Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends
Charlie Menghini visits with some of the greatest names in wind band conducting, composing and arranging. The podcast also features regular visits with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, instrument specialists and music industry leaders as well as great college, high school, middle school and elementary band directors who give their thoughts on various aspects of being a band director.
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MuseClass: Tom Gierke & Bob Chreste Talk About This New Online Resource
08/27/2024
MuseClass: Tom Gierke & Bob Chreste Talk About This New Online Resource
, the world’s largest sheet music and music education publisher, and music innovators Muse Group, launch , an assignment, grading, and music content platform set to transform instrumental teaching (grade 6-12) in the U.S. MuseClass allows music educators and band directors to share, collect, and grade assignments on an easy-to-use platform, which also contains a curated library of educational content. Students receive assignments through the MuseClass app (available on iOS, Android & Chromebook), and can submit their progress as video or audio recordings, or upload worksheets. One notable MuseClass feature is AutoGrade, the AI-powered practice tool. This pioneering technology listens to a student’s performance and provides immediate feedback on timing and pitch, even for polyphonic instruments like piano or guitar. The tool can inspire students to repeat their practice sessions, or a teacher can set an AutoGrade challenge as an assignment. At launch, MuseClass includes free digital content from Hal Leonard’s iconic , the gold-standard curriculum for bands and strings in the U.S. now available in concert with next-generation digital tools for the first time. The content library is set to rapidly expand in the coming school year with pedagogical scores and method books drawn from Hal Leonard’s exclusively licensed, premium arrangements — current titles span everything from Taylor Swift and The Beatles to John Williams and Disney soundtracks. Teachers can also compose their own exercises or worksheets with , Muse Group’s award-winning, intuitive notation software. The platform is completely free for all schools until August 1 2025 and will continue to be developed with close feedback from music educators. In year two, MuseClass remains free for teachers, with a $15.99 annual cost per student and custom offerings for school districts. MuseClass marks the first major release since last year, with a shared vision to provide unparalleled access to the best resources to music makers worldwide. The new MuseClass reworks a Muse Group prototype, which is transformed with the addition of Hal Leonard’s content catalog and unparalleled 70 years of experience collaborating with U.S. educators. The AutoGrade tool within MuseClass is the next step in the evolution of Muse Group’s machine learning listening technology. In September 2023, the iPad app StaffPad launched ‘,’ a feature that hears real piano performances and converts them into readable sheet music — technology recently spotlighted in launch. In January 2024, the same capability was deployed in , extending this breakthrough technology to millions of digital music makers. Now in MuseClass’ AutoGrade, a whole generation of young learners can enjoy the benefits of practicing and improving instrumental skills with AI-guidance. In the future, the MuseClass feature set and content library is set to expand based on the evolving needs of U.S. teachers — including print offerings for band leaders and Google Classroom integration. MuseClass software for Kindergarten to Grade 6 educators and for regions outside the U.S. is also coming soon. MuseClass is , and completely free to get started in 2024.
