Joining Us today is Dr. Nicholas J. Valenziano. Valenziano is a retired music educator and an active professional musician with over 70 years of experience. He was one of the founding members of Marching Bands of America and served MBA as both its Educational Director and Executive Director.

In celebration of Music for All’s 50th anniversary, the podcast series Joining Us! takes listeners on a journey through five decades of unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and the people who shaped the legacy of Music for All and Bands of America. Hosted by the voice of BOA, Chuck Henson, tune into this series every Thursday through the end of 2025. Listen as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future—one story at a time.

Break Ranks, hosted and produced by Bands of America’s Dan Potter, brings you the latest from the BOA Championship season! Each episode explores different angles of marching band with a variety of guests and interviews, offering an insider’s perspective for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and fans alike.

Break Ranks is presented in association with Bands of America’s Sun Safety Partner, Outrun the Sun (outrunthesun.org)

This week, Dan speaks with John Miller, retired Director of Bands at American Fork H.S., UT, and Music for All Hall of Fame member.

In this episode, David speaks with Christopher McCurdy, Director of Bands at Grant H.S., OR!

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/xMCvW1VEUnQ?feature=share

Joining Us today are Matt Carter and Mike Fox. Matt Carter is Senior Vice President and Chief Destination Development Officer at Visit Indy. Mike Fox is the Former Stadium Director for Lucas Oil Stadium and, prior to that, the RCA Dome.

In celebration of Music for All’s 50th anniversary, the podcast series Joining Us! takes listeners on a journey through five decades of unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and the people who shaped the legacy of Music for All and Bands of America. Hosted by the voice of BOA, Chuck Henson, tune into this series every Thursday through the end of 2025. Listen as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future—one story at a time.

Break Ranks, hosted and produced by Bands of America’s Dan Potter, brings you the latest from the BOA Championship season! Each episode explores different angles of marching band with a variety of guests and interviews, offering an insider’s perspective for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and fans alike.

Break Ranks is presented in association with Bands of America’s Sun Safety Partner, Outrun the Sun (outrunthesun.org)

This week, Dan speaks with Melissa Brown & David Clements, band boosters at Bentonville H.S., AR.

In this episode, David speaks with Steven Page, Band Teacher at Paducah M.S., KY!

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/fck5-QxVBB8?feature=share

Joining Us today are Nola Jones, John Phillips, and Richard Saucedo, who comprise the Bands of America Judge Administration Team.

In celebration of Music for All’s 50th anniversary, the podcast series Joining Us! takes listeners on a journey through five decades of unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and the people who shaped the legacy of Music for All and Bands of America. Hosted by the voice of BOA, Chuck Henson, tune into this series every Thursday through the end of 2025. Listen as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future—one story at a time.

Break Ranks, hosted and produced by Bands of America’s Dan Potter, brings you the latest from the BOA Championship season! Each episode explores different angles of marching band with a variety of guests and interviews, offering an insider’s perspective for students, parents, teachers, administrators, and fans alike.

Break Ranks is presented in association with Bands of America’s Sun Safety Partner, Outrun the Sun (outrunthesun.org)

This week, Dan speaks with participants at the BOA St. Louis Super Regional Championship, including Tyler Belliston, Band Director, and Amber Rak Kaufmann, Percussion Director at Central Visual & Performing Arts H.S., MO.

In this episode, David speaks with Jazzmone Sutton, Senior Manager of State Advocacy & Equity at National Association for Music Education (NAfME)!

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://www.youtube.com/live/I7dPGkWt3ag?si=0yKfu62n_xFsyIV7

Joining Us today is Glenn Kotche, Grammy Award-winning professional drummer and composer. During his high school years, he was a BOA participant with Lake Park H.S., IL, where he later returned to teach. He also interned for BOA Summer Camp.

In celebration of Music for All’s 50th anniversary, the podcast series Joining Us! takes listeners on a journey through five decades of unforgettable moments, legendary performances, and the people who shaped the legacy of Music for All and Bands of America. Hosted by the voice of BOA, Chuck Henson, tune into this series every Thursday through the end of 2025. Listen as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead to the future—one story at a time.