Program Notes: The Band Director Podcast: Recent Episodes
John M. Denis
So, you’re finishing school or you’ve signed a contract. While other new band directors are just trying to survive that first year, what can you do to thrive? Each episode will give you direct, usable information based on actual experiences relevant to your needs as a future or beginning band director. So grab your earbuds or turn up the car stereo, and let me give you some great program notes for success.
Episodes release on either the 2nd or 4th Thursdays of each month (sometimes both).
On this episode I'm joined by Lynn Brinckmeyer to talk about getting through the early stages of your career and making the switch to cover vocal music in the classroom. She's asked me to share her contact info here, so you can reach her at either lynnbrinckmeyer@gmail.com or lbrinckmeyer@txstate.edu.
In this episode I'm joined by Jeff King, extremely successful band director, fine arts administrator, and author of the popular Foundations for Superior Performance in Band books to talk about what administrators look for in a new employee, rehearsal strategies, and more.
On this episode Kyle Smith and I have a great chat about band, and tips for young teachers. Kyle is an excellent band director and fellow podcaster out of Maine.
In this episode Adam Chitta talks about working with deaf and hearing impaired students in band.
Personal email: adamchitta@gmail.com
Facebook Group link (Music is for ALL in our Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Community): https://www.facebook.com/groups/3543764315895855/
Soundbrenner Metronome referral link: https://snbr.io/adam-chitta
Midwest Clinic details: https://www.midwestclinic.org/2023_clinician_Edward_Ercilla
Texas Health and Human Services - Deaf Tuition Waiver: https://www.hhs.texas.gov/services/disability/deaf-hard-hearing/tuition-waiver
In this episode, I share my thoughts about how to have a successful student teaching experience.
In these episodes, I'm joined by Jarrett Lipman, head band director at Claudia Taylor Johnson HS in North East ISD.
In these episodes, I'm joined by Jarrett Lipman, head band director at Claudia Taylor Johnson HS in North East ISD.
In these episodes I'm joined by Caroline Beatty, Director of Bands at Texas State University, to talk about conducting, rehearsing, and repertoire.
In these episodes I'm joined by Caroline Beatty, Director of Bands at Texas State University, to talk about conducting, rehearsing, and repertoire.
In these episodes, I sit down with Dr. McInturf to talk about theory and practice in the band classroom.
In these episodes, I sit down with Dr. McInturf to talk about theory and practice in the band classroom.
In this episode, I talk about tips for having a successful year with your beginning band students.
The final part of my chat with Lynne Jackson, touching upon tuba, percussion, and what young teachers need to know.
We continue our discussion with Lynne Jackson about starting beginners, focusing on trumpet and horn.
In the first of this series of episodes, Lynne discusses key concepts for flute and clarinet that lead to beginner's success.
In our second episode, Cindy Lansford talks about planning, mentoring, and successful teaching.
In this series, we have Cindy Lansford on to talk about the importance of tone, careful instruction, and helping students learn.
Part two of my talk with Jason Prasifka about the importance of instrumental pedagogy and fundamental instruction.
I'm joined by Jason Prasifka, high school band director in the North Dallas area to talk about the importance of instrumental pedagogy and fundamental instruction.
This is a standalone episode where I share my thoughts about starting over after the fun that has been COVID. I discuss culture, instruction, classroom management, and mental health as all important considerations for our return to rehearsals.
Carter Biggers joins me for this series to talk about programing, score study, and general band stuff.
The final episode of this series with Liz Love, middle school band director extraordinaire where we talk about teaching in a pandemic, being student-centered, and having fun in the classroom.
On this series of episodes, I'm joined by Liz Love, middle school band director extraordinaire to talk about teaching in a pandemic, being student-centered, and having fun in the classroom.
On this series of episodes, I'm joined by Liz Love, middle school band director extraordinaire to talk about teaching in a pandemic, being student-centered, and having fun in the classroom.
In our final episode with Tiffiny Reckley we discuss her advice to young music educators and being a lifelong learner.