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A Conversation with Jim Mair, Jazz Educator and Saxophonist
06/23/2024
A Conversation with Jim Mair, Jazz Educator and Saxophonist
Jim was raised in , and graduated from Silver Heights Collegiate in 1984. That same year his quintet won top high school combo in Canada and he was selected lead tenor in the Canadian High School All Star Jazz Ensemble. His school band directors were Wilfred Jones and Jim Mackay. In June 1986, he was profiled in DOWNBEAT magazine as a young musician deserving of wider recognition. Mair graduated from the (Bismarck, North Dakota) with a in Music Education (1988) and the University of Missouri at with a Master of Arts degree in music (1990). He studied with Scott Prebys and Loran Eckroth at U-Mary from 1984 to 1988, Mike Parkinson Gary Foster and Tim Timmons at UMKC from 1988 to 1990 and did additional studies at the Banff Summer Jazz Workshop with Dave Holland. Kenny Wheeler and Pat Labarbera in 1988. He is a two-time full fellowship recipient at the in 1989 and 1990. Jim was Professor of Music and Director of Instrumental and Jazz Studies at Kansas City Kansas Community College from 1999-2023. In December 2014, his college big band performed at the 30th annual Havana Jazz Festival in Cuba. He also serves as the Artistic Director/Founder of The Kansas City Jazz Alliance (501c3), The Kansas City High School and Middle School Jazz All Stars program and is the producer of The Kansas City Jazz Summit which includes the annual Basically Basie Competition. From 2003 to 2010 he served as the Artistic Director/Conductor for The Kansas City Jazz Orchestra (501c3), a performance organization that he co-founded. Jim is a co-founder of the Prairie Village Jazz Festival. Mair has also served on the faculty at the , the , and the Charlie Parker Academy of the Arts. In addition, he has served as a staff writer for the Saxophone Journal and since 1992 has served as an artist/clinician for the . Mair has conducted the North Dakota, South Dakota (twice) and Idaho All-State Jazz Ensembles (twice) and the Kansas City All District Jazz Band (six times). While teaching in Idaho from 1995 to 1999 his radio show "Table Down Front" was broadcast across the northwest on NPR affiliates. His performance credits include appearances at the Havana, Cuba Jazz Festival, New York City , , IAJE Convention, JEN Convention, , and Showman's Cafe in New York City and the Duchin Room in . In 1999, Mair was honored by the Governor of Idaho for his outstanding contributions to the Arts. He received the same recognition from the state of Kansas in 2010. In the spring of 2013 Mair received the Henry Louis Teaching Excellence Award from KCKCC as faculty member of the year. In early 2014, he was awarded the League for Innovation John & Suanne Roueche Teaching Excellence Award. In 2015, he was awarded an Honorary degree from the University of West London's, (England) London College of Music for his contributions to jazz education both in North America and in the United Kingdom. Additional accolades include Alumnus of the Year at both of the universities that he attended. University of Mary in 1995 and in 2017 the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance. Also in 2017 The Kansas City Jazz Alliance formed by Mair and his wife received Jazz Distinction recognition in a concert celebration at the Johnny Pacheco Latin Music and Jazz Festival at Lehman College (SUNY) in the Bronx, New York. In 2021, the annual 4 day Kansas City Jazz Summit was selected as "Best of Kansas City" for local businesses and in 2022 the readers of JAM magazine voted Jim, Kansas City's Favorite Saxophonist. Mair serves on the advisory board for the Metheny Family Music Foundation and the Burnett Family Foundation. Jim has on multiple occasions performed as a soloist, the Star Spangled Banner and O Canada at NCAA college and professional sporting events including for the Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Royals and Kansas City Monarchs home games. Retiring from 28 years of college teaching in July 2023, the academic year 2023-2024 found Mair serving as an Artist in Residence at Fort Richmond Collegiate in his hometown of Winnipeg, Canada directing the jazz bands and teaching three sections of beginning band. In the fall of 2024 Jim will join the full-time music staff at St. James Academy in Lenexa, KS where he will serve as Assistant Director of Bands and Jazz Specialist.
