Andrea Brown - Episode 40
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.
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Timothy Holtan - Episode 39
Directors Circle
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.
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Timothy Holtan - Episode 39
Directors Circle
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.
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Peter Boonshaft - Episode 38
Directors Circle
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.
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Ryan Nowlin - Episode 37
Directors Circle
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.
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Michael Haithcock - Episode 36
Directors Circle
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.
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Dennis Glocke - Episode 35
Directors Circle
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.
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Lori Schwartz Reichl - Episode 34
Directors Circle
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 Making Music Magazine. In this interview, Lori shares her ideas on setting up students for success and incorporating diversity into musical experiences.
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Theresa Hoover Ducassoux - Episode 33
Directors Circle
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.
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Scott Watson - Episode 32
Directors Circle
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.
info_outlineIn this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Len Lavelle from Pittsburgh, PA. If you are from PA, you are sure to be familiar with Len’s work with his bands at North Hills High School. If you are not from the Keystone State, make sure to check out this episode featuring one of the best in the business as he shares ideas on inspiration, teaching, and music education.
Topics include:
(03:25) Len talks about his professional background
(08:55 ) Len stalks about why he decided to stay in band after once being a middle school student who wanted to quit.
(10:30) Len talks about his program and the music department in the North Hills School District.
(13:58) Selecting repertoire for students.
(22:23) Developing ensemble foundations.
(27:36) Ways to engage students to understand the “Why” of what we do.
(34:20) Important concepts of building an ensemble sound.
(41:45) Honoring traditions while making modifications for today’s students.
(55:50) Leaders who inspired Len in his personal and professional lives.
(1:01:33) Three words to describe an outstanding leader of a comprehensive music program.
(1:04:15) Advice for music educators.
(1:08:10) Being remembered as a leader for your music program.
Links:
North Hills Instrumental Music Website: http://www.nhipa.org/
Article on North Hills Wind Ensemble playing at 2020 Music For All National Conference: https://patch.com/pennsylvania/northhills/north-hills-wind-ensemble-receives-national-honor
North Hills Wind Ensemble performing “The Earth” - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSP0ZbW9F-g
2019 North Hills MArching Band performing their halftime show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sviptB5rPtc
Bio:
Len Lavelle is the high school director of bands and and k-12 music curriculum leader for the North Hills School District in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Under his leadership, the North Hills High School Band an award winning program features four concert bands, two jazz bands, and a 225 member marching band. Being well known for musical excellence, Len has featured his students at several major conferences including the PMEA All state conference and the NAFME all-eastern conference.