In this series of episodes, Tiffiny Reckley joins me to talk about teaching in urban environments, the rewards, and challenges as well as tips for having success.
In this series of episodes Tiffiny Reckley joins me to talk about teaching in urban environments, the rewards and challenges as well as tips for having success.
Our second episode with the incomparable Jerry Junkin, where he shares his insights and thoughts on directing bands.
Jerry Junkin, famous wind band conductor, joins us to talk about mentorship and teaching expression (among other things).
Part 2 with Dan Morrison as we talk about building a culture of positivity, communication, and doing what works.
In this series of episodes Dan Morrison joins me to talk about building a culture of positivity, communication, and doing what works.
Our final episode with the amazing Melodianne Mallow, where we wrap up her thoughts on the most important things for a beginning band director to know.
The second part in our series with Melodianne Mallow, long time band director in the DFW area, where we talk about what young directors need to know to teach beginners well and what is necessary for success at the middle school level.
In this series we welcome Melodianne Mallow, long time band director in the DFW area, and we talk about what young directors need to know to teach beginners well and what is necessary for success at the middle school level.
I wanted to take some time and discuss what we no about COVID and how we can be safe in the band hall in the 2020-2021 school year. This is not medical/legal advice, but just my attempts to report on research with some commentary thrown in there.
In our final episode with Bobby Lambert, head director at Wando High School, we discuss literature, fundamentals, and chamber ensembles.
Our second episode in the series with Wando High School head director Bobby Lambert. In this episode we talk about the selecting literature and the importance of fundamentals.
Bobby Lambert is the head band director at Wando High School in South Carolina. His groups have performed at the Midwest Clinic and various BOA events. In this episode we discuss learning from mistakes and finding success as a young director.
In the second part of our annual perspectives series, Peyton and Shane talk about distance learning, student independence, and the importance of relationships in band directing.
In our annual Perspectives series, we have Peyton Grover and Shane Lemanski, two first year teachers in Texas with some great insights into their success during a challenging first year.
Join Gary Williams for part 2 of our chat about honor band, encouraging students, and general band talk.
Join Gary Williams, fantastic head band director from Cockrill Middle School, as he talks about creating a healthy band culture, building relationships, and general band talk.
In this episode I invited several skilled directors to a round table discussion about teaching ensembles remotely. We discuss ways they have already used technology to reach beyond their classrooms, ways to handle the upcoming challenges, and philosophical foundations for teaching through the COVID challenge.
The second part of my discussion about the basics of percussion with Jordan Stern.
© 2020 John M. Denis
In this mini-episode I talk about the importance of having a hierarchy of listening for success as well as walking through my own hierarchy that I use when working with bands.
In this episode I discuss the ins and outs of being a skilled interviewee. Starting with what to do before the interview, and covering the interview itself and the post-interview process, I give tips and tricks to help you find success (and a job). ©2020 John M. Denis
Part 2 of my chat with Scott Rush. Mr. Rush's expertise and insight is invaluable for any young teachers.
Also, check out www.tuningwithtechnology.com if you are interested in learning more about maximizing intonation skills in your ensemble.
©2020 John M. Denis
In this series we welcome Scott Rush to the show. Mr. Rush is is the lead writer for the "Habits" music education series published by GIA Publications and is the former Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. He is currently the Director of Fine and Performing Arts In Dorchester School District Two and is the conductor of The Charleston Wind Symphony. In this episode we talk about advice for young teachers and navigating the collaborative nature of band.
©2019 John M. Denis
In this episode, my colleague Jordan Stern and I discuss general tips for improving ensemble intonation, including working to develop aural skills in students, exercises to improve pitch matching in the band, and common pitfalls. If you are interested in the exercises we discuss, you can get more information at www.tuningwithtechnology.com
©2019 John M. Denis
The final episode in my series with Robert Selaiden, fantastic band director at Leander High School.
In this episode Robert Selaiden, incredible band director at Leander High School, shares what he wishes he knew earlier in his career.
©2019 John M. Denis
In this episode Robert Selaiden, incredible band director at Leander High School, shares what he wishes he knew earlier in his career.
