Fem Forte

Creating a safe and uplifting environment in any educational program is crucial, and Cori Swan sheds light on the strategies she employs to foster collaboration, respect, and camaraderie among her students. We also discuss the significance of empathy and understanding in building strong teacher-student relationships, paving the way for an inclusive and harmonious learning space.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

Work-Life balance is one of the toughest things to navigate especially in the music education space. In this episode, I sit down with Jana Harvey from Flower Mound HS to discuss on how she has maintained a healthy mindset and work-life balance.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

Women representation in the drumming and percussion world is steadily growing year over year but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. In this empowering episode, we dive into the dynamic world of drumming and percussion, where women are steadily breaking barriers year after year. Join us as we explore the experiences and challenges with Brittany Baptista, who has ventured into this traditionally male-dominated field.

As women continue to carve their path in the world of music, we share our personal journeys and reflections on being the only women in their careers as percussionists. We discuss the unique perspectives we bring to our craft and the inspiring stories of female drummers who have paved the way for future generations.

Tune in for an enlightening conversation that celebrates the achievements of women in percussion while acknowledging the work that still needs to be done. Join us on this journey as we explore the evolving landscape of women in the drumming and percussion world.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

Regardless of fancy awards and high rankings, the impact left on students is the heart of a program's success. In this episode, I am joined by Katie VanDoren, Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School where we explore the true measure of program success, centered around student impact. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring discussion that highlights the meaning of success, balancing motherhood as a Head Band Director, and lessons learned from performing with Carolina Crown.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

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It's finally here! Welcome to Fem Forte--your new favorite source for inspiring interviews with female music educators and performers. If you're excited for what's to come, help us get the word out by sharing a screenshot of this episode on your socials and tagging @FemFortePodcast.

Amanda DeFrees is the host of Fem Forte and currently serves as the Director of Media at Ultimate Drill Book. Amanda has worn multiple hats throughout her career as a performer, musician, and media professional. Amanda is a proud alum of Crossmen Winds, 5points Percussion, and has performed as a contracted musician at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and NCAA Final Four Entertainment Ensemble. Amanda currently resides in Austin, Texas where she helps capture media and share the stories of many in music education and performing arts.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

Learning from your mistakes and teaching from your own voice is what makes us unique and special. Discover the power of embracing mistakes and authentic teaching methods in this engaging podcast episode. Join us as we chat with Caitlin Wolf, Associate Band Director at Rouse High School, delving into the transformative value of standing out and breaking away from traditional norms. Explore how learning from our own missteps and teaching with a distinctive voice shapes our exceptional journey. Tune in now for insights that inspire individuality and innovation in education.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

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It is often very rare when we get to truly celebrate and highlight the people that impact our lives. On today's episode, I talk with my former music professor, Dr. Elizabeth Janzen and recollect the fond memories of my time at Texas A&M Kingsville from the very beginning. We talk about the importance of creating a safe space in music for young women to feel empowered and thrive as individuals and how creating an all-women based camp can impact the future generation.

Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

Send us a voice message!

It's finally here! Welcome to episode one of Fem Forte-- a podcast where we celebrate women in music and performing arts. Learn about the "why" behind Fem Forte as host Amanda DeFrees sits down with Luke and Josh Gall from Ultimate Drill Book and shares the story behind the process from idea generation to implementation.

Amanda DeFrees is the host of Fem Forte and currently serves as the Director of Media at Ultimate Drill Book. Amanda has worn multiple hats throughout her career as a performer, musician, and media professional. Amanda is a proud alum of Crossmen Winds, 5points Percussion, and has performed as a contracted musician at SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment and NCAA Final Four Entertainment Ensemble. Amanda currently resides in Austin, Texas where she helps capture media and share the stories of many in music education and performing arts.

If you're excited for what's to come, help us get the word out by sharing a screenshot of this episode on your socials and tagging @FemFortePodcast. Don't forget to subscribe and leave us a review!

Send us a voice message!