Bill Jastrow discusses comprehensive musicianship, organizing a school district's music program, and the caring and "feeding" of the young percussionist. Special thanks to my friend and colleague Scott Barnas for taking the lead on this episode! Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, or download this episode and more wherever you find your favorite podcasts. FULL BIO Spanning 41 years, William Jastrow’s teaching experience ranges from a community high school with an enrollment of 450 students, to Neuqua Valley H.S. with an enrollment exceeding 4,000, to the position of Music Education Coordinator ..read more

I sit down with Damien Crutcher to discuss what life looks like right now, what motivates him, how to recognize passion, working through difficult times, and leaving a legacy. Check out Mark Connor's interview with Damien to hear more about his upbringing and musical life! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ONc8hju-Q https://www.markjconnor.com/eb-podcast/everything-band-episode-152-damien-crutcher Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, or download this episode and more wherever you find your favorite podcasts. FULL BIO: Damien Crutcher is a native Detroiter and a graduate of Cass Technical High S ..read more

Bobby Lambert talks about the hows and whys of student leadership, recommends some classic band pieces, and talks musical mentors. Head to Bobby and Jeff's Young's Podcast "That Band Life" at Apple Podcasts to hear more. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio. FULL BIO from www.wandobands.org: Bobby is Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Originally from Cherokee, North Carolina, Mr. Lambert attended Western Carolina University to obtain his Bachelors Degree in music education an ..read more

Bob Mecozzi, band director at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, IL, talks about the Getting Things Done system and how we can reduce stress by managing our tasks. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio ..read more

Dr. Joe Manfredo talks about his time with Dr. Begian, provides literature suggestions, and discusses his research and publications in the area of band history and the undergraduate conducting curriculum. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio. FULL BIO Joseph Manfredo is a retired Associate Professor of Music for the School of Music at Illinois State University. At ISU, Manfredo was the Coordinator of Music Education and taught undergraduate courses in instrumental music education. In addition, he was the coordinat ..read more

Tim DeBoer (Joliet West High School Choral Director and AP Music Theory teacher, Joliet, IL) and Peter Lipari (Joliet Township District 204 Orchestra Director and conductor of the West Suburban Symphony) talk opera. Tune in for recommendations of full productions, selected highlights, and find out that knowing the story before you go in might just be the best way to experience an opera. To watch selected shows, visit The Metropolitan Opera House's website at https://www.metopera.org/, where nightly streams are offered ..read more

Chris Gleason talks to me about educational purpose and autonomy during the quarantine, and how students can effectively practice (even if they don't have an instrument at home). I also highly recommend watching Chris's TedX talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4CzFQ7Esi4 for even more insight into education, motivation, purpose, and autonomy. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio ..read more

Sebastian Martinez is the senior drum major of the Joliet Central High School Band. In this episode, Sebastian recommends some of his favorite Latin music. Links are provided below. Moncayo - Huapango (Alondra de la Parra, Orchestre de Paris) https://youtu.be/NbgAHpD4W_8 El Cumbanchero - Windstars Ensemble https://youtu.be/qeqlhl9xQ2I Arturo Márquez - Danzón No. 2 (Alondra de la Parra, L'Orchestre de Paris) https://youtu.be/pjZPHW0qVvo Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio ..read more

Kirk Hickman, band director at Hinsdale South High School in Hinsdale, IL, and Eric Wellman, band director at Joliet West High School in Joliet, IL, provide some tips and resources on how percussionists can practice at home (and how percussionists are already used to this type of practice!). Some suggested links from the video/audio: Vic Firth: https://vicfirth.zildjian.com/education.html?sort=most-popular Sound Trap: https://www.soundtrap.com/edu/ George Stone Percussion Books: http://www.stonepercussionbooks.com/ Row-loff Percussion: https://www.rowloff.com/ Note: audio recording is ripped d ..read more

Alex Kaminsky from VanderCook College of Music talks about the importance of air in wind playing and demonstrates two count breathing. Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio ..read more