Directors Circle

Dr. Andrea Brown is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. At UM, Dr. Brown conducts several ensembles including the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble and the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band. Topics include: - Andrea discusses her experiences working as the Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Michigan and making the transition to leading ensembles at the University of Maryland - Designing shows for marching band - Promoting diversity of gender in the field of music education Links: Andrea’s UM page: https://music.umd.edu/directory/andrea-brown UM Bands: https://music.umd.edu/ensembles/bands Bio: Dr. Andrea E. Brown was appointed the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland in 2018. In this position she conducts the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble and serves as the Director of Athletic Bands in which she leads the “Mighty Sound of Maryland” and all aspects of the athletic band program. Brown is formerly a member of the conducting faculty at the University of Michigan where she served as the assistant director of bands. In this position, she was the conductor of the Campus Bands and director of the Campus Band Chamber Ensembles, associate director of the Michigan Marching and Athletic Bands, director of the Men's Basketball Band, guest conductor with the Symphony Band and Concert Band, taught conducting, and was a faculty sponsor of a College of Engineering Multidisciplinary Design Project team researching conducting pedagogy technology. Previously Brown was the director of orchestra and assistant director of bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta where she also led research in conducting pedagogy technology and was a member of the Oxford Program faculty. She is a frequent guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in the US, Europe, and Asia. Brown completed a DMA in instrumental conducting at UNC Greensboro where she was a student of John Locke and Kevin Geraldi. While at UNCG, she was named Outstanding Teaching Assistant and was both guest conductor and principal horn on UNCG Wind Ensemble's fireworks! and finish line! CDs released on the Equilibrium label. Brown has also had several rehearsal guides published in the popular GIA Publications series, "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band" and has presented at the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Music For All Summer Symposium, the Yamaha Bläserklasse in Schlitz, Germany, the International Computer Music Conference in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the College Music Society International Conference in Sydney, Australia, and multiple times at the College Band Directors National Association National Conference. A proponent of inclusion and equity issues in the music profession, Brown is a frequent guest speaker on these topics. She currently serves on the CBDNA Gender and Ethnic Minority Committee, and as a member of the recently formed Drum Corps International Women’s In Step Committee. Brown is also the founder of “Women Rising to the Podium” - an online group of 2300 members supporting and celebrating women band directors. She also serves the chair of the Sigma Alpha Iota Women’s Music Fraternity Graduate Conducting Grant. Brown currently serves as a brass consultant for Phantom Regiment and Spirit of Atlanta Drum and Bugle Corps. She has been on the brass and conducting instructional staff of the DCI World Champion Phantom Regiment since 2004. Other marching organizations with which she has instructed are the U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, Carolina Crown, Kennesaw Mountain High School (GA), Father Ryan High School (TN), and McGavock High School (TN). As a performer, Brown was a member of the AA Brass Quintet, which won the International Brass Quintet Competition hosted by Fred Mills at the University of Georgia. She performed with the horn sections of the Boston Brass All Stars Big Band, North Carolina Symphony, Winston-Salem Symphony, and the...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Colonel Timothy Holtan. Col. Holtan holds the distinction of being the first officer to command all three of the U.S. Army’s premier bands. Since retiring in 2017, he currently serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Maryland Winds. Topics include: - Colonel Holtan shares lessons learned from his time in the Army Band - Differences between studying at the Army School of Music and a four-year university - Selecting repertoire for diverse ensembles - Motivating musicians in your ensemble Links: Maryland Winds: https://marylandwinds.com Bio: Colonel Timothy J. Holtan retired in 2017 as the senior military musician in the Department of Defense. Col. Holtan’s final command was as the 10th Leader and Commander of The United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own.” He holds the distinction of being the only officer to command all three of the Army’s premier bands, which include the U.S. Army Field Band and the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point. Col. Holtan received numerous military awards and honors during his 28½-year career, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal. Col. Holtan is a graduate of Bismarck (ND) High School and is a former school music educator in Montana. A clinician for Conn-Selmer, Inc. and Artistic Director of the newly formed professional wind band The Maryland Winds, he is a strong advocate for music education, enjoys substitute teaching, and is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Col. Holtan has presented concerts and clinics in all 50 states, Canada, Japan, the U.S. Virgin Islands and across Europe. In 2000, Col. Holtan was selected for the Army’s “Training with Industry” program. He served as the Director of Operations and Associate Conductor of the Dallas Winds, while concurrently pursuing doctoral studies at the University of North Texas. Col. Holtan holds music education degrees from Montana State University and the University of Montana, and has pursued additional conducting studies with Elizabeth Green, H. Robert Reynolds, John Paynter, Larry Rachleff, Jerry Junkin and Eugene Corporon. Col. Holtan’s ensembles have been seen on many nationally televised broadcasts and diverse stages such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, DAR Constitution Hall, Mormon Tabernacle, Myerson Symphony Center, and Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, as well as for the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Concert at the Lincoln Memorial. Under his leadership and after a 44-year absence, the West Point Band reestablished a partnership with the New York Philharmonic, which resulted in five Lincoln Center joint concert performances. Col. Holtan also led the West Point Band in the Emmy-nominated “Marina at West Point” PBS television production that has reached over 180 million viewers. Col. Holtan has been honored as Alumnus of the Year by Bismarck State College and was inducted into the Bismarck High School Hall of Fame. Col. Holtan served for twelve years on the National Band Association Board of Directors and has received multiple Citations of Excellence. In 2011, he was the University of Montana’s School of Visual and Performing Arts “Odyssey of the Stars” honoree and was inducted into their Hall of Honor. Col. Holtan holds membership in the prestigious American Bandmasters Association and serves on the Advisory Committee to the Midwest Clinic.

