Band BFFs

By Katie Lewis and Laura Bell

What's Band BFFs about?

Hosts Katie Lewis and Laura Bell are the Band BFF's! This podcast is The One Where We Discuss Band Music. Cheers to starting the conversation!

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Band BFFs episodes:

05.14.2024
Arctic Wars
In this episode, we delve into "Arctic Wars, Rise of the Penguin Army" by Brian Balmages. Join us as we explore the intricate composition, from its shifting tempos to the layered instrumentation, making it a favorite among both beginners and...
05.06.2024
Expectations
In this episode of "Band BFFS," the hosts delve into Larry Clark's musical piece "Expectations," discussing its approachable yet expressive composition suitable for bands transitioning to lyrical music. They emphasize the importance of percussion for color and effect, and the...
04.29.2024
Looking Up!
In this episode of "Band BFFS," the hosts explore Robert Sheldon's musical piece "Looking Up," focusing on its technical features and popularity in Texas. They delve into the complexities of the piece's brisk tempo and the challenging extended horn range,...
04.22.2024
Mystery Ride
In this episode of "Band BFFs," the hosts dive into Terry White's musical piece "Mystery Ride." They detail the composition's technical aspects, such as time signature, key, and instrumentation, highlighting its suitability for bands with limited percussionists. The discussion emphasizes...
04.15.2024
Rust Belt
In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into William Owens' composition "Rust Belt," detailing its musical elements, such as key, time signature, and ideal instrument ranges, alongside its thematic exploration of a once-thriving metropolis now facing decline. They...
04.08.2024
Tanchozuru
In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts explore Randall Standridge's composition "Tanchozuru," offering detailed insights into its musical structure, including its key, time signature, and duration, as well as specific parts for various instruments. They provide in-depth analysis on...
04.02.2024
As Twilight Falls
In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts discuss Robert Sheldon's "As Twilight Falls," which has huge potential as an excellent piece for introducing lyrical playing. Tips on performance techniques, breath control, and balancing different sections are shared, making it...
03.25.2024
Danza de Espana
In this episode 10, the Band BFF's discuss Carol Britton Chambers' "Danza de Espana." With its straightforward 3/4 time signature and the key of D minor, it's fun and easy to put together! Percussion is especially crucial for capturing the...
03.18.2024
Japanese Pictures
In episode 9 of the Band BFF's podcast, the hosts explore Kevin Mixon's "Japanese Pictures," emphasizing its key of Concert B Flat, engaging tempo, and the crucial role of percussion in achieving the piece's dramatic effect. They offer practical advice...
03.11.2024
Tripwire
In episode 8 of Band BFFs, the hosts explore "Tripwire" by Jarod Hall, highlighting its dynamic range, engaging percussion, and the opportunity for each section to shine. Composed in 2020, the piece is set in concert E flat or C...
03.04.2024
Our Kingsland Spring
In episode 8, the Band BFFs explore "Our Kingsland Spring" by Samuel Hazo, focusing on its key of concert E-flat and its transitions between 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures. They discuss the piece's emotional depth, highlighting its significance in teaching...
02.26.2024
Egyptique
In episode 7, the Band BFFs unpack "Egyptique" by Willie Owens, highlighting its position as a Grade 2 piece on the Texas PML with a consistent key of Concert E flat and a 4/4 time signature. They delve into its...
02.19.2024
Colliding Visions
In episode 6, the Band BFFs discuss "Colliding Visions" by Brian Balmages, a Grade 2 piece that features lyrical style and is one of our personal favorites. They give rehearsal ideas, ways to layer in voices, and have both used...
02.05.2024
Bazaar
In episode 5, the Band BFF's discuss "Bazaar" by Randall Standridge, which is a Grade 1 plus piece. They emphasize the complexity despite its short length and explore various elements like key, time signature, and instrumentation. The hosts provide insights...
02.05.2024
Night Fury
In episode 4, the Band BFF's explore "Night Fury" by Carol Brittin Chambers. The piece features energetic rhythms, vital percussion, and attention to dynamic contrasts. This is a great choice to work on tempo control, specific articulations, and layering in...
02.05.2024
Plaza de Toros
In episode 3, the Band BFF's discuss "Plaza de Toros" by Michael Story. The hosts provide insights and teaching strategies for accidentals, instrument considerations, and balance. They emphasize teaching aspects such as chromaticism, fifth positions for low brass, and articulation...
02.05.2024
Wings to the Mind
In episode 2, the Band BFF's discuss "Wings to the Mind" by Brian Balmages. They provide insights on its suitability for young and beginning bands, covering aspects such as key, time signature, range, and duration. The hosts share teaching tips,...
02.05.2024
Dance Celebration
In episode 1, the Band BFF's discuss "Dance Celebration" by Robert W. Smith. The hosts provide insights into its key, time signature, tempo, and instrumentation, offering tips on handling various sections. They emphasize the importance of balance, dynamics, and articulation,...
02.04.2024
The One Where We Intro The Podcast
The Band BFFs - Intro to the podcast

What's Band BFFs about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Band BFFs episodes:

Arctic Wars

Expectations

Looking Up!

Mystery Ride

Rust Belt

Tanchozuru

As Twilight Falls

Danza de Espana

Japanese Pictures

Tripwire

Our Kingsland Spring

Egyptique

Colliding Visions

Bazaar

Night Fury

Plaza de Toros

Wings to the Mind

Dance Celebration

The One Where We Intro The Podcast