Directors Circle

A podcast featuring insight from music educators and school leaders discussing their philosophies on the administrative leadership of a comprehensive music program.

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

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

Timothy Holtan - Episode 39 06/11/2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. /episode/index/show/directorscircle/id/10993607

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