This episode features my interview with Dr. Peter Boonshaft. Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for Jupiter Brand Instruments and KHS America Academic Alliance, is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise. Dr. Boonshaft is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music. Dr. Boonshaft is also a Spokesperson for Alfred Music. Topics include: - Peter’s inspiration for starting his work as an author with writing “Teaching Music With Passion” - Creating musical “pearls” in every rehearsal - Defining and inspiring musical excellence - Teacher motivation and inspiration Links: Boonshaft’s Blog: https://academicalliance.com/boonshafts-blog/ Bio: Called one of the most exciting and exhilarating voices in music education today, Peter Loel Boonshaft has been invited to speak and conduct in every state in the nation and around the world. Honored by the National Association for Music Education and Music For All as the first recipient of the “George M. Parks Award for Leadership in Music Education," Dr. Boonshaft is Director of Education for Jupiter Band Instruments, and his weekly “Boonshaft’s Blog" for music educators continues to inspire teachers everywhere. He has received official proclamations from the Governors of five states and a Certificate of Appreciation from former President Ronald Reagan, as well as performing for former President and Mrs. George H. W. Bush, former President Bill Clinton, and for Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. He has been awarded membership in Pi Kappa Lambda and Alpha Chi, as well as twice receiving the University of Hartford Regent's Award and that University's Outstanding Music Educator Award. His honors also include being selected three times as a National Endowment for the Arts "Artist in Residence" three times awarded Honorary Life Membership in the Tri-M Music Honor Society, receiving the Al G. Wright Award from the Women Band Directors International, and being selected for the Center for Scholarly Research and Academic Excellence at Hofstra University. He holds Bachelor of Music (Summa Cum Laude), Master of Music Education in Conducting, and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees. Dr. Boonshaft was also awarded a Connecticut General Fellowship for study at the Kodály Musical Training Institute, from which he holds a Certificate. He is currently on the faculty of Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, where he is Professor of Music. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Boonshaft was on the faculty of Moravian College and the University of Hartford. He was Founder and Music Director of the Pennsylvania Youth Honors Concert Band and the Connecticut Valley Youth Wind Ensemble. In addition, he held the post of Music Director and Conductor of the Metropolitan Wind Symphony of Boston. Dr. Boonshaft is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching Music with Promise, as well as his first book for teachers of other disciplines, Teaching with Passion, Purpose and Promise. He is also co-author of Alfred Music Publishing’s new beginning method book series, Sound Innovations for Band and Sound Innovations for Strings, as well as Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Young Concert Band, Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Intermediate Concert Band, and Sound Innovations: Ensemble Development for Advanced Concert Band. In addition, he is the author of Vaclav Nelhybel: His Life and Works, the only authorized biography of the composer, a contributing author of The Music Director’s Cookbook: Creative Recipes for a Successful Program, and author of articles for Instrumentalist Magazine, the National Band Association Journal, Teaching Music, and Band Director's Guide. Dr. Boonshaft also held the post of Band/Wind...

This episode features my interview with Mr. Ryan Nowlin who is a well-regarded composer, educator, and conductor. Ryan is the Assistant Director for “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band and is a co-author of the famous “Tradition Of Excellence” method series. In our conversation, Ryan talks about his work as a composer and how he approaches working with ensembles. Ryan Nowlin’s appearance on this podcast is in an unofficial capacity and does not constitute or imply endorsement by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, the U.S. Marine Corps nor any other component of the Department of Defense or the U.S. Government Topics include: - How Ryan started his work as a composer - Ryan’s thoughts on composing music - The process involved in writing a method book - Repertoire quality and selection Links: Ryan’s catalogue at KJOS Music: https://kjos.com/catalog/person/view/id/1284/ Bio: A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Ryan Nowlin holds both his B.M. and M.M. degrees from Bowling Green State University (Ohio). He has taught instrumental music for ten years, most recently in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District (Ohio), where he served as Director of Bands. Mr. Nowlin was also an instructor in conducting and band scoring at Bowling Green State University and has served as a staff arranger for the BGSU Falcon Marching Band. Mr. Nowlin is an active composer and arranger, and has been commissioned to write for Grade 1 through Grade 6 concert bands, brass quintet, tuba quartet, horn ensemble, solo horn and piano, and choir. "A Christmas Fanfare" is featured as the opening piece on The Tower Brass's CD Snowed In... Again. "Elegy (for Herbert A. Spencer)" was premiered in 2005 at the 37th International Horn Society Summer Symposium by Grammy Award Winner Andrew Pelletier. Several of his works have been heard on national radio and television broadcasts, including his arrangement of “America the Beautiful” for the 2014 Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular in New York City. He has co-authored a band method called Tradition of Excellence; a band director's textbook called Teaching Band with Excellence; and a series of music theory, ear training, and history workbooks called Excellence in Theory, and Excellence in Chamber Music with noted author, composer, and educator Bruce Pearson. In 2010, Mr. Nowlin joined "The President's Own" United States Marine Band as staff arranger before being appointed to his current position of Assistant Director in 2014. In this role, Mr. Nowlin regularly conducts the Marine Band and Marine Chamber Orchestra in the Washington D.C. area, at the White House, and across the United States.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Michael Haithcock who is the Director of Bands at the University of Michigan. During our conversation, Michael shares his thoughts on ways to engage students in rehearsal and leading a program to musical excellence. Topics include: - Transitioning into a program that’s strong in tradition - Maintaining excellence in a program - Bringing music to life through score study - Repertoire quality and selection - Helping students discover expressive elements of music Links: Michael’s University of Michigan page: https://smtd.umich.edu/about/faculty-profiles/michael-haithcock/ University of Michigan Symphony Band YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIL7RYgu4qViyVCL69F8zTg Bio: Michael Haithcock assumed his duties as director of bands and professor of music (conducting) at the University of Michigan in the fall of 2001 following twenty-three years on the faculty of Baylor University. Following in the footsteps of William D. Revelli and H. Robert Reynolds, Professor Haithcock conducts the internationally renowned University of Michigan Symphony Band, guides the acclaimed graduate band and wind ensemble conducting program, and provides administrative leadership for all aspects of the University of Michigan’s diverse and historic band program. Ensembles under Haithcock’s guidance have received a wide array of critical acclaim for their high artistic standards of performance and repertoire. These accolades have come through concerts at national and state conventions, performances in major concert venues, and recordings on the Albany, Arsis, and Equilibrium labels. Haithcock was selected to conduct the world premiere of Daron Hagen’s Bandanna, an opera for voice and wind band, commissioned by the College Band Directors’ National Association. He is a leader in commissioning and premiering new works for concert band. Haithcock has earned the praise of both composers and conductors for his innovative approaches to developing the wind ensemble repertoire and programming. Haithcock is in constant demand as a guest conductor and as a resource person for symposiums and workshops in a variety of instructional settings as well as festival and all-state appearances throughout the country. A graduate of East Carolina University – where he received the 1996 Outstanding Alumni Award from the School of Music – and Baylor University, Haithcock has done additional study at a variety of conducting workshops including the Herbert Blomstedt Orchestral Conducting Institute. The Instrumentalist, the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, the School Musician, the Southwest Music Educator, and WINDS magazine have published his articles on conducting and wind literature.

