Directors Circle

This special episode features the renowned choral conductor and author, Dr. Ramona Wis. In this interview, I discuss several key components of leadership with Dr. Wis that she was written about in her popular book, “The Conductor As Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium.”

I chat with Joe Santanello as he discusses his views on attaining student excellence and transitioning into a new position. Joe is a phenomenal musician, educator, and human being and this episode is jam-packed with tons of valuable insight for anyone interested in developing a program or moving into a new music program.

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Phillips to discuss his career as an educator and the Director of String Publications for Alfred Music. Topics discussed include: recruitment of student musicians, building a new program, using alternative styles in a string curriculum, and writing a method book.

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Brad Townsend who is the director of bands at the University of Pittsburgh. He shares his thoughts on developing music programs at multiple universities, entering as a new director in a program that is rich in tradition, taking student input into consideration for show planning, and implementing growth in a collegiate program.

Bob Matchett discusses his work as a band director at Seneca Valley Senior High School in Harmony, PA. With an accomplished career as an educator and musician, Bob discusses characteristics of an outstanding leader, taking over a new program, and how working as a professional musician can impact teaching. In April, Bob will conduct the Seneca Valley High School Wind Ensemble at the NAfME All Eastern Conference in Pittsburgh, PA.

Dr. Stephen Benham speaks about his leadership roles as a former president for the American String Teachers Association and as an Associate Professor of Music Education at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. As a leading expert in string pedagogy and teaching, Dr. Benham shares his thoughts on music advocacy, servitude leadership, and working as an administrator at the collegiate level.

Scott Koter sits down with us to discuss his career as an administrator and band director. With his experience as an administrator, Scott shares some insight on teacher credibility and decision making. Having worked as the program coordinator for the several DCI Drum Corps, Scott also discusses the planning and communication tactics that go into preparing a championship caliber production.

In this episode, Greg Johnson shares his experiences on leading his jazz program at the Marin School of the Arts. Topics discussed include: teaching improvisation, gaining appreciation for all styles of music, programing repertoire, and utilizing experience as a professional musician to motivate students.

To learn more about Greg and his music, please visit www.gregjohnsonjazz.com

Dr. Ryan Beeken shares his thoughts of effectively connecting with students and building a choral program of over 300 musicians during his time as an educator in public schools. In addition to his work as the director of choral studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Beeken frequently serves as a clinician and conductor across the country.

In this episode, Jeff Ball discusses his approach to building a band program of over 350 students at the Grand Street Campus in NYC and conducting the Brooklyn Wind Symphony around the country in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall.