In episode 81, Kathryn and Theresa reflect on the power of professional collaboration for music educators. Drawing from their own experiences, they discuss how connecting with fellow educators—whether across the country or in the same district—can transform teaching practices, reduce isolation, and foster creativity. They share anecdotes of innovative classroom projects, such as their cross-state recorder pen pals and collaborative feedback sessions using Flipgrid, which helped students develop skills in constructive critique and purposeful music-making. These experiences underscore how collaboration not only enhances teaching but also models lifelong learning and teamwork for students.

Kathryn and Theresa also highlight the importance of finding support networks to combat the isolation many music teachers face. They suggest starting with conferences, social media, or even colleagues outside of music education to brainstorm ideas or share lessons. For those looking for a structured way to connect, they recommend the Pass the Baton Coffee Club, which provides opportunities for group planning and idea-sharing. Take the leap into collaboration, whether by exchanging lessons or teaming up for larger projects, and share your experiences to inspire others in the music education community.

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In episode 80, we dive into the transformative world of creative music education with Steve Giddings, an innovative music educator and advocate for hands-on, student-driven learning. Steve shares his journey from traditional conservatory training to championing a more dynamic and accessible approach to teaching music. Through his experiences, Steve has developed techniques that encourage students to explore music through improvisation, creativity, and collaboration. Whether teaching rock bands, flipping Bloom's Taxonomy, or introducing new rhythms, Steve emphasizes making music education more about creating and less about replicating.

Join us as we explore Steve's innovative classroom practices, from "moshing" warm-ups to using tools like Groove Pizza and GarageBand to compose original works. Steve also discusses the critical role of fostering a safe space for students to make mistakes, take risks, and discover their unique musical voices. This episode is packed with practical advice for educators looking to bring creativity into their classrooms and inspire students to see themselves as lifelong musicians. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with one of music education’s leading voices!

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In episode 79, we welcome Jessie Peterson, a dedicated middle school band director and a passionate advocate for fostering intrinsic motivation in music education. Drawing from her doctoral studies at Clemson University and her extensive teaching experience, Jessie delves into the transformative power of Self-Determination Theory in the classroom. She shares how the principles of autonomy, competence, and relatedness have helped her create an inclusive and empowering environment where students thrive. Whether it’s encouraging students to choose their own instruments or setting collaborative goals for performances, Jessie demonstrates how these strategies cultivate a love for music that lasts a lifetime.

Tune in as Jessie shares practical insights, from utilizing sticker-based systems for mastery learning to fostering peer mentorship among students. Her creative approaches have not only expanded her band program dramatically but have also reinforced the value of music as a safe space for self-expression and growth. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to teaching, this episode offers valuable takeaways to implement in your own practice. Don’t miss Jessie’s heartfelt stories and actionable tips for building a connected and motivated musical community.

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In Episode 78, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Taylor Morris and Sara Duce, co-founders of the Gilbert Town Fiddlers. Taylor and Sara discuss their journey in music education and share how they have built an extracurricular program that fosters creativity, collaboration, and student ownership in music. Their organization, based in Gilbert, Arizona, teaches middle and high school students how to play and arrange music by ear, improvise, and work in ensemble settings. They emphasize giving students autonomy in music-making, allowing them to learn arrangement skills and make creative decisions in a democratic, collaborative environment.

Taylor and Sara also explain how their experiences in music education have influenced their approaches as private teachers and orchestra directors. They discuss the importance of providing students with choices, encouraging self-reflection, and helping them build the confidence to express ideas. Both educators highlight the unique skills students develop through ensemble-led arrangements and how the experience allows students to connect deeply with their music. Taylor and Sara’s insights make this episode a valuable listen for educators interested in incorporating more student-led, creative processes into their classrooms.

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In episode 77, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Grammy Music Educator of the Year, Stephen Cox, as he dives into his unique approach to music education and his latest venture with the Willis Wonderland Foundation. Stephen shares insights from his 14-year teaching career in Texas, where he developed a progressive, student-centered approach to band programs, prioritizing student autonomy, joy, and intrinsic motivation. He also reflects on his journey toward empowering students to lead and make decisions, which transformed his music programs and resulted in both personal and collective growth for his students.

Now, as part of the Willis Wonderland Foundation, Stephen is developing free songwriting resources to further his mission of making music education more accessible and engaging. The foundation, established to honor the legacy of renowned songwriter Allee Willis, provides teachers with tools to inspire students through songwriting and creative expression. Tune in to hear Stephen's inspiring thoughts on how progressive music education and creative freedom can transform not only classrooms but the lives of young musicians.