The final part in our series with Mark Connor (composer, music educator, and podcaster extraordinaire). In this episode we talk recruiting, changing instruments, and other fun aspects of the band director life. ©2019 John M. Denis
Mark Connor and I continue our chat about his first year back in band directing ©2019 John M. Denis
Mark J. Connor is a composer, conductor, and educator whose main focus is writing for concert band, with works appearing on several state lists. He also hosts an amazing podcast (Everything Band). Join us for our discussion about his perspectives in going back into the band directing world.
©2019 John M. Denis
The final part of our series with Brad and Misty Smith regarding getting off to a great start with your middle school students.
©2019 John M. Denis
Join Brad and Misty Smith for Part 2 of our discussion of starting off the year successfully. This episode we digress into classroom management and the importance of communication.
©2019 John M. Denis
Join Brad and Misty Smith, two amazing directors I've worked with off and on for years, as we all chat about how to get your year off to a great start.
©2019 John M. Denis
Part 2 of my discussion with Erin Cole about challenges and solutions for heterogeneous beginner instruction. Erin was the band director at Tapp Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia from 1995-2017 and was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2016. Her bands have had a national reputation for excellence, and she is currently a Conn-Selmer Senior Educational Consultant.
©2019 John M. Denis
Join us as Erin Cole and I discuss challenges and solutions for heterogeneous beginner instruction. Erin was the band director at Tapp Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia from 1995-2017 and was named “Teacher of the Year” in 2016. Her bands have had a national reputation for excellence, and she is currently a Conn-Selmer Senior Educational Consultant.
©2019 John M. Denis
This episode is a live recording of a clinic presented by Dr. Marta Frey-Clark and myself at TMEA 2019. In this presentation we discuss both general theories underlying recruitment and retention as well as specific strategies to help directors grow their programs.
©2019 John M. Denis
This episode is a live recording of a clinic presented by Dr. Marta Frey-Clark and myself at TMEA 2019. In this presentation we discuss both general theories underlying recruitment and retention as well as specific strategies to help directors grow their programs.
Slides can be found on http://programnotespodcast.com/2019/04/25/episode-39-recruitment-and-retention-part-1/
©2019 John M. Denis
Part 2 of our series with the incomparable Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser talking about becoming a successful band director. Dr. Tim is well known in music education for his expertise and uplifting attitude, and has been involved in a variety of successful publications, programs, and schools during his storied career
©2019 John M. Denis
On this series we have the incomparable Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser to talk about becoming a successful band director. Dr. Tim is well known in music education for his expertise and uplifting attitude, and has been involved in a variety of successful publications, programs, and schools during his storied career.
©2019 John M. Denis
In this episode I discuss tips and tricks for a successful sight-reading contest/competition experience. ©2019 John M. Denis
In this final episode in the series, Darcy Williams (of After Sectionals fame) talks about teaching rhythm logically and the importance of reaching out to other skilled teachers.
©2019 John M. Denis
In this episode Darcy Williams continues telling us about brass approaches and how to actually create your own supplementary materials.
©2019 John M. Denis
Join Darcy Williams (of After Sectionals fame) as she continues our discussion of supplemental materials in beginning band.
©2019 John M. Denis
Join Darcy Williams and me for our new series discussing supplementary materials and beginning band curriculum. Darcy is an amazing band director and the driving force behind the After Sectionals Podcast.
©2018 John M. Denis
This is our final installment with Evan VanDoren talking about practical tips for young marching band directors.
©2018 John M. Denis
Join Evan VanDoren and I as we talk in greater depth about improving the sight and sound of your marching band.
©2018 John M. Denis
Since marching band is still fresh in many of our minds, join Evan VanDoren and myself for a discussion of how to best teaching your marching ensemble. In this episode we will cover some of the basics, such as teaching drill and making good sounds.
©2018 John M. Denis
In this episode I answer a few questions from listeners. Specifically, I have to thank Shane for his question about rewriting parts for competitions and Clinton for his question regarding ensemble seating arrangements.