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A Conversation with John Armato: Music As A Life Skill
06/04/2024
A Conversation with John Armato: Music As A Life Skill
John Armato is a Senior Partner and Creative Strategist for Fleishman Hillard, a Global PR and Marketing Agency. John was a percussionist in his high school band and over 40 years later, music is still a vital part of his life. In addition to his professional career, John still performs, has recorded and produced his own album, "The Drummer Loves Ballads" and has a jazz radio show, "The A List with John Armato" that can be found at:
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A Conversation with John Whitwell
05/20/2024
A Conversation with John Whitwell
Professor John Whitwell, who retired as professor of music and director of MSU Bands, has distinguished himself in the field of music as an educator, clinician, conductor, adjudicator, and author. He earned an associate degree from Rochester College (formerly known as Michigan Christian College), a bachelor’s degree in music education from Abilene Christian University, and a master of music degree from the University of Michigan. Professor Whitwell began his teaching career in 1965 and held positions as a music teacher, director of bands, and music department chairperson at public schools in Jackson and Ann Arbor. Before joining MSU in 1993, he taught at Stephen F. Austin State University and Abilene Christian University. During his time as director of bands at Michigan State, Professor Whitwell served as chairperson of the conducting area. As a lecturer, guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, he participated in hundreds of music conferences, state and national music association meetings, workshops, festivals, and music competitions throughout the United States and elsewhere, including England, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and Mexico. He joined the board of the Midwest Clinic, one of the world’s largest instrumental music conferences, in 1997. His writings have appeared in several music journals and other publications. He is a tireless supporter of the MSU Alumni Band Association and has worked with that organization to commission new works for band. He received MSU’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2003 and the Paul Varg Alumni Award for Faculty from the College of Arts and Letters in 2004.
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Dr. John Climer, Director of Bands (Retired), University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
05/07/2024
Dr. John Climer, Director of Bands (Retired), University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee
A dear friend of Charlie's returns to the program after a couple of years. Together in Fargo, North Dakota for the Raging Red Band Festival, Charlie caught up with John a couple of weeks after the event to catch up on life and talk about all things band.
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A Conversation with Dr. Steve Peterson, Director of Bands (Retired), The University of Illinois
04/22/2024
A Conversation with Dr. Steve Peterson, Director of Bands (Retired), The University of Illinois
Steve Peterson, Director of Bands (Retired) at the University of Illinois shares his journey from learning the piano to ending up leading one of the most prestigious band programs in the country. Steve has not forgotten his roots, nor those who served as mentors throughout his education and career. This is a conversation you will not want to miss.
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Dr. Rick Fleming, Director of Bands, SUNY - Buffalo State University
04/12/2024
Dr. Rick Fleming, Director of Bands, SUNY - Buffalo State University
Dr. Rick Fleming, Director of Bands at SUNY's - Buffalo State University campus talks about his beginnings as a trombone player, and the steps that led him to his current position. Rick also shares a wonderful question posed by his Ph.D. conducting professor, Dr. James Croft.
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A Conversation with Dr. Andrea DeRenzis Strauss
04/02/2024
A Conversation with Dr. Andrea DeRenzis Strauss
Dr. Andrea DeRenzis Strauss is Conductor of the Tara Winds and is the retired Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology. An accomplished musician and conductor alike, Andrea Strauss holds the Women Band Directors International Scroll of Excellence among the many honor and awards she has received throughout her career.
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A Conversation with Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University
03/25/2024
A Conversation with Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University
Dr. Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University highlights his journey from growing up in Glascow, Montana to becoming Director of Bands at NDSU. We chat about some of the issues directors face when preparing a group for a festival performance, repertoire being performed and a whole lot more.
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Band Talk is Back: You Never Know What Comes Out of a Blizzard
03/14/2024
Band Talk is Back: You Never Know What Comes Out of a Blizzard
Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends returns thanks to a blizzard that cancelled day one of the Raging Red Band Festival, in Fargo, North Dakota. In an effort to provide some information to the directors who didn't get a chance to participate, along with the general listening audience, you will hear this, the first of a six-part podcast featuring the administrators of the festival as well as the clinicians who were at the event. Today's podcast features Bill Law, Assistant Director of Fine Arts and North Dakota State University and John Warren, Festival Director. Future podcasts will feature Dr. Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University, Andrea DeRenzis Strauss who directs the Tara Winds in Georgia, Steve Peterson, retired Director of Bands at the University of Illinois, Rick Fleming, Director of Bands at SUNY - Buffalo State University, Buffalo, NY and John Climer, retired Director of Bands from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee.
