🎶 In this episode of The Music Office, I sit down with composer Kelijah Dunton to talk about his unique voice in the band world, his commitment to creating music with students in mind, and more.

Kelijah is an inspiring voice in the next generation of wind band composers, and this conversation is full of insight for educators, students, and fellow composers alike.

🎼 Learn more about Kelijah Dunton:
https://kelijah.com/

🏫 Learn more about the Third Street Music School:
https://www.thirdstreet.nyc/

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🎉 Welcome to The Music Office!

Big news—I’m rebranding the podcast! Formerly known as Masters of the Musiverse, this channel and podcast now has a new name and fresh energy: The Music Office.

Why the change? I wanted a name that truly reflects what this space is all about—a welcoming “virtual office” where music educators can gather, share ideas, discover new tools, and get inspired. It’s where I brainstorm for my own teaching, and now I’m inviting you to pull up a chair and join me. ☕🎶

In this video, I talk about:
✅ Why I moved away from Masters of the Musiverse
✅ What inspired the new name and theme
✅ Exciting plans ahead (tool reviews, AI discussions, and more!)
✅ A sneak peek at this week’s guest: the amazing Kelijah Dunton

🎧 The Music Office is here to provide accessible, helpful content for music educators—whether that’s interviews with inspiring teachers and composers, or reviews of apps like StaffPad, forScore, and Tonal Energy.

💡 Join the conversation!
👉 Subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes.
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👉 Follow our new social media accounts for even more updates.
👉 Got ideas or people you’d love me to interview? Drop them in the comments!

Thank you for being part of this community—your support means the world. Here’s to the exciting future of The Music Office! ✨

#TheMusicOffice #MusicEducation #Podcast #Rebrand #MusicTeachers #KelijahDunton

Join us on Masters of the Musiverse as we explore the iconic "Pirates of the Caribbean" medley arranged by Johnnie Vinson. This episode dives into the exciting and challenging aspects of this beloved piece, from the dynamic rhythms to the adventurous melodies that make it a favorite among students. Whether you're teaching this piece for the first time or looking for fresh insights, this episode offers valuable tips and ideas to help your ensemble shine.

Listen now and set sail on a musical adventure!

In this special episode of Masters of the Musiverse, I’m joined by my 11-year-old son as we explore "Mechanical Monsters" by Randall Standridge. This Grade 0.5 piece, inspired by B-Monster movies, is full of dynamic challenges and fun percussion effects. Listen as we break down the piece and my son shares his experience playing it in band. Plus, you’ll get to hear him show off a magic trick—don’t miss it!

Catch the full discussion and magic on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZBFagP3vfos

In this episode, we dive into "Zombie Stomp" by Rob Grice, a Grade 0.5 piece that’s perfect for young bands. We'll explore how its dark mood, set in the key of C minor, captivates students, and discuss the fun challenges in both wind and percussion sections. Whether you’re starting the year with this piece or looking for something engaging, "Zombie Stomp" is sure to be a hit.

🎶 Plus, I’m experimenting with AI-designed artwork for this series—hope you enjoy the visual touch!

Check out the full discussion on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/aT6XX9wjz-E

In this episode, we delve into "Blue Mist" by Haley Woodrow, a captivating piece in C minor that’s ideal for young bands. We'll discuss the dark, moody atmosphere, the essential percussion parts, and how this Level 0.5 piece serves as a great introduction to playing in minor keys and handling multi-measure rests. Looking for a recording? Visit the composer’s website here: haleywoodrow.com.

In this episode, we dive into "All Ye Young Sailors" by Pierre LaPlante, a lively piece based on the sea chantey "Blow the Man Down." Perfect for introducing young bands to 6/8 time, this composition features dynamic contrasts, rhythmic challenges, and a melody that will remind students of the SpongeBob SquarePants theme. We’ll explore why this piece is both fun and educational, and how to tackle the more complex sections, including the concluding round.

Today’s episode features "Afterburn Relaunch" by Randall Standridge, a high-energy piece in E-flat major. We’ll discuss the fast-paced rhythms, intricate passages, and the powerful structure that makes this piece both exciting and challenging for young bands. Tune in to learn how this piece can captivate both performers and audiences, and how it’s a great tool for teaching ensemble coordination and dynamic contrasts.

In this episode, we explore "A+ A Precise Prelude and Excellent March" by Thomas Duffy. This piece is set in B flat and features challenging rhythms and dynamic contrasts. We'll discuss how this composition emphasizes precision in music performance, with a fun section where intentional errors are introduced to highlight the importance of accuracy. Join us as we dive into this engaging piece and share tips on how to teach it effectively.

Welcome to the Masters of the Musiverse! In this kickoff episode, we introduce our August Band Boost campaign, where we'll dive into a variety of Grade 2 and lower band pieces each day. Whether you're rediscovering forgotten gems or finding new favorites, this series is designed to help you and your students prepare for the upcoming school year. Tune in to learn more about what’s in store this month and how you can get involved!