Directors Circle
A podcast featuring insight from music educators and school leaders discussing their philosophies on the administrative leadership of a comprehensive music program.
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Andrea Brown - Episode 40
07/13/2020
Andrea Brown - Episode 40
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/15193826
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Timothy Holtan - Episode 39
06/11/2020
Timothy Holtan - Episode 39
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14790950
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Timothy Holtan - Episode 39
06/11/2020
Timothy Holtan - Episode 39
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14790944
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Peter Boonshaft - Episode 38
05/28/2020
Peter Boonshaft - Episode 38
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14604884
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Ryan Nowlin - Episode 37
05/20/2020
Ryan Nowlin - Episode 37
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14499047
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Michael Haithcock - Episode 36
05/15/2020
Michael Haithcock - Episode 36
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14438078
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Dennis Glocke - Episode 35
05/08/2020
Dennis Glocke - Episode 35
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14341400
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Lori Schwartz Reichl - Episode 34
05/01/2020
Lori Schwartz Reichl - Episode 34
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14240393
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Theresa Hoover Ducassoux - Episode 33
04/24/2020
Theresa Hoover Ducassoux - Episode 33
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14135045
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Scott Watson - Episode 32
04/15/2020
Scott Watson - Episode 32
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/14006327
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Jamey Aebersold - Episode 31
04/01/2020
Jamey Aebersold - Episode 31
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13808627
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Shelley Jagow - Episode 30
03/26/2020
Shelley Jagow - Episode 30
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.”
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13716377
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Teaching Music During Difficult Times - Episode 29
03/17/2020
Teaching Music During Difficult Times - Episode 29
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, Dr. Christopher Cicconi, Dr. Andrew Yozviak, and Adam Gumble talking about their current teaching situations, modifying instruction for remote teaching, and maintaining a positive mindset during this difficult time.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13589045
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Philip Silvey - Episode 28
03/12/2020
Philip Silvey - Episode 28
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13530011
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Tyler Austin - Episode 27
02/28/2020
Tyler Austin - Episode 27
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13342157
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Timothy Mahr - Episode 26
02/19/2020
Timothy Mahr - Episode 26
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13221641
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Jerry Blackstone - Episode 25
02/08/2020
Jerry Blackstone - Episode 25
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13069841
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Inside The Circle - Scott Sheehan
02/05/2020
Inside The Circle - Scott Sheehan
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!
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/13024313
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Todd Stefan - Episode 24
01/22/2020
Todd Stefan - Episode 24
In the episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stefan from Wexford, 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, and quotes from the “Rocky” movies!
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12853472
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Jason Worzbyt - Episode 23
01/14/2020
Jason Worzbyt - Episode 23
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!
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12727397
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Mike Kamuf - Episode 22
01/08/2020
Mike Kamuf - Episode 22
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.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12661235
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Christopher Kiver - Episode 21
01/03/2020
Christopher Kiver - Episode 21
This podcast episode features my interview with Dr. Christopher Kiver. Dr. Kiver is the Director of Choral Activities at Penn State University where he directs the concert choir and glee club. In addition to discussing the importance of music and quality repertoire, Dr. Kiver also gives insight into the role that gender plays in a comprehensive music program.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12601973
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Scott Lang - Episode 20
12/10/2019
Scott Lang - Episode 20
This episode features my interview with leadership expert, Scott Lang. Scott is an internationally known speaker and advocate for music education. As a lead author and contributor to publications like “Leader Of The Band” and “Be Part Of The Music”, Scott has helped in leading thousands of students in start their adventures in music.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12342941
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Frank Battisti - Episode 19
11/26/2019
Frank Battisti - Episode 19
In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Frank Battisti about his views on music and music education. Known affectionately to many of his students as “Mr. B”, Battisti has led a prolific career as an educator at Ithaca High School (NY) and the New England Conservatory. Bonus features of this episode include ideas on the importance of music to the human experience and a remarkable story of an impromptu performance featuring Benny Goodman playing a student’s clarinet.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12177242
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Derrick Fox - Episode 18
11/15/2019
Derrick Fox - Episode 18
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Derrick Fox from the University of Nebraska-Omaha on what it’s like to have a background in instrumental music and leading a renowned collegiate choral program.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/12049100
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Stephen Gage - Episode 17
10/30/2019
Stephen Gage - Episode 17
This episode features Dr. Stephen Gage from Youngstown State University. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on a wide array of subjects ranging from imagination to repertoire selection.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/11828483
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Brenda Brenner - Episode 16
10/04/2019
Brenda Brenner - Episode 16
Have you ever wondered what it would be like having a career as a renowned performer and music education training specialist? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Brenda Brenner from Indiana University to discuss her roles as a professional musician, studio instructor, and professor of music education. She also talks about her work with the Fairview Violin Project, a program in which every first and second grader in an underserved school is taught violin as part of the curriculum.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/11507240
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Scott Rush - Episode 15
09/18/2019
Scott Rush - Episode 15
This episode features my interview with the acclaimed author and music educator, Scott Rush. Mr. Rush is widely known for his Habits of Success book series as well as being a renowned band director in South Carolina. Scott shares stories about his career, work as an author, and his current role working in administration.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/11292851
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Christopher Cicconi - Episode 14
09/11/2019
Christopher Cicconi - Episode 14
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christopher Cicconi from Towson, MD. Cicconi shares how he conducts his band and orchestra programs at Towson University. Also being a professor of music education, Cicconi shares how he prepares his students as they enter the workforce.
/episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/11201207
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Len Lavelle - Episode 13
08/26/2019
Len Lavelle - Episode 13
In 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.
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