Band Talk is Back

Michael Levine, founder of the Dallas Brass, talks about Harmony Bridge, a program where students perform for impacted members of the community.  Diane Koutsulis, the daughter of Greek immigrants shares how winning a brand-new Lincoln Continental at age 2 ½ changed her life and how The Go Go's We've Got the Beat helped pave the way for her to have an incredible career as a high school band directo...

He began on a trumpet with only two valves and through his hard work and persistence, became one of our nation's finest high school band directors.  Alfred Watkins talks about growing up and going to school in Jackson, Georgia and how he built the nationally acclaimed Lassiter High School Band program.  He continues to make a difference in the band directing world through his work as a clinician,...

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser talks about the important role a teacher plays in a child's experience and discusses the new Essential Elements Band Talk podcast that has recently been released. Composer Willie Owens shares how he got the bug to own a Corvette and chats about the influence teachers made in his life and his wish to be able to have one more conversation with Vaclav Nelhybel.  

Allan McMurray's career includes 35 years as Chair of the Conducting Faculty and Director of Bands at the University of Colorado-Boulder.  Having only played the trumpet in his high school orchestra, this pre-law major's love of music led him to a career that has had a profound impact on band directors of all levels.  He is a conductor, clinician and teacher par excellence, and the experiences All...

Paul Lavender, Internationally known and respected composer and arranger and Vice President of Instrumental Publications at Hal Leonard shares the story of growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  From copying parts for Ken Snoeck while an undergrad at Central Michigan University to working with John Williams and the President's Own, The United States Marine Band, Paul's story is one of the...

Stan Schoonover of Fairfax County, VA talks about turning down a science scholarship to become a band director and Bob Buckner of Waynesville, NC shares his story of a $50 per semester scholarship he received to pursue his dream.  Two great band directors who had incredible careers offer a look at what led them to be so successful.  They are living proof that hard work and persistence makes all th...

Jerry Hoover takes us through his 50-plus year career.  From his days as a student at Drury College to becoming the Director of Bands at Southwest Missouri State University, Jerry shares his secrets of success: hard work, a can-do attitude, being a good musician, loving teaching, bringing music to the people, and being creative.  This is an enjoyable conversation you will not want to miss.

Dr. Danielle Gaudry, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Cal State East Bay shares her story. Influenced by a father who played guitar and could not read music, Danielle's journey is fascinating and highlights the fact that there is no "right" way for students to start their musical journeys. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Charlie chat about ways directors should prepare for fall clas...

Kevin Lepper provides some strategies to get your percussionists ready for the fall, including marching band and the year in total.  Dr. Bruce Moss, Director of Bands at Bowling Green (OH) State University and Conductor of the Wheaton (IL) Municipal Band shares his story and provides some history and insights on the Wheaton Band's 90 years as a community treasure.

Glen Schneider of Metea Valley High School hopes to inspire students to learn and repeatedly asks them "Why Music?"  Scott Teeple, Director of Bands at the University of Wisconsin - Madison stresses the human side of band directing.  In addition to knowing the score and being an excellent musician, the conductor must  allow themselves to be vulnerable, knowing their students will not take risks un...

Jack Williamson, retired Director of Bands at Central Michigan University reflects on his successful career.  He talks about how his master's degree helped him fill in the cracks and why it is important to have high standards.  John and Becky Warren of Mandan, North Dakota share their story of how they met at the Midwest Clinic and how their love for bands and each other continue to motivate them...

From Freddy's early days of teaching, Chris deciding the French Horn was not for him and how a movie influenced Michael's career path, the Martins share their story.  Their unconditional love,  support and respect for each other and music is truly inspirational.  Enjoy!

Michael Sweeney talks about the composition process and how a before school theory class helped prepare him for his career once he experienced failure in what he really hoped to do.  Dr. John Climer talks about serving the music and provides tips to help bring marches to life.

Gary Hill on the conducting process, development & the power of "not yet."  Gary also shares information on The Complete Conductor online seminar he has developed.  Dr. Cory Meals shares his VirtualMusicConference.org website and thoughts on the future of bands.  Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Charlie have a conversation about Music Advocacy and how communication is more important now than ever.

First-year teacher Josh Breen talks about creating a place where students feel welcome.  Rachel Maxwell shares thoughts on keeping standards high and engaging students.  Richard Floyd on how Texas' band landscape changed, why Texas bands are different and four things he has learned from his wife.

Robert Davis , Olathe Northwest HS, KS talks about his philosophy on connecting with students.   Lord of the Rings  composer  Johan de Meij shares his musical journey and the process he uses when he composes.   Chip DeStefano of McCracken Middle School in Skokie, IL provides us with four fundamental elements every band program needs.

Dr. Steve Gage of Youngstown State University talks about expectations and a programming tip he learned from Frederick Fennell.  Matt Ingelson of Desert Hot Springs, CA provides profound insights about adjusting his teaching style to meet the needs of the students and community.  Robert Sloan of Van Wert, OH shares his thoughts on the importance of connecting with your students during this time of...

Dr. Tim and Scott Rush talk about including Leadership into distance learning through their book,  Pathways to Success .   Joe Alessi , principal trombone of the New York Philharmonic shares stories of his childhood, including a wild junior high school experience, and the simple thing he did that helped him land his first major symphony orchestra position.  He talks about the time Leonard Bernstei...

Erin Cole chats about what directors should do to prepare their students for the honor band experience and gives three tips on what directors need to do every day.  H. Robert Reynolds shares the story of how he got from a school horn player in Pennsylvania to become the director of the University of Michigan Band.  Reynolds talks about the difference between thinking like a band director and a mus...

Jeff Conner, leader of and trumpet player in the Boston Brass and John Armato, a Senior Partner and Creative Strategies for Fleishman-Hillard Public Relations in Sacramento, CA and a lifelong drummer, both share stories of how their school band experiences influenced their lives.    

Podcast #4 features a practical idea to continue to have band rehearsals during the Coronavirus, activities for your percussionist to do while at home and a conversation with Frank Ticheli where he talks about finding inspiration, the role of the conductor and what to do when a door opens.

Podcast #3 of Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends begins with some thoughts on our lives and dealing with uncertainty.  Next brings a visit with Dr. Tim and we close today's podcast with a heartfelt conversation with Gary Green, Director of Bands Emeritus of the University of Miami.  As you listen, you will hear the underlying theme of uncertainty and how it always seems to work out in our...

Today's episode begins by starting to address the challenges that music teachers are facing with the Coronavirus pandemic in the world.   Next, a conversation with composer Alex Shapiro as she provides great insight into her creative art, the importance of inclusivity in our repertoire choices and much more.  "Mr. Fix It," Mike Rankin of Olathe Band Instrument Company talks about keeping kids heal...

Inaugural Band Talk with Charlie Menghini Podcast.  Charlie has conversations with Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser, Craig Kirchhoff and Kevin Lepper.