This episode features my interview with my friend and mentor, Mr. Dennis Glocke. Dennis has recently retired as the Director of Concert Bands at Penn State University where he has led several ensembles and taught courses in conducting. In our conversation, Dennis shares many lessons on music-making and teaching that he has learned over his career as a music educator. Topics include: - Dennis discusses his career as a music educator and conductor - Inspiring students through the creation on significant musical experiences - Repertoire quality and selection - Making music come to life -Growing as a conductor, musician, and educator Links: Denis’s Penn State page: https://music.psu.edu/faculty/dennis-glocke Dennis conducting the Penn State Symphonic Band: https://youtu.be/Q9hfWf4j3CI Bio: Dennis Glocke was appointed director of concert bands at Penn State in 1996. He received degrees in conducting from Northwestern University, where he studied with John P. Paynter, and in music education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where his principal conducting teachers were H. Robert Reynolds and Eugene Corporon. Prior to joining the Penn State faculty, Professor Glocke was associate director of bands at the University of Michigan, director of bands at the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point, and a band director in the Oconomowoc (WI) public schools. Professor Glocke is frequently invited to serve as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States. His ensembles have performed at the Eastern Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association, the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association State Conference, and the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. The Penn State Symphonic Wind Ensemble was invited to open the 2005 Flicorno D’Oro international band festival in Riva del Garda, Italy, the first American band to be so honored. He has also conducted in some of the country’s finest performing venues, including the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas), Heinz Hall (Pittsburgh), the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (Washington, D.C.), the Kimmel Center (Philadelphia), the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater (Chautauqua, NY), The Music Center at Strathmore (North Bethesda, MD), and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center (New York).

In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lori Schwartz Reichl. Lori is an author, clinician, and music educator who is well known for her contributions to publications such as In Tune Magazine and Teaching Music Magazine. In this interview, Lori shares her ideas on setting up students for success and incorporating diversity into musical experiences. Topics include: - Lori talks about her work and creating professional development materials for music teachers - Establishing routines to enhance the music-making process - The importance of diversity when programming repertoire Links: Lori’s website: https://makingkeychanges.com/ Lori’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm3AEynWNEGTwbwU0vaq-OA Bio: Lori Schwartz Reichl (b. 1978) is a champion of mentorship and motivation in education. She strives daily to "make key changes" in education for all students, educators, and supporters. Lori's culturally diverse experiences of building and maintaining secondary band programs in rural, Title I, and corrective action schools have transformed her career into serving as an active adjudicator, author, clinician, conductor, instructor, and speaker. Lori has enjoyed serving as a guest conductor in Europe, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and South Dakota for numerous honor band festivals and new music reading sessions. She has presented for music education associations including: DMEA (Delaware), KMEA (Kansas), PMEA (Pennsylvania), MMEA (Maryland), OMEA (Ohio), NAfME (National Association for Music Education), NAfME's Eastern Division, South Dakota Bandmasters Association, WBDI (Women Band Directors International) and prepared countless K-12 professional development and collegiate sessions. She has been interviewed for several music education podcasts and often serves as host, interviewer, moderator, or panelist for educational programs. Lori is the author of the “Tools for Educators” series entitled “Key Changes: Refreshing Your Music Program” published monthly in the teacher's guide of In Tune Magazine where she provides resources to enhance the music classroom and rehearsal space. She also serves as a journalist for Teaching Music Magazine. With more than 60 published educational pieces, Lori's work is featured each month as part of NAfME's Music in a Minuet Blog, frequently appears in The Woman Conductor Journal, and is routinely republished in many state music education association journals and newsletters. Her articles, "Professionalism in Teaching" and "Make It Stick!", were highlighted as two of NAfME's "Top 10 Most-Read Music Education Blogs of 2019". Lori designed her mentoring publications into a graduate course that she instructs annually through The University of the Arts in Pennsylvania appropriately entitled "Making Key Changes: Refresh Your Music Program". She also receives residences at universities to mentor and motivate pre-service teachers. As the Head of Engagement for ICD (Institute for Composer Diversity), Lori is dedicated to the celebration, education, and advocacy of music created by composers of historically underreprested groups. In Maryland, Lori serves as Artistic and Executive Director of the Regional Repertory Wind Ensemble, Coordinator of Howard County's Secondary Solo & Ensemble Festival, and Conductor of Howard County's Middle School Honor Band. For Women Band Directors International, she serves as a member of the Mentoring Committee and State Chair for Maryland. Lori has served as a high school band director for American Music Abroad (2006-2010), conductor of the Howard County Middle School Gifted and Talented Band (2016-2017), and supervisor of music education interns for Towson University (2017-2018). As a saxophone player, Lori grew-up in Manchester, Pennsylvania and attended the Northeastern School District in York County. She was fortunate to have her father, Frank Schwartz, as her elementary and high school band director. She credits her...

This episode features my interview with Theresa Hoover Ducassoux. Theresa is a well-known music educator and writer with her blog, Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher’s Journey. In our conversation, Theresa shares many of her ideas on integrating technology into the classroom and student empowerment. Topics: - Technology integration into the classroom and concert hall - Ideas on remote teaching during the Covid-19 Pandemic - Empowering students in the classroom Links: Off the Beaten Path - A Music Teacher’s Journey: https://offthebeatenpathinmusic.com/ Follow Theresa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MusicalTheresa Bio: Theresa Hoover Ducassoux is a music educator, speaker, and writer. She is an advocate for student voice in the music room and works to empower students throughout their musical experiences and help teachers transform their classrooms to become student-centered learning environments. Currently, Theresa teaches middle school band in Northern Virginia, opening a brand new middle school in 2019. Prior to moving to Virginia in 2016, she taught instrumental, general, and vocal music in a variety of settings in Pennsylvania for 13 years. She holds a bachelor’s degree in music education from Penn State University and a master’s degree in wind conducting from West Chester University, both in Pennsylvania. Theresa is a recognized presenter and clinician at conferences at the local, regional, and national level including the International Music Education Summit, the Virginia Society for Technology in Education, and several state music education conferences. She is a Google for Education Certified Trainer and was selected as a member of the Google Certified Innovator program, participating in the London 2019 cohort. In addition to her school teaching, Theresa was the founding director of the Chester County Youth Wind Ensemble and currently serves on the staff of the Virginia Winds Academy. She has also been the guest conductor for several elementary and middle school ensembles in Pennsylvania and Virginia. Theresa’s writing has been featured on websites including the NAfME Music in a Minuet blog, EdTechTeam, Band Directors Talk Shop, and We Are Teachers, as well as on her own blog, Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher’s Journey. Theresa is also the co-author of Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in the Music Room, set to release in the summer of 2020. When not teaching you can find Theresa curled up with a good book, on the running trail, traveling to visit family and friends, or spending time with her dog Dizzy.

