Directors Circle

This episode features my interview with Dr. Shelley Jagow from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to her career as an educator and conductor, Shelley is well known for her work as an author of several publications including “Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program” and “Tuning For Wind Instruments: A Roadmap To Successful Intonation.”

As we face the challenges of teaching during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I had the pleasure of bringing a panel of distinguished music educators together as they shared their personal experiences with this matter. In this interview, you will hear Dr. Russel Mikkelson, Dr. Christopher Cicconi, Dr. Andrew Yozviak, and Adam Gumble talking about their current teaching situations, modifying instruction for remote teaching, and maintaining a positive mindset during this difficult time.

In this interview, I had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Philip Silvey. In addition to being an acclaimed composer and arranger, Dr. Silvey is Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music where he directs the Women’s Chorus and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. Highlights from our conversation include Philip’s ideas on composing, teacher training, student motivation, and assessment strategies.

This episode features Dr. Tyler Austin who is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University. In this episode, Tyler talks about his roles as a college band director and musical director for the Maryland Chamber Winds. We also chat about entrepreneurial skills, creating meaningful relationships, and vulnerability for music educators.

In this episode, I speak with renowned conductor and composer, Dr. Timothy Mahr. Dr. Mahr is an active composer for wind band and is also a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Dr. Mahr shares some valuable insight into the art of composing and creating a culture of excellence in a music program.

This episode features my interview with the legendary Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Jerry is a Grammy award-winning conductor who is well known for his work as a professor of choral music at the University of Michigan. In our discussion, Jerry shares his views on repertoire, inspiring musicians, and the art of music-making.

In this special edition of Directors Circle, I catch up with Scott Sheehan on the open election for the National Association for Music Education. Scott discusses the topics up for election as well as being a candidate for the 2020-2022 National President-Elect. If you are a NAfME member, make sure to vote by February 12th!

In the episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stefan from Wexford, PA. Todd oversees a large high school band program in the North Allegheny School District that has featured ensembles at PMEA state conferences, NAfME All-Eastern conferences, and the inaugural parade for Barack Obama’s presidency. In this interview, we chat about a wide variety of topics including administrative tasks involved with a large music program, staying mentally healthy, and quotes from the “Rocky” movies!

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Jason Worzbyt from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. In addition to conducting several instrumental ensembles, Jason also teaches undergraduate and graduate music courses and leads the bassoon studio at IUP. In this interview, we chat about a wide variety of topics including repertoire, recruiting the perfect bassoonist, the importance of music, and coffee!

Being a music educator is an occupying job with regards to time and balance. Imagine having the job of being a prominent composer in addition to that! In this interview, I had the privilege to chat with Mike Kamuf on how he balances a busy schedule of being a working composer in addition to leading the band and orchestra program at John T. Baker Middle School in Damascus, MD.