©2018 John M. Denis
This is the final episode in our series addressing leading a successful program. I want to thank Rob Chilton for his insights and for joining me.
©2018 John M. Denis
Part 3 (of 4) in out series providing tips for successfully being a leader to your band. Rob Chilton has already provided great insights, and in this episode we continue to discuss effective leadership.
©2018 John M. Denis
Part 2 of a series discussing director leadership with Rob Chilton, fantastic director, leader, and musician. There are some fun tidbits about productivity in this episode worth noting.
©2018 John M. Denis
I'm excited to welcome Rob Chilton, fantastic director, leader, and musician to the podcast for the start of a series discussing director leadership. Rob's kids recently performed at the Texas Music Educators Association convention as one of the state honor bands. For those unfamiliar with the Texas band scene, this is a pretty big deal. It means that among schools of similar size, Mr. Chilton's band was deemed to have the best performance and invited to perform at our annual meeting. I sincerely hope that listeners out there get something out of this chat.
©2018 John M. Denis
The final installment of our discussion about beginning band. It was such a joy to have Jason share his wisdom and insight with us on the show these last few episodes. ©2018 John M. Denis
Part 2 of our discussion with Jason Tucker about teaching beginning band students. There are some great tips in here for you guys, so be sure to check it out. Also, don't forget to give us a rating or review.
Join Jason Tucker and myself as we talk about the ins and outs of teaching beginners!
©2018 John M. Denis
This is the final part of our non-varsity band series. Join Bryn Roberts and myself as we wrap up out tips for working with non-varsity students!
©2018 John M. Denis
Join an old friend and colleague and me as we discuss tips and tricks for you assistant band directors out there.
©2018 John M. Denis
An introduction to fundamental drill, why it matters and how to make the most of it.
©2018 John M. Denis
In this episode I discuss factors that influence ending the year strong. ©2018 John M. Denis
This is part 2 of the discussion between Dr. Todd Oxford and myself regarding tips for teaching saxophone. I've decided to extend this recording into a part 3, so look for that next month.
©2018 John M. Denis
In this episode the incomparable Dr. Todd Oxford and I talk about some of the common tips and misconceptions involved in teaching young saxophonists.
©2018 John M. Denis
3 quick tips to help listeners prepare for the concert stage or the sight-reading room.
©2018 John M. Denis
The second half of Brian and my discussion regarding how to follow up another band director in your new position.
©2018 John M. Denis
Join Brian Weidner and myself as we discuss how to successfully follow a previous teacher. In part 1 of this discussion, we address the idea of social capital and the importance of professional communication.
©2018 John M. Denis
Jordan and I tackle the joys of technology, discuss ways to teach your kids good intonation, and wrap up this series on intonation. ©2018 John M. Denis
So now that we've discussed some of the causes behind poor intonation, how do we help our students build good intonation habits? In the second part of this series Jordan Stern and I discuss some of the strategies to teach intonation conceptually.
©2017 John M. Denis
This episode begins our series on intonation in the wind ensemble. Jordan Stern and I discuss some common causes of bad intonation and introduce ideas for improvement. Be sure to check out the other episodes in the series as they release
©2017 John M. Denis
©2017 John M. Denis
This episode Dr. Kyle Glaser joins us to talk about the broader concerns of programming music for your wind ensemble.
In this episode we talk about the basics of selecting music for your band, common pitfalls, and what to watch for in order for your students to be successful.
©2017 John M. Denis
Once you're professional and have planned for class, how do you improve your classroom management?
This episode continues our talk regarding classroom management, where we talk about things such as the importance of having a few, actionable rules; developing logical and appropriate consequences, and pacing/redirection tips for improving student behavior on the spot. If you haven't had a chance to listen to episode 1, I'd encourage you to start there. You can find a rough outline on my website at http://programnotespodcast.com
©2017 John M. Denis
http://programnotespodcast.com/2017/10/19/episode-1-classroom-management-part-1
The first half of our discussion about managing students in a band classroom. This podcast covers why classroom management matters, what you need to do school starts, and the importance of procedures.
©2017 John M. Denis