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Scott Watson. In addition to being an acclaimed composer for band and orchestra, Scott is well known for his work as an educator, author, and clinician. Topics include: - Scott’s approach to composing - Composing for student musicians - Integrating technology into a music class - Teaching young instrumentalists Links: Scott’s website: https://www.scottwatsonmusic.com/ Scott’s youTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAlWx0jwO3JEmbBR_P3nhbA Bio: Dr. Scott Watson received his B.S., Music Education from West Chester University and his M.M and D.M.A., Composition from Temple University and has taught music for 30+ years in the Parkland School District (Allentown, Pennsylvania) where he currently coordinates a large, vibrant elementary band/strings program and teaches several popular, creativity-infused high school music electives. Watson was recognized by the Parkland School District in 2015 with a Parkland Pride Award for outstanding achievement, and in 2020 he was awarded the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association District 10 Citation of Excellence in Teaching Award. An award-winning and frequently commissioned composer, Dr. Watson’s output includes close to 90 published works at all levels for concert band and orchestra. Watson’s music, which has been performed around the world and in the U.S. at such prestigious venues as Philadelphia’s Academy of Music, the White House, and the Midwest Clinic (Chicago), has been described as “outstanding...with beautiful melodies and interesting harmonies" (The Instrumentalist) and "written with supreme craft" (Percussive Arts Society Percussive Notes). His music has received awards and recognition from the American Composers Forum, the American Music Center, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the Percussive Arts Society, and others. Recent commissions include works for: Composers and Schools in Concert (for a consortium of 12 university and high school bands across the U.S.), Magic Valley Symphony Orchestra (Twin Falls, ID), Albemarle County (VA) Middle School Honors Band, MusicAlliance Honor Band Camp (Cleveland, OH), the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association, and many school ensembles. Watson is an exclusive composer for Alfred Publications and a contributor and clinician for the Sound Innovations band series. He, along with co-authors Brian Beck and Robert Sheldon, created Alfred Music's Sound Sight-Reading method (Books 1 and 2) for concert band. Watson has presented numerous workshops/clinics for music educators, including the 2019 New Hampshire Music Educators Association Conference, 2017 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic (Chicago, IL), 2017 MENC Eastern Division Conference (Atlantic City, NJ), 2015 NAfME National Conference (Nashville, TN), the keynote for the 2013 Music Technology in Education Conference (Melbourne, Australia) and many other clinics and professional development workshops. He frequently serves as guest conductor for honor band festivals, including the 2020 East Central Mississippi Band Director's Association High School Honor Band, 2020 Winston-Salem/Forsyth All-County Middle School Honor Band, 2019 Mississippi Middle School All-State Band, 2019 PMEA 12 Delaware County 5th/6th Grade BandFest, 2018 PMEA 10 Elementary Band Festival, 2017 PMEA District 5 Freshman Band Festival, and the 2015 All New England Band Festival (Plymouth State University, NH). Additionally, Dr. Watson is an adjunct professor for a number of universities (Cairn University, University of the Arts, Central Connecticut State University, and Moravian College) and author of the highly regarded music education text, Using Technology to Unlock Musical Creativity (©2011, Oxford University Press). Watson's facility with and pedagogical application of music education technology has made him an in-demand presenter and professional development trainer.

It is my pleasure to bring you one of my favorite interviews featuring Mr. Jamey Aebersold. Jamey is recognized as a foremost authority in jazz education with his work as an author and publisher of many major publications including his famous Jazz Play-A -Long series. In this episode, we talk about the importance of improvisation and ways to encourage students to create their own music. Topics include: (04:55) Jamey talks about his professional background (0711) Jamey discusses how he started his business and the Jazz Play-A-Long series (10:10) Having a major influence on jazz education (12:58) Starting a jazz program (16:25) Encouraging students to improvise music (18:37) Getting students to LISTEN (21:23) The importance of improvisation (24:20) The future of jazz education (29:30) Programming jazz selections (32:52) Favorite rehearsal tactics (35:40) Why do we teach music? (39:16) Jamey discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (43:34) Advice for music educators Links: Jamey Aebersold Jazz: http://www.jazzbooks.com/ JA Jazz Play-A-Long Series: http://www.jazzbooks.com/jazz/category/aeball Jamey’s FREE Jazz Handbook (a.k.a “The Red Book”): http://www.jazzbooks.com/mm5/download/FQBK-handbook.pdf (This book can also be obtained by writing to: Jamey Aebersold Jazz, PO Box 1244, New Albany, IN, 47151-1244, U.S.A.) JAZZ at Lincoln Center feature on Jamey: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=An8X9jDuMg4 Jamey performing with the Jamey Aebersold Jazz Quintet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fk_SzlfI6sU Bio: Jamey Aebersold was born July 21, 1939, in New Albany, Indiana. He attended college at Indiana University and graduated in 1962 with a Masters Degree in Saxophone. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music by Indiana University in 1992. He also plays piano, bass and banjo. In 1989, the International Association of Jazz Educators inducted Jamey into their Hall of Fame at the San Diego convention. With this award, Jamey joins other jazz luminaries such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker, Louis Armstrong and others. Jamey is a internationally-known saxophonist and authority on jazz education and improvisation, and has developed a series of Jazz Play-A-Longs (book and cd sets (now numbering almost 130 volumes) as well as various other supplemental aids for the development of improvisational skills. The Aebersold book and recording sets allow a musician the opportunity to practice and improvise with well-known jazz personalities at home as well as in the classroom. The recordings employ some of the best jazz musicians in the world. This concept has been responsible for changing the practice habits of thousands of musicians around the world. Jamey was one of the first to encourage small group classes which concentrate on jazz improvisation, and he is the director of the Summer Jazz Workshops which now have 40+ years on record. Jamey feels that improvisation is something all people can do—and his clinics and lectures concentrate on demonstrating how the creative and spontaneous nature of each person can be brought to light. These week-long Summer Jazz Workshops are having a profound effect on musical communities around the world. The Workshops have traveled to Australia, New Zealand, Germany, England, Scotland, Denmark and Canada. Every summer there are at least two week-long Workshops in the U.S. These camps employ many of the finest player/teachers in jazz and are open to any serious jazz student regardless of ability or age. In 2007, Jamey was awarded the Indiana Governor's Arts Award by Mitch Daniels, the Governor of Indiana. On October 4, 1987, CBS' "Sunday Morning" with Charles Kuralt and Billie Taylor featured Jamey with the Summer Jazz Workshops in an exciting jazz educational segment. Jamey has taught at three colleges and universities in the Louisville, Kentucky area and has made guest appearances in dozens of cities around the world. While...

