This special episode is part 3 of 5 of a series of podcasts recorded on-site in June 2025 at the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp, presented by Yamaha.

In this episode, David speaks with Jennifer Witt, Band and Orchestra Marketing Manager at Sweetwater; and Brian Blocker, who is the Band Director at Broad Ripple M.S., IN, as well as an assistant for the Jazz Band of America at Music for All National Festival.

Join David Duarte as he discusses the methods, challenges, and benefits of building a positive culture within the classroom. Hear different perspectives from music educators of all backgrounds, and learn how they build a culture of intrinsic motivation, collaboration, and growth within their own ensembles.

Watch this episode with video here: https://youtube.com/live/22FV8GimzVA?feature=share