This special episode is part 4 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 Maggie Moncado, who just finished her first year teaching band at Joplin M.S. and H.S., MO; and Jonathan Bell, who has been teaching for a few more years and currently serves as Director of Bands at Germantown H.S., WI. Plus, hear some great tips from Sweetwater's Craig Edgar! 

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: https://youtube.com/live/wup2UA2PCc8?feature=share