We are so proud of Pennsylvania's own West Chester University Marching Band having been selected to perform in the 2024 Tournament of Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.

We're talking with the band's director and students as they prepare for their performance of a lifetime that's only a few weeks away.

We're talking to the director and a member of the visual staff of this year's Bands of America Grand National Champion, Avon High School about their process, their season, and so much more. Oh, and they're married too, so we get to hear about that dynamic as well.

Plus, we have a special co-host - Courtney Coffey from Simply Colorguard.

Dr. Elliot Cleveland is the founder of Marching Health and he joins us to talk about the importance of paying attention to health and fitness in the marching arts and he provides some free resources.

Jazz singer/songwriter Ann Hampton Callaway joins us to talk about her new album, Finding Beauty, Originals Volume 1. She also provides advice for aspiring vocalists and music educators.

Amanda Karhuse is the Assistant Executive Director for Advocacy and Public Policy at the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). She joins us to talk about what's currently happening in Washington, D.C. and how that impacts policy related to music education.

We're talking with Kate Landis, a music educator in the Hanover Public School District. She shares how she grew her marching band from 27 members to 95 in just four years. Plus, she has suggestion for how to empower student leaders.

We're joined by NAfME President-Elect, Deb Confredo to learn about the new Music Teacher Profession Initiative and how you can get involved.

Emily Bovan from UniSound in Western Pennsylvania joins us to tell us what UniSound is and we learn about their Black Teaching Artist-in-Residence Program.

We talk with Pennsylvania's new Secretary of Education, Dr. Khalid Mumin, about current issues in education, his experience in music, and his message to educators.

In this jam packed episode, we recap the 2023 PMEA Day of Service, catch up with music education advocate Miss Pennsylvania Miranda Moore, and talk with PMEA Executive Director Abi Young and PMEA Executive Director Emerita Margaret Bauer.