This episode features my interview with Dr. Shelley Jagow from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to her career as an educator and conductor, Shelley is well known for her work as an author of several publications including “Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program” and “Tuning For Wind Instruments: A Roadmap To Successful Intonation.” Topics include: (02:46) Shelley talks about her professional background and work at Wright State University (11:38) Repertoire evaluation and selection (25:00) Teaching Intonation (39:35) Shelley discusses her book “Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program” (44:00) Student motivation (51:57) Favorite rehearsal tactics (54:45) Why do we teach music? (57:40) Shelley discusses leaders that have made an impact on her life (1:00:07) Advice for music educators Links: Shelley’s website: http://www.shelleyjagow.com/ Shelley’s WSU site: https://people.wright.edu/shelley.jagow Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete Band Program: https://www.halleonard.com/product/317167/teaching-instrumental-music Bio: Dr. Shelley Jagow is Professor of Music at Wright State University School of Music (Dayton, OH) where she serves as director of the Symphonic Band and Saxophone Quartet. She earned top honors in Music Education degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (Canada) and the University of Missouri (Columbia) where respective mentors include Marvin Eckroth, Dale Lonis, Martin Bergee and Wendy Sims. She earned her Ph. D. in Music Education at the Union Institute & University (Cincinnati) where Colonel Timothy Foley, Frank Battisti, and Edward Wingard served as her mentors. In addition to studies in education, saxophone and conducting, Shelley also earned the Certificate in Piano Performance IX from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and in 2009 was nominated for both the "Robert J. Kegerreis Distinguished Professor of Teaching" Award and the "Brage Golding Distinguished Professor of Research" Award. As an artist clinician with Conn-Selmer, Hal Leonard, Meredith Music, and Vandoren, “Dr. J” enjoys working with school bands and presents clinics, performances, adjudications, and serves as honor band conductor at various state, national and international conferences and events. Venues include locations in various states/provinces/countries: Alberta, British Columbia, California, Connecticut, Florida, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Italy, Manitoba, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Ontario, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Quebec, Rhode Island, Saskatchewan, Scotland, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia and Washington D.C.; including conferences such as State Music Educators Conferences, the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA), the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the College Music Symposium (CMS), the World Saxophone Congress, and the United States Navy Band International Saxophone Symposium. Shelley also directs the WSU student Avion Saxophone Quartet, which can be heard on CDbaby.com. All members of the quartet are chosen annually on a highly selective audition process, and include music education and/or performance majors at Wright State University. The Avion Saxophone Quartet is a recipient of the Edgar Hardy Scholarship, the Dayton Chamber Music Society Scholarship, the Chamber Music Institute Fellowship, and the Wright State University Presidential Commendation for Excellence. The quartet has commissioned and premiered works from national composers all across the world. The group performs a diverse musical repertory and is often invited to perform at school, community, and professional events including the Ohio Music Educators Association (OMEA) State Conference, the Music Educators National Conference (MENC), the North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) conferences, the International Society for Music Education (ISME), the...

As we face the challenges of teaching during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I had the pleasure of bringing a panel of distinguished music educators together as they shared their personal experiences with this matter. In this interview, you will hear Dr. Russel Mikkelson (Ohio State), Dr. Christopher Cicconi (Towson University), Dr. Andrew Yozviak (West Chester University of PA), and Adam Gumble (West Chester University of PA) talking about their current teaching situations, modifying instruction for remote teaching, and maintaining a positive mindset during this difficult time. Links: Russel Mikkelson’s OSU website: https://music.osu.edu/people/mikkelson.1 Christopher Cicconi’s TU website: https://www.towson.edu/cofac/departments/music/facultystaff/ccicconi.html Andrew Yozviak’s WCU website: https://www.wcupa.edu/music/ensembleFaculty/aYozviak.aspx Adam Gumble’s WCU website: https://www.wcupa.edu/music/musicEducationFaculty/aGumble.aspx

In this interview, I had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Philip Silvey. In addition to being an acclaimed composer and arranger, Dr. Silvey is Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music where he directs the Women’s Chorus and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. Highlights from our conversation include Philip’s ideas on composing, teacher training, student motivation, and assessment strategies. Topics include: (02:33) Philip talks about his background as an educator and composer (12:49) How being a composer influences Philip’s work as an educator (18:09) Balancing a career as an educator and composer (27:12) The role of arrangements in repertoire selection (32:23) Skills needed for teachers entering the profession (36:43) Student motivation (47:45) Current challenges in the music education profession (53:52) The role of assessment in performance based classrooms (1:01:03) Music advocacy (1:08:15) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:09:59) Why do we teach music? (1:11:36) Philip discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (1:14:18) Advice for music educators Links: Philip’s website: https://philipsilvey.com/ Philip’s page at the Eastman School Of Music: https://www.esm.rochester.edu/faculty/silvey_philip/ Bio: Philip Silvey is Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music where he directs the Women’s Chorus and teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. Previously he served as Assistant Professor of Choral Music Education at the University of Maryland where he directed the Women’s Chorus, the Maryland Boy Choir, and the College Park Youth Choir. He has been invited to serve as guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator in numerous states and directed state honors choruses in Maryland, Virginia, New York and New Jersey. He has served as president of the Maryland-DC chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA) and as Repertoire and Standards Chair for Women’s Choirs for the New York state chapter of ACDA. He has presented interest sessions at national, regional, and state ACDA and NAfME (National Association for Music Education) conventions. He has contributed to two textbook series, Experiencing Choral Music and Teaching Music through Performance in Choir, Volumes II and III. His scholarly writings have appeared in the Journal of Research in Music Education, Music Educators Journal, Choral Journal, and the Arts and Learning Research Journal. His original choral compositions and arrangements, published by Santa Barbara Music, Carl Fischer, and Boosey & Hawkes, have been performed by all-state and national honors choruses.

