Band is Everything (formerly Band in Minnesota)

Our featured guest today is truly ‘one-of-a-kind’: conductor, banjo player, tap dancer, whiz bang player, magician, and inventor. Yes, they broke the mold with Scott Crosbie. You will be entertained by his life stories and passion for music and entertainment. Enjoy! Show Timings (00:00)  Introduction (03:20)  Paying Attention to the Details (06:50)  Medicine Show Music Company and t...

In this episode we speak with Chief Warrant Officer James Baxter about the history and mission of the 34th Infantry Division "Red Bull" Band. Officially organized 30 April 1900, the 34th Infantry Division Band has proudly served state and nation for over 114 years, seeing service in WWI, WWII and the Global War on Terrorism. Whether performing for the public, supporting military ceremonies, or ent...

An important practical matter for band directors - and parents: what are basic instrument repair tricks that band directors can do on their own - and what types of repairs should parents avoid? Joining us today is Mark Kuklok, the owner of MK Music Repair in Owatonna MN. Mark Kuklok Upon graduating from high school, I wanted to go into music education so in 1987 I obtained a Music Education degree...

Distance learning has quickly become a new way of life. Stillwater Schools have taken a collaborative approach to eLearning so that the band program remains unified pedagogically grades 5-12. Stillwater School District Band Faculty Dennis Lindsay, Band Director, Stillwater High School Michael Walk, Band Director, Stillwater Middle School Megan Holroyd, Band Director & Vocal Music, Stillwater M...

Minnesota is unique in the number of adults making music. Last checked there were 238 registered community bands in Minnesota. There are also many community/regional orchestras, and Minnesota is the “land of 10,000 choirs”. In this episode we interview six adult musicians to help answer the question, “Why do you make music a central part of your adult life?” Jan Possehl Scholl , clarinet - Former...

Matthew J. George holds a DMA degree in conducting from the University of North Texas, a MM degree in music education from Southern Methodist University, and a BM degree in music education and trumpet performance from Ithaca College. Dr. George is Professor of Music, John Ireland Distinguished Professor, and the Director of Bands and Orchestra at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn...

How might general music fit into a high school music curriculum? Do all music programs reflect the student population of schools? If you are curious about these questions, or just want to hear more about these topics and more, then this episode of Band in Minnesota is for you! Sarah Minette (BME, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, MAME, University of St. Thomas, and PhD, Arizona State University)...

Life’s first experiences are always full of possibility. In this episode we hear from two first year Minnesota band directors, their joys and challenges as they begin their careers. Brenna Sherman is a first year band director at Princeton Middle School in Princeton Minnesota. She graduated from Luther College in Decorah IA. While at Luther College she participated in the Symphony Orchestra, Chamb...

Equal access for all students is a goal in all of education. We’ve found a band director who has made it a reality. In this episode we are joined by Amy Powers, Director of Bands at Henry Sibley High School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. We will learn how Amy met the challenges of equal access and led the Henry Sibley High School Band on a journey of a lifetime. Episode Overview (00:00)  Intr...

So, your son or daughter comes home from school one day and says, “I want to join the band!” In this episode we are joined by three amazing music educators that specialize in beginning band instruction. Nancy Dostal, Minnesota Music Educator of the Year in 2017, Nicholas Ellison and Michael Moeller, Elementary Band Directors in the Edina School District. This episode is directed toward beginning b...

One thing we can count on in education is change. For this episode we were joined by the band faculty at Monticello Middle School, Melissa Krohn and Jennifer Macki. How we adapt creatively to change is ultimately going to determine our success. This episode explores an example of how two teachers came together for the benefit of their students and program. Episode Overview (00:00)   Intr...

I believe the future of music education in Minnesota is in good hands. In this special episode we have a new host, Evah Engel from the University of Minnesota. She steps in to talk with other college students about challenges they face as future music educators. We apologize for the background noise in this episode - it was recorded LIVE during the MMEA Midwinter Clinic! Background of the College...

In the words of composer Erik Stokes, “Music is a Social Art.” In this episode we visit with Dr. Peter Haberman, Director of Bands as Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota about the Concordia Band program and their history and tradition of “Band as Family.” Dr. Peter Haberman’s Background Peter Haberman serves as the director of bands and associate professor of music at Concordia College, where...

For this episode we traveled to rural Minnesota, Kenyon-Wanamingo School District to speak with a passionate music educator and band director by the name of Claire Larson. Claire Larson’s Background Claire grew up in Aurora Illinois where she was part of a vibrant band program.  She graduated from the St. Olaf College with a degree in K-12 instrumental music education. She also earn...

It’s Tuesday, March 24, 2020 and here we are in the middle of a pandemic. To help us get through this challenging time here are some thoughts and ideas. In the words of composer Eric Stokes, “Music is a Social Art.” You know much of what we do as creative musicians is done in solitude; individual practicing, composing and for me as a conductor, score study. In fact, there is nothing better than a...

A new podcast about band and music education. But don't let the name fool you - this is for everyone! Hosted by Jerry Luckhardt (University of Minnesota) and Bradley Mariska (Farmington High School). "Band in Minnesota" – Episode 0 “Band in Minnesota Introduction” Hi Band in Minnesota Listeners! This is Jerry Luckhardt, I’m a band director at the University of Minnesota…and I’m Brad Mariska band d...