In episode 56, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Tom Chester and Justin Johnson, music educators and ensemble directors from Illinois. The discussion revolves around the concept of student-centered learning in the realm of music education. Both Tom and Justin emphasize the importance of equipping students with the tools to think critically and independently about music. They highlight the pitfalls of traditional teaching methods that often prioritize performance preparation over genuine musical understanding. By drawing parallels to other academic subjects and real-life scenarios, they advocate for a teaching approach that empowers students to make informed decisions about musicality, expression, and technique. The conversation underscores the value of fostering a lifelong appreciation and understanding of music beyond the confines of the classroom or a specific performance.

Connect with Tom and Justin:

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In episode 55, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Terry Little, a veteran music educator with over three decades of experience. Terry delves deep into the concept of "assessment for learning," emphasizing its role in making the educational process more student-centered. Instead of traditional grading methods, this approach involves students actively in their assessment, allowing them to produce tangible evidence of their learning journey. This evidence enables students to self-assess, set learning goals, and monitor their progress. Terry also touches on the importance of purpose in learning, ensuring students understand the "why" behind their tasks. Throughout the interview, Terry underscores the significance of integrating assessments into the learning process, fostering greater student engagement, motivation, and understanding of their growth.

Connect with Terry:

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

We want to hear from you! How are you passing the baton? Have students started taking ownership in your music classroom? Have you created an environment where students feel empowered? We want to hear about it! No matter how big or how small, consider sharing your experience passing the baton to your music students. Use this link to record a short voice message: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/PasstheBaton⁠⁠⁠.

You may even hear your story on an upcoming episode of the Pass the Baton podcast.

In episode 54, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Dr. Dylan Maddix, an Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at Memorial University, as he shares his extensive journey in music education and his insights on the transformative power of servant leadership within this realm. Dylan delves into his experiences with various educators and how they shaped his perspective on leadership and teaching. He discusses the profound impact of servant leadership, a concept formalized by Robert K. Greenleaf in the 1970s, emphasizing its role in fostering meaningful relationships and focusing on the well-being of students. Dylan’s reflections, coupled with his research involving interviews with several conductors and educators, underscore the importance of leading with love and empathy in music education, aiming to create a more positive and holistic learning environment for students.

Connect with Dylan and learn more about his work:

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

We want to hear from you! How are you passing the baton? Have students started taking ownership in your music classroom? Have you created an environment where students feel empowered? We want to hear about it! No matter how big or how small, consider sharing your experience passing the baton to your music students. Use this link to record a short voice message: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/PasstheBaton⁠⁠.

You may even hear your story on an upcoming episode of the Pass the Baton podcast.

In episode 53, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Dr. Shane Colquhoun, an assistant professor of music technology and contemporary styles at Alabama State University. Shane discusses the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to music education by challenging the notion of "music education for all," arguing that current programs often cater only to students with specific musical interests, such as classical instruments, while neglecting those interested in contemporary or popular music. He advocates for a more student-centered approach, where educators ask students what they want to learn and tailor the curriculum accordingly. Shane also emphasizes the need to train future teachers to be open to different forms of musicianship and to be willing to adapt their methods to better serve a diverse student body. 

Connect with Shane and learn more:

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

We want to hear from you! How are you passing the baton? Have students started taking ownership in your music classroom? Have you created an environment where students feel empowered? We want to hear about it! No matter how big or how small, consider sharing your experience passing the baton to your music students. Use this link to record a short voice message: ⁠⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/PasstheBaton⁠⁠.

You may even hear your story on an upcoming episode of the Pass the Baton podcast.

In episode 52, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Jen Rafferty, a former music educator and the founder of the Empowered Educator. Jen discusses the importance of educators taking care of themselves to create a positive impact on students. By prioritizing self-care and practicing breathing exercises, teachers can regulate their nervous systems and make better decisions. Jen advocates for shifting the narrative from selflessness and martyrdom to empowering educators, as their well-being directly affects student success. Modeling healthy behaviors for students can create a positive learning environment and foster emotional awareness and resilience in young learners.

Connect with Jen and learn more:

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

We want to hear from you! How are you passing the baton? Have students started taking ownership in your music classroom? Have you created an environment where students feel empowered? We want to hear about it! No matter how big or how small, consider sharing your experience passing the baton to your music students. Use this link to record a short voice message: ⁠https://www.speakpipe.com/PasstheBaton⁠.