This episode features Dr. Tyler Austin who is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University. In this episode, Tyler talks about his roles as a college band director and musical director for the Maryland Chamber Winds. We also chat about entrepreneurial skills, creating meaningful relationships, and vulnerability for music educators. Topics include: (04:30) Tyler talks about growing up in Western Maryland, his background, and work at OSU (15:15) Adapting to a new teaching role in a collegiate band program (17:41) Building relationships (24:55) Tyler talks about founding the Maryland Wind Festival and Maryland Chamber Winds (40:39) Utilizing entrepreneurial skills as a music educator (47:31) Reimagining the concert experience (56:35) Establishing a culture of collegiality and vulnerability (1:11:37) Getting musicians to fall in love with music (1:00:00) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:03:46) Why do we teach music? (1:04:25) Tyler discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (1:06:51) Advice for music educators Links: Tyler’s page at Oklahoma State University: https://music.okstate.edu/index.php/about/faculty-staff-directory/93-pages/388-dr-tyler-austin Tyler conducting the OSU Concert Band - https://ostate.tv/media/March+2019+Concert+Band+Performance/1_44hkirtp Tyler conducting the Maryland Chamber Winds- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrkzjj3nhhg Maryland Chamber Winds - https://marylandchamberwinds.org/ Bio: Dr. Tyler Austin is Assistant Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University. At OSU, Dr. Austin is assistant director of the Cowboy Marching Band, director of the Spirit Basketball Band, and conductor of the Concert Band. He teaches courses in the Music Education area, and holds an additional appointment as instructor of bassoon. In 2015 Dr. Austin founded Maryland Chamber Winds, where he serves as Artistic Director and Conductor. MCW is an international ensemble of performers who come together to present an annual concert series and educational outreach program. MCW is ensemble-in-residence for the Maryland Wind Festival, a two-week festival of wind chamber music and outreach based in Frederick and Hagerstown, Maryland and their surrounding communities. Dr. Austin comes to OSU from Michigan State University, where he worked as a graduate assistant in all aspects of the band program. Prior to his study at MSU, he served as Director of Bands at St. John's Catholic Prep in Frederick, MD. While teaching, Dr. Austin freelanced as a bassoonist with wind bands and orchestras throughout Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. He has held positions as Principal Bassoon of the Maryland Lyric Opera Orchestra and Second Bassoon with the Liberty Wind Symphony. Dr. Austin holds a D.M.A. in Wind Conducting from Michigan State University under Dr. Kevin L. Sedatole, an M.M. in Bassoon Performance from the University of North Texas under Prof. Kathleen Reynolds, and a B.M. in Music Education from Susquehanna University.

In this episode, I speak with renowned conductor and composer, Dr. Timothy Mahr. Dr. Mahr is an active composer for wind band and is also a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Dr. Mahr shares some valuable insight into the art of composing and creating a culture of excellence in a music program. Topics include: (02:28) Tim talks about his life, professional background, and band at St. Olaf College (15:28) Achieving excellence across an entire music department (20:32) Guiding traditions and changes in a music program (26:19) Repertoire Selection (33:53) Time talks about his work as a composer and how he got his start (39:44) Maintaining work-life balance as a composer and conductor (51:04) How Tim’s work as a composer has influenced his work as an educator (1:11:37) Getting musicians to fall in love with music (54:21) Favorite rehearsal tactics (59:13) Why do we teach music? (1:03:18) Todd discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (1:06:32) Advice for music educators Links: Timothy Mahr’s Website: https://www.timothymahr.com/ Mahr’s page at St. Olaf College: https://wp.stolaf.edu/stolaf-band/the-conductor/ Mahr conducting “Bright Side” with the St. Olaf Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEht7BZsopw Mahr conducting “Suite for Band” with the St. Olaf Band - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji2AAxFp1lI Mahr’s “Endurance” performed by the Metropolitan Wind Symphony - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFy_J42s_OU Bio: Since the premiere of Fantasia in G in 1983, Timothy Mahr's compositions have been performed worldwide, recorded, and broadcast. The first recipient within the American Bandmasters Association Commissioning Project, Mahr has composed works for the Music Educators National Conference, the United States Air Force Band, the American School Band Directors Association, and the Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma National Intercollegiate Band. He received the 1991 ABA/Ostwald Award for his work The Soaring Hawk. A professor of music at St. Olaf College, Dr. Timothy Mahr conducts the St. Olaf Band, and has taught courses in composition, music education, and conducting. A well-known composer, Mahr has written over 100 works, many of which are published for band and orchestra­­. Beyond The Soaring Hawk, five other works have been finalists in national composition contests. He has received more than 70 commissions over the years. Mahr is a past president of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors National Association and has served on the Board of Directors of the National Band Association and the Minnesota Band Directors Association. He has led the St. Olaf Band in performance at the national conventions of the American Bandmasters Association (1997), Music Educators National Conference (2005) and College Band Directors National Association (2013). Mahr has appeared in 38 states as a guest conductor and clinician, including leading over twenty all-state bands, and he has also been engaged professionally in Norway, Canada, Mexico, Thailand, Japan, Singapore, New Zealand, and Australia. For more information, visit his website at www.timothymahr.com.

