Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

In our final episode of Season 2, we are beyond thrilled to have Brenda Justice, former choir director at Rouse High School, as our final guest - Christian's high school choir director! Brenda shares her experience in creating a culture that made a difference in the lives of countless students, as well as the true purpose of any educator: helping a student feel seen and at home.

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

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Connect with Brenda: [email protected]

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

In this episode, Kara tells us about the growth she has experienced in the past year as an educator. One of the biggest areas has been a mindset-shift in focusing on what you need to grow, and not what others think!

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Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

In this episode, Cody Hutcheson, Composer and Assistant Professor of Piano at Howard Payne University, joins us to discuss the variety of experiences he has had in the music profession and how each of them have benefited his understanding of music. This is also a great discussion about how each of us should work to diversify our own skillsets in music!

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Connect with Cody! 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hutchesonmusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXN005VF-m4mEeVYgKn909Q

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

In this episode, Dr. Francis Cathlina, Director of Choral Activities at the University of Memphis, joins us to discuss multiple techniques for improving your choir's tone and the importance of understanding the physical workings of your instrument - whether it's your voice or something else!

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Connect with Dr. Cathlina!
Website: https://www.franciscathlina.com/
Email: [email protected]

Your Voice: An Inside View 3 (Vocal Pedagogy Book): https://www.amazon.com/Your-Voice-Inside-View-3rd/dp/1733506012

Follow the University of Memphis Choral Program
Website: https://www.memphis.edu/music/ensembles/university-singers.php

Performance Recordings: https://www.franciscathlina.com/performances

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

In our first-ever "solo" episode, Christian explains the process of commissioning composers - having a composer write a brand new piece of music for your ensemble to premiere to the world! He also talks about how commissioning can be an educational experience for students, and the different ways composers try to make the experience as financial affordable as possible.

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Want to commission Christian? Book a call with him!

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

Our first guest of 2025 is Mr. Bryce Gage, choir director at Marble Falls High School! Having worked at a 4A program for many years now, Bryce gives us all the examples of what he did to grow what was a tiny choral program into a group that is performing at TMEA this year! He also emphasizes the importance of developing strong musical tone in ANY ensemble, and how it contributed to the strength of his group.

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

Mrs. Diane Harper joins us on the podcast to talk about her experience in the classroom, and how she dealt with the many obstacles she faced. Now a retired orchestra director, Diane provides insight as to how teachers (especially new teachers) can stay strong and keep moving forward during a time when teachers are not getting the support that they need.

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Connect with Diane: [email protected]

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

This week, we have Dr. Chris Rosborough, Director of Choral Activities at Howard Payne University joins us on the show to discuss how Lessons and Carols services can fit into any church's holiday schedule. We also talk about the necessity to innovate in a variety of circumstances - including only having a small number of musicians in your ensemble.

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

TCDA 2024 "We're Not in Cambridge Anymore" Resource Folder (courtesy of Chris Rosborough and Travis Lowery): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/12sxwtIH9pQCvCGUiz1PoH2DlERnD-sz1

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Connect with the HPU Choir:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hpuchoirs1/
Wesbite: https://www.hputx.edu/academics/schools/school-of-music-fine-arts/school-of-music-fine-arts-departments/department-music/

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

In the second part of our interview with HSU Cowboy Band Director Jay Lester, we learn about the different traditions the he incorporates in his band - and how traditions in your own ensemble can bring a greater sense of community to the group.

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Connect with the Hardin-Simmons "World Famous" Cowboy Band!
Website: https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/the-hsu-difference/hsu-traditions/cowboy-band/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twf_cowboy_band/

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings

Have a guest recommendation? Let us know!

This week, former Fine Arts Director of Abilene ISD Jay Lester joins us to discuss the many roles that an administrator plays in music education. He also shows the key things that admin looks for when hiring, as well what you should and should not do during a music teacher job interview!

Download the show notes for this episode HERE.

Follow our official Instagram page and become a part of the community!

Browse Kara's TPT Store!

Connect with the Hardin-Simmons "World Famous" Cowboy Band!
Website: https://www.hsutx.edu/about-hsu/the-hsu-difference/hsu-traditions/cowboy-band/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twf_cowboy_band/

Want a free piece of music for your ensemble to perform? Join Christian's mailing list!
https://www.christianfortnermusic.com/mailings