Fem Forte

Lindsey Schueller is known for her talent and incredible impact of visual design in the world of the marching arts. In this episode, Lindsey shares her profound passion for visual design, exploring the driving forces and inspirations that have guided her throughout her remarkable career. We delve into the intricate details of the 2022 Troopers Drum and Bugle Corps Production of "Voracious,&qu...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of the music and arts industry, exploring the essential strategies for self-promotion that can take your career to the next level. Whether you're an aspiring student looking to break into the scene, established musician seeking to expand your reach, or anyone passionate about the arts, these five invaluable tips will guide you on your journey to suc...

Ever wondered what it would be like to compete in an obstacle course on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for a chance to win scholarship money for marching drum corps? On this episode, I talk with 2023 Ultimate Drill Book Tour Fee Giveaway Finalists Rosalee Garcia and Kenadie Edwards on their experience in the marching arts as well as their path through their journey to being a finalist for the UDB...

Whether you're an educator, a musician, or simply someone seeking growth and connection, this episode will resonate deeply with you. Join us as we learn from Jennifer Hanford, Head Band Director at James Bowie HS, and her wisdom and passion for nurturing the next generation of musicians and leaders. Join us as we delve into the transformative power of vulnerability and the importance of making...

Kendall Santos has established herself as a visionary leader in her band program, and during this episode, we delve into the significance of leadership in creating your band program. She shares her insights on fostering a positive and inclusive environment, emphasizing that talent knows no boundaries when it comes to race, gender, background, or any other label society might impose. The heart of o...

Creating a safe and uplifting environment in any educational program is crucial, and Cori Swan sheds light on the strategies she employs to foster collaboration, respect, and camaraderie among her students. We also discuss the significance of empathy and understanding in building strong teacher-student relationships, paving the way for an inclusive and harmonious learning space. Learn more about o...

Work-Life balance is one of the toughest things to navigate especially in the music education space. In this episode, I sit down with Jana Harvey from Flower Mound HS to discuss on how she has maintained a healthy mindset and work-life balance. Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com

Women representation in the drumming and percussion world is steadily growing year over year but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. In this empowering episode, we dive into the dynamic world of drumming and percussion, where women are steadily breaking barriers year after year. Join us as we explore the experiences and challenges with Brittany Baptista, who has ventured into th...

Regardless of fancy awards and high rankings, the impact left on students is the heart of a program's success. In this episode, I am joined by Katie VanDoren, Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School where we explore the true measure of program success, centered around student impact. Tune in to this episode for an inspiring discussion that highlights the meaning of success, balancing mothe...

It's finally here! Welcome to Fem Forte--your new favorite source for inspiring interviews with female music educators and performers. If you're excited for what's to come, help us get the word out by sharing a screenshot of this episode on your socials and tagging @FemFortePodcast. Amanda DeFrees is the host of Fem Forte and currently serves as the Director of Media at Ultimate Drill...

Learning from your mistakes and teaching from your own voice is what makes us unique and special. Discover the power of embracing mistakes and authentic teaching methods in this engaging podcast episode. Join us as we chat with Caitlin Wolf, Associate Band Director at Rouse High School, delving into the transformative value of standing out and breaking away from traditional norms. Explore how lear...

It is often very rare when we get to truly celebrate and highlight the people that impact our lives. On today's episode, I talk with my former music professor, Dr. Elizabeth Janzen and recollect the fond memories of my time at Texas A&M Kingsville from the very beginning. We talk about the importance of creating a safe space in music for young women to feel empowered and thrive as individu...

It's finally here! Welcome to episode one of Fem Forte-- a podcast where we celebrate women in music and performing arts. Learn about the "why" behind Fem Forte as host Amanda DeFrees sits down with Luke and Josh Gall from Ultimate Drill Book and shares the story behind the process from idea generation to implementation. Amanda DeFrees is the host of Fem Forte and currently serves as...