This episode features my interview with the legendary Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Jerry is a Grammy award-winning conductor who is well known for his work as a professor of choral music at the University of Michigan. In our discussion, Jerry shares his views on repertoire, inspiring musicians, and the art of music-making. Topics include: (04:09) Jerry talks about his life, background, and current role as a visiting professor at Wheaton College (12:32) Score study (30:05) Connecting students to the music they perform (34:20) Rehearsal methodology (42:31) Framing verbal instruction (47:28) Jerry’s approach to conducting (1:11:37) Getting musicians to fall in love with music (1:15:04) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:16:24) Why do we teach music? (1:20:15) Todd discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (1:24:20) Advice for music educators Links: Jerry’s University of Michigan page: https://smtd.umich.edu/about/faculty-profiles/jerry-blackstone/ Jerry conducting Ein deutsches Requiem, op. 45 at UoM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAGxnqRpiF0 Jerry conducting William Brehm’s “Allulia” and “Jubilee!” at UoM: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWVFUfXRkzE Jerry giving a clinic on compelling musical performances: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vw8FtiyRXMo Bio: Grammy Award winner Jerry Blackstone is a leading conductor and highly respected conducting pedagogue. Now emeritus professor of conducting, he served on the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance for thirty years where as director of choirs he led the graduate program in choral conducting and oversaw the University’s eleven choirs. In February 2006, he received two GRAMMY Awards (“Best Choral Performance” and “Best Classical Album”) as chorusmaster for the critically acclaimed Naxos recording of William Bolcom’s Songs of Innocence and of Experience. The Naxos recording of Milhaud’s monumental L’Orestie d’Eschyle, on which Blackstone served as chorusmaster, was nominated for a 2015 GRAMMY Award (“Best Opera Recording”). Opera Magazine reviewer Tim Ashley wrote: “the real stars, though, are the University of Michigan’s multiple Choirs, who are faced with what must be some of the most taxing choral writing in the entire operatic repertory. Their singing has tremendous authority and beauty, while the shouts and screams of Choéphores are unnerving in the extreme. Their diction is good too: the occasions when we don’t hear the words are Milhaud’s responsibility, rather than theirs. It’s an extraordinary achievement, and utterly mesmerizing.” The University of Michigan Chamber Choir, conducted by Blackstone, performed by special invitation at the inaugural conference in San Antonio of the National Collegiate Choral Organization (NCCO) and presented three enthusiastically received performances in New York City at the National Convention of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA). As conductor of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club from 1988-2002, Professor Blackstone led the ensemble in performances at ACDA national and division conventions and on extensive concert tours throughout Australia, Eastern and Central Europe, Asia, South America, and the United States. In 2017, NCCO presented him with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Membership Award and, in 2006, for “significant contributions to choral music,” he received the ACDA-Michigan chapter’s Maynard Klein Lifetime Achievement Award. From 2003-2015, Dr. Blackstone served as conductor and music director of the University Musical Society (UMS) Choral Union, a large community/university chorus that frequently appears with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) and the Ann Arbor Symphony and presents yearly performances of Handel’s Messiah and other major works for chorus and orchestra. Choirs prepared by Blackstone have appeared under the batons of Valery Gergiev, Neeme Järvi, Leonard Slatkin, Hans Graf, Michael Tilson Thomas, John Adams, Helmuth Rilling,...

In this special edition of Directors Circle, I catch up with Scott Sheehan on the open election for the National Association for Music Education. Scott discusses the topics up for election as well as being a candidate for the 2020-2022 National President-Elect. If you are a NAfME member, make sure to vote by February 12th!

In the episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stefan from Wexford (a.k.a Pittsburgh), PA. Todd oversees a large high school band program in the North Allegheny School District that has featured ensembles at PMEA state conferences, NAfME All-Eastern conferences, and the inaugural parade for Barack Obama’s presidency. In this interview, we chat about a wide variety of topics including administrative tasks involved with a large music program, staying mentally healthy with the stresses of the profession, and quotes from the “Rocky” movie franchise! Topics include: (04:28) Todd talks about his life and professional background and his band program at North Allegheny Senior High School (20:57) Building relationships with students in a large program (25:00) Defining excellence in a music program (31:22) Staying mentally healthy as a music educator (54:28) Favorite rehearsal tactics (56:09) Why do we teach music? (59:47) Todd discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (1:04:15) Advice for music educators Links: Todd’s NASHS faculty page: https://www.northallegheny.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=8111 2019 NASHS Winter Concert: https://youtu.be/gO9uwjl0Ybw 2019 NASD Tiger Marching Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbp6KOBp2tw A 2016 interview featuring Todd in “The Instrumentalist” magazine: https://www.tarleton.edu/band/documents/2016september.pdf Bio: Mr.Stefan is the Director of Bands at North Allegheny High School. He earned a Bachelor of Music Education, Percussion Applied from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (YSU). Prior to his current position at North Allegheny, Mr. Stefan was the Director of Bands at Thomas Jefferson High School in Jefferson Hills, PA, Director of Bands at Cumberland Valley High School in Mechanicsburg, PA, Director of Bands at Sharpsville Area High School in Sharpsville, PA, and served on the faculty at Grove City College in Grove City, PA as a part-time applied Percussion Instructor. At North Allegheny, Mr.Stefan teaches the Senior High School Honors Wind Ensemble, the Senior High School Symphonic Band, the Senior High School Concert Band, the Intermediate High School Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensembles 1 and 4, and the North Allegheny High School "Tiger" Marching Band. Mr. Stefan has studied percussion with Mr. Joseph Parlink and conducting with Dr. Stephen Gage. Mr.Stefan's bands have all been judged excellent and superior and have been awarded numerous first place trophies and best overall band awards at festivals and parades including, the MasterCard Alamo Bowl halftime show and band competition in San Antonio, TX, the Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl Parade and band competitions in Atlanta, GA, the North American Music Festivals in Virginia Beach, VA, Festival Disney in Orlando, FL, the Windy City Classic in Chicago,IL, and Festivals of Music in Myrtle Beach, SC, Chicago, IL, Virginia Beach, VA, Cincinnati, OH, and Nashville, TN, Atlanta, GA. The Senior High School Honors Wind Ensemble has appeared in Downbeat Magazine twice; in 2008 and 2010 for winning the Best Overall High School Classical Group in the 31st and 33rd Annual Student Music Awards. The band has also appeared at the 2009 PMEA All-State Conference in Valley Forge, PA, at the 2012 PMEA All-State Conference in Lancaster, PA, and the 2015 PMEA All-State Conference in Hershey, PA. Both the Honors Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble I were selected to perform at the MENC All-Eastern Division Conference in Baltimore Maryland in 2011 and Jazz Ensemble I was selected to perform at the 2017 NAfME All-Eastern Division Conference held in Atlantic City. The “Tiger”Marching Band has appeared in the Disney Spectro-Magic New Year's Eve Parade and the Disney Dreams Come True Parade in the Magic Kingdom of Walt Disney World,has been awarded the Jack Shea President's trophy for “Best Overall Band” in the City of Pittsburgh Labor Day Parade for the past fifteen years, and has been winners of the...

