tool for articulation, dynamics, march form, and phrasing. With limited percussion, unison rhythms, and clear part functions (melody, harmony, bass line), it offers a successful and accessible first march experience for young players.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we highlight Christmas Around the Band Room by Lisa Galvin — a festive, beginner-friendly medley that includes Up on the Housetop, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, and Jingle Bells. With accessible ranges, full ensemble scoring, and balanced moments for every section, this joyful arrangement gives all players a chance to shine while reinforcing key ensemble skills like balance, phrasing, and articulation. A crowd-pleasing, flexible winter concert option that’s as fun to teach as it is to perform!

In this episode of Band BFFs, we break down Sleigh Ride by Leroy Anderson, arranged by Michael Story — a festive, recognizable favorite adapted for beginner and sub–non-varsity bands. With optional simplifications, flexible percussion scoring, and a strong teaching focus on phrasing, articulation, and form (including multiple first and second endings), this charming winter piece provides both challenge and joy. Your students will love the classic sleigh bells, slapstick, and optional trumpet horse whinny — all while learning ensemble skills they'll use for years.

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore 6-Note Santa arranged by Joseph Compello, a short, cheerful grade 0.5 holiday piece perfect for first-year beginners. With unison writing, limited range, and familiar melodies like “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” this tune is easy to teach and fun to play. We highlight how it introduces phrasing, balance, and ensemble skills while letting every section shine.