Joining Us today is Michael Davis, who retired as the Band and Orchestra director for Walt Disney World Resort in 2001. Prior to his tenure with Disney, Mike served on band faculty at James Madison University and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, to where he helped to bring the first BOA Summer Nationals. He served on the BOA Board of Directors for nearly a decade.

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.

This special episode is part 3 of 5 of a series of podcasts recorded on-site in June 2025 at the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp, presented by Yamaha.

In this episode, David speaks with Jennifer Witt, Band and Orchestra Marketing Manager at Sweetwater; and Brian Blocker, who is the Band Director at Broad Ripple M.S., IN, as well as an assistant for the Jazz Band of America at Music for All National Festival.

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 here: https://youtube.com/live/22FV8GimzVA?feature=share

This special episode is part 2 of 5 of a series of podcasts recorded on-site in June 2025 at the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp, presented by Yamaha.

In this episode, David speaks with Courney Allyson Mills, who is a BOA Broadcaster for BOX5-TV, as well as a choreographer and performance consultant; and Jose Sanchez, Director of Bands at Gatesville H.S., TX. 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 here: https://youtube.com/live/q4w4hANwi0I?feature=share

Joining Us today is Greg Bimm, Retired Director of Bands at Marian Catholic H.S., IL. Under Greg, the Marian Catholic band participated in BOA every year from 1981 to 2022 and won seven Grand National Champion titles, five Summer National Champion titles, and 21 Grand National Class Championships.

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.

This special episode is part 1 of 5 of a series of podcasts recorded on-site in June 2025 at the Sweetwater Director Academy at the Bands of America Summer Camp, presented by Yamaha.

In this episode, David speaks with two wonderful Director Academy Assistants: Garrett Coffer, Assistant Director of Bands at Vincennes Lincoln H.S., IN; and Stephanie Aarons-Dennison, Director of Bands at Centralia H.S., IL. Plus, hear some great tips from Sweetwater's Craig Edgar! 

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 here: https://www.youtube.com/live/mG1idt4lN4Y?feature=shared

Joining Us today is Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, the Executive Director of Marching Bands of America from 1980 to 1982, who is currently the Executive Director of Attitude Concepts for Today, as well as an educational advisor and bestselling author.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.

In this episode, David speaks with Patrick Vandehey, Professor Emeritus, Portland State University!

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/KMnjElt8Luo?feature=shared

In this episode, David speaks with Craig Gustafson, Band & Orchestra Teacher at Evergreen Public Schools, WA!

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/G53NNTRzlZA?feature=shared

In this episode, David speaks with Frederick Lowe, Director of Music Program at Loyola University Chicago and Conductor of the Palatine (IL) Concert Band!

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/kYRqj6apzbY?feature=shared

In this episode, David speaks with Adam Mewhorter, Director of Bands at Southmoore H.S., OK!

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/CTTEWtUJiCM?feature=shared