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Jason Worzbyt from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. In addition to conducting several instrumental ensembles, Jason also teaches undergraduate and graduate music courses and leads the bassoon studio at IUP. In this interview, we chat about a wide variety of topics including repertoire, recruiting the perfect bassoonist, the importance of music, and coffee! Topics include: (04:06) We talk about coffee and Jason’s preferred brand (06:59) Jason talks about his life and professional background (13:37) Starting a student on bassoon (22:33) Jason talks about his duties and ensembles at IUP (24:27) Repertoire selection (18:20) Scott’s favorite resources on leadership development (35:15) Resources for selecting repertoire (43:47) Balancing a career as a conductor and studio instructor (52:41) The role of arts in a K-12 curriculum (38:37) How do we define musical success? (1:06:38) Favorite rehearsal tactics (1:11:15) Jason discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (1:14:58) Advice for music educators Links: Jason’s IUP faculty page: https://www.iup.edu/music/faculty/directory/worzbyt,-jason/ Jason performing with the KEystone Chamber Winds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2CVHSnOxiY Jason Performing with the Yorko Bassoon Concerto No. 2 with the IUP Wind Ensemble: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BQ7B8Dv-Nc Jason conducting the 2009 PMEA All-State Orchestra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvfODwAuF48 Jason rehearsing the IUP Symphony Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp9vpEUyyCo Bio: Jason Worzbyt is professor of Bassoon and associate director of Bands at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He holds a BS in Music Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Music in wind conducting from the University of North Texas, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in bassoon performance from the University of North Texas. Worzbyt has studied bassoon with Kathleen Reynolds, principal bassoon of the Dallas Opera Orchestra and professor of bassoon at the University of North Texas; Kristen Wolfe Jensen, professor of bassoon at the University of Texas; and David Borst, professor emeritus of bassoon at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. His conducting teachers include Jack Stamp, director of band studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and Eugene Migliaro Corporon, director of wind studies at the University of North Texas. Worzbyt has performed, recorded, and been featured as a soloist with wind ensembles and orchestras all across the country. These ensembles include the Keystone Wind Ensemble, IUP Wind Ensemble, North Texas Wind Symphony, North Texas New Music Ensemble, Lexington Philharmonic Orchestra, Johnstown Symphony Orchestra, Highland Wind Quintet, and the IUP Faculty Woodwind Quintet. In 2001, Worzbyt gave the world premiere of Bruce Yurko’s “Concerto for Bassoon and Wind Ensemble” with the Keystone Wind Ensemble at the College Band Directors National Association conference. From 2006 to 2009, he was a member of the artist-faculty at the Western Chamber Music Institute hosted by Western State College in Gunnison, Colorado. Additional performances include several recitals at meetings of the International Double Reed Society. In March 2013, Klavier Records released a compact disc recording (Five in the Sun) by the Keystone Chamber Players, of which Worzbyt is a member. As a guest conductor, Worzbyt has worked with elementary, junior high, senior high, and professional ensembles in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Indiana, and Kentucky. Highlights of these appearances include the Indiana Junior High All State Band, New Jersey All State Symphonic Band, PMEA All State Orchestra, PMEA Western Region State Orchestra, PMEA Region III Band, PMEA Region IV Band, PMEA Region V Band, PMEA District 4 and 6 Orchestras in Johnstown and Westmont, PMEA District 2,3,5 Orchestras in Indiana and...

Being a music educator is an occupying job with regards to time and balance. Imagine having the job of being a prominent composer in addition to that! In this interview, I had the privilege to chat with Mike Kamuf on how he balances a busy schedule of being a working composer in addition to leading the band and orchestra program at John T. Baker Middle School in Damascus, MD. Topics include: (03:24) Mike talks about his life and background as a composer/educator (04:45) Mike talks about how he began composing music (09:03) Balancing a career as a composer and educator (11:03) What educators should know about the composing/publishing business (21:58) How being an educator influences Mike’s approach to composing music (25:25) Advice for composing your own music (27:19) Quality in musical repertoire (30:34) Favorite rehearsal tactics (32:34) Why do we teach music? (34:07) Mike discusses leaders that have made an impact on his life (38:18) Advice for music educators Links: Mike’s website: https://www.mikekamuf.com/ Mike’s page on Alfred Music Publishing: https://www.alfred.com/authors/mike-kamuf/ Videos of Mike performing with the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elY-DT_HY_s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ttdGvh9Qd4 Compositions/arrangements by Mike - Red Clay: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=29&v=_7xotU5GrBo&feature=emb_title Watermelon Man: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpxHbie4Q9c&feature=emb_title Such Sweet Thunder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWo9pNDrQUU&feature=emb_title L’improviste Vignette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=aWCFlbKI9j0&feature=emb_title Allegory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=Nmpilas3KpE&feature=emb_title Onore!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=34&v=BX4hDi03DPo&feature=emb_title Bio: A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Mike Kamuf holds Bachelor of Music degrees in both Jazz Performance and Music Education from the Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University (Youngstown, OH) and a Master of Arts degree in Instrumental Conducting from George Mason University (Fairfax, VA). Mike’ s compositions and arrangements have been performed by numerous jazz artists and ensembles including the Woody Herman and Glenn Miller Orchestras, the USAF Airmen of Note, James Moody, Eddie Daniels, Sean Jones, Terell Stafford, Bill Watrous and Nick Brignola to name a few. Mike is an exclusive writer for the Belwin Division of Alfred Music Publishing with titles in the jazz, string orchestra and concert band catalogs. He also has compositions for jazz ensemble published by UNC Jazz Press, the Neil A. Kjos Music and the FJH Music Company. Mike has performed with the Woody Herman and Tommy Dorsey Orchestras and has recorded as a member of the Alan Baylock Jazz Orchestra. He served as assistant principal trumpet of the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra under Maestro David Effron. Currently, Mike leads his own jazz octet, the Mike Kamuf Little Big Band, comprised of outstanding musicians from the Baltimore and Washington DC areas. Mike has taught instrumental music for Montgomery County (Maryland) Public Schools (MCPS) since the fall of 1992. He has been in his current teaching position since 1995 as the Director of Bands and Orchestras and Music Department Chairperson at John T. Baker Middle School (Damascus, MD). Under his direction, the Baker ensembles consistently receive high ratings at music festivals and have commissioned four works for young concert bands. In 2007, Mike received the Superintendent’s Above and Beyond the Call of Duty (ABCD) Award for his efforts in involving students in the commissioning process and has directed the MCPS Senior Honors Jazz Band and Junior Honors Band. He has served as a jazz faculty member at Youngstown State University and Montgomery College (Rockville, MD). Mike has become an in demand arranger, clinician and adjudicator for schools, professional development...