Program Notes: The Band Director Podcast

In this mini-episode I talk about the importance of having a hierarchy of listening for success as well as walking through my own hierarchy that I use when working with bands.

In this episode I discuss the ins and outs of being a skilled interviewee. Starting with what to do before the interview, and covering the interview itself and the post-interview process, I give tips and tricks to help you find success (and a job). ©2020 John M. Denis

Part 2 of my chat with Scott Rush. Mr. Rush's expertise and insight is invaluable for any young teachers.   Also, check out www.tuningwithtechnology.com if you are interested in learning more about maximizing intonation skills in your ensemble. ©2020 John M. Denis

In this series we welcome Scott Rush to the show. Mr. Rush is is the lead writer for the "Habits" music education series published by GIA Publications and is the former Director of Bands at Wando High School in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  He is currently the Director of Fine and Performing Arts In Dorchester School District Two and is the conductor of The Charleston Wind Symphony. In this epi...

In this episode, my colleague Jordan Stern and I discuss general tips for improving ensemble intonation, including working to develop aural skills in students, exercises to improve pitch matching in the band, and common pitfalls. If you are interested in the exercises we discuss, you can get more information at www.tuningwithtechnology.com ©2019 John M. Denis

The final episode in my series with Robert Selaiden, fantastic band director at Leander High School.      

In this episode Robert Selaiden, incredible band director at Leander High School, shares what he wishes he knew earlier in his career. ©2019 John M. Denis

In this episode Robert Selaiden, incredible band director at Leander High School, shares what he wishes he knew earlier in his career.

The final part in our series with Mark Connor (composer, music educator, and podcaster extraordinaire). In this episode we talk recruiting, changing instruments, and other fun aspects of the band director life.  ©2019 John M. Denis

Mark Connor and I continue our chat about his first year back in band directing ©2019 John M. Denis

Mark J. Connor is a composer, conductor, and educator whose main focus is writing for concert band, with works appearing on several state lists. He also hosts an amazing podcast (Everything Band). Join us for our discussion about his perspectives in going back into the band directing world. ©2019 John M. Denis

The final part of our series with Brad and Misty Smith regarding getting off to a great start with your middle school students. ©2019 John M. Denis

Join Brad and Misty Smith for Part 2 of our discussion of starting off the year successfully. This episode we digress into classroom management and the importance of communication. ©2019 John M. Denis

Join Brad and Misty Smith, two amazing directors I've worked with off and on for years, as we all chat about how to get your year off to a great start. ©2019 John M. Denis

Part 2 of my discussion with Erin Cole about challenges and solutions for heterogeneous beginner instruction. Erin was the band director at Tapp Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia from 1995-2017 and was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2016. Her bands have had a national reputation for excellence, and she is currently a Conn-Selmer Senior Educational Consultant. ©2019 John M. Denis

Join us as Erin Cole and I discuss challenges and solutions for heterogeneous beginner instruction. Erin was the band director at Tapp Middle School in Cobb County, Georgia from 1995-2017 and was named "Teacher of the Year" in 2016. Her bands have had a national reputation for excellence, and she is currently a Conn-Selmer Senior Educational Consultant. ©2019 John M. Denis

This episode is a live recording of a clinic presented by Dr. Marta Frey-Clark and myself at TMEA 2019. In this presentation we discuss both general theories underlying recruitment and retention as well as specific strategies to help directors grow their programs. ©2019 John M. Denis

This episode is a live recording of a clinic presented by Dr. Marta Frey-Clark and myself at TMEA 2019. In this presentation we discuss both general theories underlying recruitment and retention as well as specific strategies to help directors grow their programs.   Slides can be found on  http://programnotespodcast.com/2019/04/25/ episode-39-recruitment-and-retention-part-1 / ©2019 John M. Denis

Part 2 of our series with the incomparable Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser talking about becoming a successful band director. Dr. Tim is well known in music education for his expertise and uplifting attitude, and has been involved in a variety of successful publications, programs, and schools during his storied career ©2019 John M. Denis

On this series we have the incomparable Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser to talk about becoming a successful band director. Dr. Tim is well known in music education for his expertise and uplifting attitude, and has been involved in a variety of successful publications, programs, and schools during his storied career. ©2019 John M. Denis

In this episode I discuss tips and tricks for a successful sight-reading contest/competition experience. ©2019 John M. Denis

In this final episode in the series, Darcy Williams (of After Sectionals fame) talks about teaching rhythm logically and the importance of reaching out to other skilled teachers. ©2019 John M. Denis

In this episode Darcy Williams continues telling us about brass approaches and how to actually create your own supplementary materials. ©2019 John M. Denis

Join Darcy Williams (of After Sectionals fame) as she continues our discussion of supplemental materials in beginning band. ©2019 John M. Denis

Join Darcy Williams and me for our new series discussing supplementary materials and beginning band curriculum. Darcy is an amazing band director and the driving force behind the After Sectionals Podcast. ©2018 John M. Denis