Mo’ Better Bands - a Podcast for Instrumental Music Educators

This conversation explores the innovative approach to teaching high school students about band instrument repair, initiated by Aaron Moss in response to the retirement of a local music store. The discussion covers the development of a curriculum, student engagement, funding through CTE programs, and the importance of balancing educational initiatives with professional repair services. Moss emphasi...

Kirsten Smallwood - Chapman USD 473 ksmallwood@usd473.net Erin Lloyd - Riley County USD 378 elloyd@usd378.org

Want more effective rehearsals? Do you need to get more done in the time you have? Want students to leave rehearsal with a positive vibe? My friend, John Selzer, will share some of the tips he learned over his hall of fame education career, and also from his time as a road rep for our company. Article is available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FcKaFCqhh7ANbyh5AnmmfHo1rv0vKPVz/view?usp=sha...

Are you part of a team? Responsible for a team?  Have you ever seen a good team in action?  How about a bad one? In this episode, Scott & Trey share how they onboard new staff to make them feel like part of the team.

Want to know about joining or starting a community band? How about one that encourages your students, parents, and faculty to participate? Then listen up and hear how my three guests did just that! Also check out https://www.acbands.org to the Association of Concert Bands directory.

Want to learn how to be more intentional in creating and building student leaders in your ensemble? Grab a notepad and let's get to it! Also available on Youtube Sponsored by Ernie Williamson Music

What's it like to march in the 5 1/2 mile long Rose Bowl parade with 300 other top notch music educators? Guests include: Angelete Frein - Wentzville School District Tyler Jones - Seneca School District TJ Higgins - Helias Catholic High School Tom Higgins - Linn High School (retired) More information for Saluting America's Band Directors can be found at https://banddirectorsalute.org

This is probably the toughest it's ever been to be a teacher. In this episode, we talk about why it's so tough, and then tell you how you can make it better. Don't despair! :) Also available on Youtube. Sponsored by Ernie Williamson Music

Do you want to grow your band program? Do you want to reach students later in the academic career? Maybe you could use a bigger marching percussion section? Or guard?  Grab a pen and notepad, because Tom and Tessa are going to give you some BRILLIANT insights on how to do all of this and more! Brought to you by Ernie Williamson Music.

What a perfect topic as we turn our thoughts to a new semester and a new calendar year - doing more in less time! Rob Babel has been Band Director at Ft. Zumwalt North High School for 26 years. He leads the Panther Pride Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Jazz Band and Jazz Lab Band.  In addition, he assists with beginning and intermediate band at North Middle School.  Under h...

Troy had a phenomenal career as the Head Band Director at Kickapoo HS in Springfield, MO, and now he is taking his talents to Drury University, where they are building a marching band for the first time.

Special thanks to our teacher panelists for sharing their experiences, and I want to especially thank Hailee Kaestner for getting this fabulous group together! Our panelists are: Hailee Kaestner - New Bloomfield R-III, Aubrey Kennedy - Hancock Place School District, Brandon Geiger - East Newton School District, Kaylin Knost - Rockwood Schools (Marquette HS & Crestview MS) , Kayla Nogle - Francis H...

Special thanks to our teacher panelists for sharing their experiences, and I want to especially thank Hailee Kaestner for getting this fabulous group together!  Our panelists are:  Hailee Kaestner - New Bloomfield R-III,  Aubrey Kennedy - Hancock Place School District,  Brandon Geiger - East Newton School District,  Kaylin Knost - Rockwood Schools (Marquette HS & Crest...

I wanted to get a couple of different marching show designers on the podcast for all of you to listen to as you think of and prepare your ensembles for this upcoming marching season. Dan offers some excellent insight and tips for how you can make this upcoming season a success for you, your program, and most importantly, your students.  For more info go to https://www.pulsemarching.com

Hailee Kaestner is a first-year band director at New Bloomfield R-III in Missouri, and she shares what her experience has been like starting her career during the pandemic.

We are all excited to get back to doing “the thing”, as Lindsey says. In this episode, Steve and Lindsey dispense wisdom from their years of experience on what you can do to make this fall a success! In the episode, Steve reference's his recommended Marching Band Show Design Timeline (click the link to view).

Is the best way for a student to engage in band to only play their instrument? Or can they have a deeper understanding and love for it if they also try other musical challenges, such as composing, or chamber groups? Keely will give you some GREAT tips on how she addresses this topic in her program. Things like: Battle of the Bands for small ensembles. Art Word-collaboration with art and band stude...

Want some help with your show design? Reach out to Zach for some help! You can reach him at ZacharyBarber15@gmail.com

Ron shares his 21 years of experience in teaching in a rural school, and we talk about the pros and cons. I gotta tell you, there are a lot more pros...

I really wanted to title this episode “Why Beginning Methods All Suck”, but I figured we would keep it classy. :D Ron shares some keen insights on the shortcoming of these so-called “comprehensive” methods, and how to make adjustments so that they work for you.

Lisa was hired as the MS director, but in the last year transitioned to a 100% online instructor for the district. In this episode, she shares some of her Unit lesson plans for Middle School, plus tips on effective virtual teaching ideas!

Matt does a terrific job demystifying jazz improve education. If you are a director with a jazz program you will find this so helpful, ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE NOT AN IMPROVISER YOURSELF.

We also touch on tips for how directors can better inspire students, the effects you have on student’s lives, and so much more! Truly, a fun episode!

What a great idea! Have your older students recruit your future students! Christian and Tyler share what they are doing at Seneca.

In addition to their recruitment strategies, Sal shares what might be one of my favorite recruiting pitches of all time!