This special episode is the last of a 5-part series of podcasts recorded on-site in June 2025 at the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp, presented by Yamaha. Please join us back for regularly scheduled Sunday evening/Monday morning episodes, beginning this week, August 3/4!

In this episode, David speaks with Patrick Mainieri, Chief Operating Officer for the Bloomington-Normal YMCA, IL, who also serves Music for All in many capacities, including as the Director of Participants Experience at BOA Summer Camp; and Jenny Stowers, coordinator of First Year Experience at Young Harris College, GA. Plus, hear some great tips from Sweetwater's Rick Drewry! 

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/N9p219aidPw?feature=share