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In episode 76, Theresa and Kathryn welcome Gillian Desmarais Keller, an award-winning music educator specializing in K-12 music technology. Gillian shares her journey from teaching elementary music to establishing a cutting-edge music technology program in Maplewood Public Schools. She highlights the importance of integrating technology into traditional music education, offering students new opportunities for creativity through recording, lyric writing, and music production. Gillian also discusses how technology can enhance the learning experience by blending traditional music theory with modern tools like digital audio workstations (DAWs) such as Soundtrap and Ableton.

The conversation emphasizes the potential of music technology to engage a wider range of students, including those who may not be interested in traditional music programs. Gillian shares practical tips for teachers to start incorporating technology into their classrooms, advocating for the use of web applications like Chrome Music Lab and Groove Pizza as entry points. Whether you're a band director, choir teacher, or general music instructor, this episode provides valuable insights on how to make music education more accessible and relevant to all students.

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In episode 75, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Emily Meyerson, a seasoned music educator, to discuss her unique approach to teaching music through the TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior) pedagogy. Emily shares her experiences transitioning from a traditional teaching model to one that empowers students to behave and think like musicians. She emphasizes the importance of giving students creative control in the music classroom, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. From integrating technology, like electronic instruments and recording studios, to fostering a collaborative environment, Emily highlights how this innovative method nurtures independent thinkers and lifelong musicians.

You will also hear Emily's insights on balancing student-led projects with structured lessons and how she adapted TAB for various grade levels. She discusses the importance of classroom management, collaboration with other educators, and the profound impact of giving students creative freedom. This episode offers practical tips for educators interested in empowering their students while maintaining classroom structure.

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In Episode 74, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Berry McWhorter about how his deep dive into Japanese music education transformed his approach to teaching. After discovering the impressive performance of Japanese middle school bands during his studies, Berry embarked on a journey to understand the unique student-led structure of Japanese music programs. He found that these programs place significant responsibility on students to lead rehearsals, manage performances, and even handle administrative tasks, all with minimal direct supervision from teachers.

Inspired by this model, Berry applied similar strategies in his own high school band teaching. He encouraged student leadership by implementing student-led sectionals and allowing students to choose and conduct their concert pieces. This shift toward student ownership, influenced by the Japanese approach, created a more engaged and motivated classroom environment. Berry emphasizes that this method not only improves students’ musical abilities but also instills valuable life skills such as independence, responsibility, and collaboration. 

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In episode 73, Kathryn and Theresa engage in a compelling conversation with Ally McGowan, a dedicated middle school orchestra teacher from Connecticut. Ally shares her journey of transitioning from traditional methods of student engagement to a more empowering approach in her classroom. She discusses how small, intentional changes in her teaching methods have transformed her students' learning experiences, moving them from passive participation to active ownership of their musical growth. Ally emphasizes the importance of listening to her students and allowing them to take part in decisions about their learning, such as choosing the flow of their lessons and engaging in improvisational activities.

The discussion also highlights the value of collaboration among educators, with Ally describing her experiences working alongside other music teachers to enhance the learning environment. She reflects on the benefits of having students provide peer feedback, which not only deepens their understanding but also fosters a supportive classroom community. By focusing on student empowerment and incorporating innovative teaching techniques, Ally has successfully created a classroom atmosphere where students are excited to learn and explore music in new and meaningful ways.

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In this episode of the Pass the Baton podcast, hosts Kathryn Finch and Theresa Hoover kick off the fourth season by discussing how to create an empowering classroom environment as the new school year begins. They emphasize the importance of setting the tone early, fostering an inclusive and positive atmosphere where students feel confident and motivated. The conversation delves into practical strategies for building student engagement, focusing on providing opportunities for students to take ownership of their learning, which in turn enhances their confidence and love for music.

The episode also highlights the significance of student voice and choice in the classroom. Kathryn and Theresa explore how giving students a say in their learning process, from the music they play to the way the classroom is organized, can lead to a more dynamic and collaborative environment. They offer actionable tips on how to integrate student feedback, creativity, and collaboration into daily lessons, ensuring that students feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed throughout the school year.

Kickstart your school year with our Pass the Baton BINGO board. Download it now and watch your students thrive! ➡ https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/l0d3p7