In this episode, Brian and Chris sit down with one of the most prolific and multifaceted voices in the music industry, Soon Hee Newbold. Longtime friends since their days at James Madison University, Brian and Soon Hee reminisce about their shared beginnings and the organic evolution of their careers. Soon Hee reveals her unique "origin story"—from her adoption and upbringing in the Maryland Suzuki world to her unexpected path from pre-med student to global composer. She shares her philosophy on storytelling in music, her high-intensity career in the film industry, and her intriguing secondary life as a reserve police officer and martial artist.

In this high-energy and deeply moving episode, Brian and Chris sit down with the "icon of positivity," Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser. Known globally for his leadership training and motivational speaking, Dr. Tim shares the "accidental" origin of his career and his profound insights into student psychology. The conversation moves from the humor of "writer's block" and road-warrior lifestyle to the heavy responsibility of being a music educator in a high-pressure, tech-saturated world. Dr. Tim delivers a masterclass on building trust, maintaining professional longevity, and why the "connection" is always more important than the content.

In this special preview episode, Brian and Chris dedicate the show to all things Midwest Clinic. They welcome Midwest Clinic Executive Director Kelly Bell for crucial logistical and professional insights, including her unique perspective as a former educator and the conference's future. Following her segment, the hosts share their personal Midwest highlights, detail their favorite aspects of the conference (networking, new music), and provide all the essential information needed to find and engage with them at the Alfred Music/MakeMusic booth: 1139.

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome legendary Texas band director Robert Herrings for an electrifying and honest conversation about achieving sustained excellence. Herrings, known for his unprecedented consecutive Honor Band wins and multiple Midwest appearances with Henry Middle School along with his upcoming Midwest debut with Vista Ridge High School, reveals his philosophy for building a program with sustaining success. He candidly shares the secrets behind his consistency: prioritizing student relationships, constant self-improvement (including private lessons on every instrument), and maintaining sky-high expectations rooted in joy and humanity. The episode is packed with practical advice for teachers at every level.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian and Chris open up about their personal holiday traditions before dedicating the show to gratitude for the music community. The episode is divided into three powerful segments: First, Chris surprises his former high school band director, Mike Sopko, to thank him for changing his life's trajectory. Second, Brian shares the profound story of Melody Jackson (Reeltown High School, AL), a student whose selfless wish for her band's new uniforms galvanized the music community and inspired his new piece, The Gift of Giving. The show culminates with a surprise guest appearance by their producer, Marianne White, highlighting the often-unseen creative people who support music education.

In this episode, Brian and Chris talk with film orchestrator and celebrated concert band composer Rossano Galante. Rossano shares his journey from Buffalo to Hollywood, studying with the legendary Jerry Goldsmith (who told him to keep playing trumpet!) and how he transitioned his film orchestration skills into writing the heroic, romantic music his band audiences love. The hosts and Rossano get deeply candid about the struggles and ultimate joys of the creative process, offering invaluable, practical advice for any young composer looking to get published and succeed.

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the dynamic Annie Ray to discuss the true meaning of success in music education. Annie, the 2024 Grammy Music Educator of the Year, shares the profound philosophy behind her unique programs, including Crescendo Orchestra (for students with disabilities) and the viral Parent Orchestra (250+ participants). She passionately details why intentional teaching, building student independence, and prioritizing humanity over traditional assessment scores are the keys to avoiding burnout and building a resilient, lifelong community of musicians.

In this special Halloween-themed bonus episode, Brian and Chris step away from typical advice to share the most fun, unexpected, and sometimes terrifying moments from their musical careers. They trade stories of performance disasters, backstage calamities, and awkward social situations that highlight the universal experience of a life in music. Ultimately, the episode uses humor to bring every surprising "uh-oh" moment back to a crucial lesson: Mistakes are inevitable, but the human-centered way you react to them is the real performance.

In this deeply insightful episode, Brian and Chris talk with Soo Han about his journey from a child of immigrants who practiced piano on a kitchen table to a conductor of international acclaim. The conversation is a powerful blend of artistic and pedagogical wisdom, focusing on the essential difference between conducting gestures and genuine musical communication. Soo Han shares profound lessons learned from his mentor Kevin Noe, stresses the importance of prioritizing humanity over performance, and offers practical, heartfelt advice for every music educator facing daily challenges.

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music.

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the legendary Peter Boonshaft, conductor, educator, motivational speaker, and author of the Teaching Music with Passion series. Peter shares his journey from determined young band director to world-renowned clinician, revealing how a single invitation changed the course of his career.

Together, they discuss teacher burnout, beginning-of-the-year mindset, and the power of reinventing yourself in the classroom. Peter offers practical advice on setting expectations, finding joy in teaching, and remembering why you started. You’ll also hear his humorous take on life’s unpredictable moments, from ripped pants to unexpected thunderstorms, and the lessons that come with them.

Whether you’re a first-year director or a seasoned educator, this episode will leave you inspired to rediscover your “why” and bring fresh energy to your students. Tune in and get ready to Take Notes!