You may even hear your story on an upcoming episode of the Pass the Baton podcast.

In episode 51, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Elizabeth Peterson, a 25-year veteran teacher from New Hampshire.  Elizabeth discusses the importance of social and emotional learning (SEL) in the music classroom, especially in relation to building strong teacher-student relationships and fostering student empowerment. She emphasizes the significance of SEL in helping students become more emotionally aware and socially competent, and offers strategies to help music teachers promote SEL concepts. These not only enhance students' musical abilities but also help develop empathy, communication, and emotional understanding among them, creating a safe and caring learning environment. Elizabeth shares that proactive and explicit SEL practices can foster a sense of empowerment and engagement among students, making them more enthusiastic about their learning experiences.

Connect with Elizabeth:

Learn more about Pass the Baton:

We want to hear from you! How are you passing the baton? Have students started taking ownership in your music classroom? Have you created an environment where students feel empowered? We want to hear about it! No matter how big or how small, consider sharing your experience passing the baton to your music students. Use this link to record a short voice message: https://www.speakpipe.com/PasstheBaton.

You may even hear your story on an upcoming episode of the Pass the Baton podcast.

Welcome to episode 50 of the Pass the Baton podcast! This episode starts with Theresa and Kathryn talking briefly about their school years and what to look forward to for Pass the Baton. Then we look back at some of the great moments captured in season two of the podcast. 

Get a free preview of Pass the Baton here:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.daveburgessconsulting.com/books/pass-the-baton/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support Pass the Baton - Resources, Books, Coaching, and more! ➡ https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton

For more info:⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Free Download - Exit Tickets for Self-Reflection: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

This week, Kathryn and Theresa spoke with Ryan Diefenderfer, about his experiences implementing the Orpheus approach with his high school ensembles. Ryan works at Paradise Valley High School in Phoenix, Arizona, teaching the marching band, concert band, orchestra, chamber ensembles, and jazz band. He is also working on a master's degree at Arizona State University and was recently named a quarterfinalist for the 2024 Grammy Music Educator Award. 

Throughout the interview, Ryan shares how he first learned about the Orpheus approach and why he felt this would benefit his students at Paradise Valley High School. He also provides suggestions for other music teachers interested in trying something similar with their own students.

Connect with Ryan and learn more about his work:

Get a free preview of Pass the Baton here:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.daveburgessconsulting.com/books/pass-the-baton/⁠⁠⁠

Support Pass the Baton - Resources, Books, Coaching, and more! ➡ ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠

For more info:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠⁠

Free Download - Exit Tickets for Self-Reflection: ⁠⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

This week, Kathryn and Theresa interviewed David Getz about how he incorporates music composition to spark student creativity. David is a high school orchestra teacher in central Illinois. He has also coached cross country, conducts a local youth orchestra, and recently published a book with F-flat Books, Unlocking Student Creativity Through Composition. As someone who was encouraged to compose and improvise at a young age, David recognizes how influential those experiences were. He now works to provide those same opportunities for his own students. 

Connect with David and learn more about his work:

Get a free preview of Pass the Baton here:⁠⁠ https://www.daveburgessconsulting.com/books/pass-the-baton/⁠⁠

Support Pass the Baton - Resources, Books, Coaching, and more! ➡ ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠

For more info:⁠⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠⁠

Free Download - Exit Tickets for Self-Reflection: ⁠⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9

In episode 47, Kathryn and Theresa talk to Allison Russo about how she works with music educators to create a values-based music program. Allison is currently an educational consultant in New Jersey, working with both schools and non-profit organizations. After graduating from Ithaca College, she taught elementary band for several years and then began working for a jazz education non-profit, helping to bring jazz education into schools and running their gender equity program. It was through these experiences she discovered the importance of incorporating social, cultural, and emotional skills and values in the classroom. In this interview, Allison shares how music educators can work with their students, schools, and communities to create a shared value statement for their programs.

Get a free preview of Pass the Baton here:⁠ https://www.daveburgessconsulting.com/books/pass-the-baton/⁠

Support Pass the Baton - Resources, Books, Coaching, and more! ➡ ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/passthebaton⁠

For more info:⁠ https://www.passthebatonbook.com/⁠

Free Download - Exit Tickets for Self-Reflection: ⁠https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/f8l7g9