Take A Cue

Jen and Erik invite presenters from the 2023 NJMEA Conference https://njmea.org/ to give previews of their clinics! Hear from Krysta Mirsik, Brian Timmons, Danielle Wheeler, Thomas McCauley, Meredith Boyan, Harry Searing, Jonathan Harris, and Joe Verderese. If you're not able to make the convention, feel free to reach out to any of the presenters! Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instagram.c...

Erik recaps his concert experience, and Jen gives him some suggestions on keeping squeeking at bay. The hosts also discuss how to keep the performance preparation process from getting stale. Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TakeACuePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TakeACuePodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakeACuePodcast/ Credits Hosts: Erik Donough & Jen Wise...

Jen and Erik bring on their colleague, Brendan Hughes, to discuss how Livingston gets kids interested in instrumental music and then works to keep them all the way through senior year. The trio talks about instrument demos, visibility, Band/Orchestra/Chorus Days, scheduling difficulties, student ambassadors, and even summer music camp! Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TakeACueP...

Freestyle Friday! Erik and Jen chat about the still-present issue of COVID-19, planning for extended absences, concert preparation, and more. This episode also features the hosts' take on a Facebook question - what to do about parents who leave the concert early. Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TakeACuePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TakeACuePodcast Facebook: https://www...

The dynamic and energetic composer & educator, Carol Brittin Chambers joins the pod to chat about her musical journey, her philosophy on composing, and the composition business. Jen, Erik, and Carol also chat about four of Carol's compositions and take a listen to several clips. Listeners are also treated to a discout on some of Carol's music! In this episode Aspenwood Music: https://aspenwood...

Freestyle Friday! Jen and Erik welcome a former student turned music ed. major, C.J. Margolis to the pod to check in and get a new perspective. The topics include CJ's backstory, how the bands are progressing, college auditions, big budget requests, working with administrators, switching beginners, balancing ensembles, practice logs, district band day, a few bassoon jokes, and, of course, Jen and...

Erik and Jen discuss how they work to integrate small ensemble work into their teaching time. Erik started a chamber music class for all of his band students, and Jen works smaller, advanced music into her lesson schedule. Composition and student-led performances are discussed, as is leadership and scheduling. In this episode An Ode to the Classroom Rhythms of Fall: ‘Now Is Sowing Time’: https://w...

Freestyle Friday! Erik and Jen check in about all of the craziness of the first month of school. From Jen's chunky reeds to Erik's apparent Sweeney obsession, this episode has it all. In This Episode The Metropolitan Saxophone Quartet: http://www.msqnj.com Saxophone & Clarinet Mouthpiece Patches: https://amzn.to/3Mu76K9 Clarinet Neckstrap: https://amzn.to/3CqFe4U John McAllister Warmups: https...

In this emotional episode, Jen talks with Erik about working and living with Multiple Sclerosis on the 15-year anniversary of her diagnosis. Jen recounts balancing her drive to help and care for others while learning to set boundaries. She also discusses how those who work with a coworker with a chronic illness can help and be supportive. In this episode The National MS Society: https://www.nation...

Freestyle Friday! Jen and Erik check in after their first few days of professional development and school with kids. The school year started with a Superintendent in costume, so who knows what's next? Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TakeACuePodcast/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TakeACuePodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TakeACuePodcast/ Credits Hosts: Erik Donough &amp...

Lew Kelly, band director at West Orange High School in New Jersey, joins Jen and Erik to discuss the marching arts, and how he and his staff hold the music program at WOHS to a consistently high standard. From the structure of his rehearsals to the mindset of the staff and students, Lew talks about it all! Mentioned in this episode FloMarching: https://www.flomarching.com/ Slack: https://www.slack...

After 35 "first-days-of-school," Jen and Erik have a lot of tips and tricks to make the school year start off smoothly. From Jen's week of instrument prep. to Erik's 32-line September checklist, the hosts share how they get started early to set up for a successful school year. Mentioned in this episode MailChimp: https://www.mailchimp.com AirTable: https://www.airtable.com Find Take A Cue Instagra...

Co-host, Erik 's personal and professional story of change offers insight into transitioning in and out of the educational job market, networking, and the journey to find his work home. From being non-renewed to being given a second chance at a teaching career, Erik takes Jen through the ins and outs of his 20-year career. Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/TakeACuePodcast/ Twitt...

Get to know co-host, Jen , and her path to her current job teaching elementary band and strings students. Jen takes the listener through her musical and educational journey from school band to college, to joining the job market, and finally to being a master educator. Jen also explores how she and her music teacher husband create balance in their home. Find Take A Cue Instagram: https://www.instag...