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Retired Col. Thomas Palmatier
04/13/2022
Retired Col. Thomas Palmatier
Retired Colonel Thomas Palmatier shares what drew him to join the military and reflects on his more than 37 years in the United States Army where he served in a wide array of assignments including Leader and Commander of the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own." Since retirement, Palmatier has kept very active and has recently been named Editor of School Band and Orchestra Magazine.
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Tom Merrill - Traveling With Your Band
04/05/2022
Tom Merrill - Traveling With Your Band
Tom Merrill spent the first 10 years of his career as a band director and the past 20 years in the festival and travel business. Tom provides great insights and information if you are considering traveling with your group.
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Ted Piechocinski, Director of the Music Business Program, Indiana State University
02/14/2022
Ted Piechocinski, Director of the Music Business Program, Indiana State University
It all started when his junior high school band director told his dad that he thought Ted would make a great band director. Who knew that 50 plus years later he would have degrees in music education, music performance and law. With experience in the music industry, Ted Piechocinski is now director of one of the finest college music business programs in the nation and author of a comprehensive book: The Music Industry - Where Creativity Meets Business.
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Jay Bocook
01/31/2022
Jay Bocook
With over 600 titles to his credit, Jay Bocook is one of America's finest and most trusted band composers and arrangers. From his days as a student with the Largo (FL) Band of Gold to returning to his Alma Mater, Furman University as Director of Bands, Jay's story is one of hard work, discipline and determination.
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Dr. Ken Dye, Director of Bands, University of Notre Dame
01/14/2022
Dr. Ken Dye, Director of Bands, University of Notre Dame
Dr. Ken Dye shares his journey from a student in California to becoming the Director of Bands at the University of Notre Dame. Dr. Dye talks about the role the band plays in preparing his students for their life after college.
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Les Taylor - The Importance of Listening to Music
12/28/2021
Les Taylor - The Importance of Listening to Music
Les Taylor and Charlie have a conversation on the importance of listening to music and the need to create dedicated time to expanding our musical palettes.
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John Armato, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay & Dr. Garrett Hope
12/16/2021
John Armato, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay & Dr. Garrett Hope
John Armato makes his second visit to the podcast to talk about all that went into his CD, The Drummer Loves Ballads. It's a fascinating journey.
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A Conversation with Paul Murtha
12/07/2021
A Conversation with Paul Murtha
Paul Murtha served as Chief Arranger for "Pershing's Own," The United States Army Band from 2001 to 2016. Today, he continues writing and has over 600 published works to his credit. Since his first theory class with his high school band director, Paul Murtha shares an interesting journey that has led him to become a national treasure in the band arranging world.
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Mike Lawson, Publisher, SBO Magazine
07/06/2021
Mike Lawson, Publisher, SBO Magazine
As a little kid, Mike Lawson loved to sing. Then a friend's father changed his life by teaching him his first four guitar chords. His love for music grew but he only had a limited path in traditional school music ensembles. Mike dropped out of high school and started playing in bands. Today, as publisher of SBO, Jazz Ed, Choral Director and MME Magazines, Mike hopes to provide content to help teachers inspire students to succeed in music, school and life.
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George Hattendorf, Retired Director of Bands, Mountain Ridge High School, Phoenix, AZ
06/17/2021
George Hattendorf, Retired Director of Bands, Mountain Ridge High School, Phoenix, AZ
George Hattendorf talks about his 47 plus year career and offers that band directors have two choices....stand on the sideline and complain or get involved and be a part of the change. George chose the latter for all the right reasons and in doing so, offered his students lifetime experiences.
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Part 2 - Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School
06/10/2021
Part 2 - Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School
In part 2 of our conversation, Greg Bimm, Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School talks concert band, score study, the importance of the impact on our actions and decisions on everyone else and so much more.
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Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School - Part 1
06/03/2021
Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School - Part 1
Greg Bimm is in his 44th year at Marian Catholic High School where he has developed a nationally recognized program. In part one of this two part podcast, Greg talks about how his father laid the groundwork for his work ethic and commitment, the influence his high school band director had on him, how student teaching helped put things into perspective and how he has worked to develop the Marian Catholic Band program.
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Dr. Andrew Chybowski
05/26/2021
Dr. Andrew Chybowski
Dr. Andrew Chybowski, Director of Bands, Pittsburg State University (KS) had his career path set when, at his first elementary band concert, he got to wear sunglasses and the director had a fog machine and laser lights. Today he works to balance pedagogy and artistry in his teaching and is intent to get students to realize they have a lot more creative control in the music making process. Great thoughts from a rising star!
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Chris Behrens, Director of Bands, Beloit Memorial High School, WI
05/08/2021
Chris Behrens, Director of Bands, Beloit Memorial High School, WI
"Music is more than playing in a band rehearsal every day." During the pandemic, Chris and his music teacher colleagues created a series of four-week short courses students could take in addition to their ensembles to learn more about music. He also took an idea from one of his students and developed a summer jazz mentoring program. Oh, and did I mention his jazz ensemble has received nine invitations to Wynton Marsalis' Essentially Ellington Festival in New York?
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Jim Yarnell, Band Director, American School, Hague, Netherlands
04/24/2021
Jim Yarnell, Band Director, American School, Hague, Netherlands
This Indiana boy went to college and ended up teaching with his old high school band director, the legendary Al Castronovo in Chesterton, IN. While there, Jim met his wife who was from the Netherlands and decided to relocate, becoming the band director at the American School in the Hague. Jim looks back on a stellar career and his story highlights what it is like to teach band in such a culture-rich country like the Netherlands.
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Dr. Dan Belongia, Director of Bands, Arkansas Tech University
04/15/2021
Dr. Dan Belongia, Director of Bands, Arkansas Tech University
Dan Belongia talks about the impact his band directors had on him throughout his career...beginning with the trombone through earning his doctorate. His love of repertoire and the importance of having positive energy in rehearsals are things he has learned. Today, Dan Belongia is driven to pass those traits and more on to his students in his role as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University.
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Jerry Hoover & Herb Duncan, Two Legends of Missouri Bands
04/02/2021
Jerry Hoover & Herb Duncan, Two Legends of Missouri Bands
Jerry Hoover and Herb Duncan share a story of how they met. They talk about what kept them together as friends and colleagues for over 50 years and give their thoughts on the profession. This is more than a conversation, this is a Master Class in band directing and being a success. It's a sharing of wisdom acquired over the two careers of two master teachers, two great band directors and two incredible people.
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Karl Sievers, Professor of Trumpet, The University of Oklahoma
03/26/2021
Karl Sievers, Professor of Trumpet, The University of Oklahoma
Dr. Karl Sievers shares insights on what he looks for in a student, how students should practice, how to overcome performance anxiety and a whole bunch more. Pragmatic thoughts and information for teachers and students from one of the best in the business.
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Gary Brandes, Life-Long Teacher, Life-Long Learner
03/16/2021
Gary Brandes, Life-Long Teacher, Life-Long Learner
After teaching 42 years, Gary Brandes says “I’m not there yet!” A life-long band director and life-long learner, Gary advises listeners that the only way for us to advance our art form is to continue to grow as musicians, as teachers and as people. A humble professional, Brandes talks about all who have influenced him and his quest to now, pay it forward. Sage advice from a master teacher.
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Lester Taylor, Composer, Arranger, Teacher and Musician
03/09/2021
Lester Taylor, Composer, Arranger, Teacher and Musician
Les Taylor shares stories about his life as a musician, teacher, composer, arranger and so much more. From time he raised his hand in band to the early morning when he was awakened when the car he was riding in flooded out on the way home from a drum corps show. Les tells great stories, provides insightful thoughts, and offers up lots of laughs in this great conversation
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