Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

We made it! In this epic, high-energy Season 1 finale, Brian and Chris take a victory lap through their debut season, proving they are still "works in progress, progressing on their works." Joined on-air by their producer, Marianne White, the hosts look back at the chaotic, beautiful journey of launching the pod: from completely forgetting to introduce their very first guest to expanding their glo...

In this high-energy "end-of-year" special, Brian and Chris dive into strategies for keeping students engaged during the "final countdown" of the school year. They are then joined by the iconic Cheryl Floyd , a trailblazer in the middle school band world. Cheryl shares her "non-traditional" start, her philosophy on commissioning world-class composers for young ensembles, and her "Suzuki-inspired" a...

In one of the most powerful and timely episodes of the season, Brian and Chris sit down with Omar Thomas to discuss his "non-linear" evolution from a 23-year-old Berklee professor to one of the most significant voices in contemporary wind band music. The conversation dives into the "invisible music" that cannot be written on a page—the vernacular, the grit, and the soul of jazz and gospel. The epi...

In this episode, Brian and Chris open the show with a vulnerable (and hilarious) look at "Fan Mail"—specifically the kind that calls you an idiot. This leads into a profound discussion on Imposter Syndrome and the importance of a trusting community. They are then joined by Scott Rush , the visionary behind the Habits of a Successful Band Director series. Scott shares his journey from a horn perfor...

In this heartfelt episode, Brian and Chris celebrate the " Heart of the School "—the teachers. The conversation kicks off with a humorous and nostalgic look at Teacher Appreciation Week (featuring the legendary "Omelet Guy" and "Pasta Guy") before transitioning into a high-level discussion on the impact of mentorship. The hosts are joined by the first-ever Spark Award recipient, Amanda Cornet , wh...

In this deeply personal and moving episode, Brian and Chris welcome a dear friend and a titan of the wind band world, Ryan Nowlin . From his unexpected start as a "math major just in case" to leading the United States Marine Band, Ryan shares the "cauterizing experiences" that shaped his career. The conversation explores the profound influence of mentors, the transition from the classroom to the M...

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, Brian and Chris connect with Alex Shapiro, a composer whose career is a testament to the power of "saying yes" to the unknown. From her roots in Manhattan, through the gritty LA commercial music scene, and to her current "creative cocoon" on a remote Washington island, Alex discusses her non-traditional path to becoming a wind band staple. The convers...

In this raw and high-energy episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Wayne Bergeron , arguably the most recorded trumpet player of our time. From his "accidental" transition from French horn to trumpet (thanks to a vandalized band room) to his storied career on over 500 film scores, Wayne pulls back the curtain on the Hollywood studio life. The conversation spans his mentorship under Maynard Ferguso...

In this dynamic episode, Brian and Chris welcome Jeffrey Grogan , a conductor who famously crossed over from the "dark side" of elite marching bands to the pinnacle of orchestral studies. Jeff shares his unique journey—from conducting to his Star Wars soundtrack in 4th grade to inspiring countless music students. The conversation bridges the gap between band and orchestra, explores the "physiologi...

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Paula Crider , a true pioneer in music education. Paula shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Mississippi basketball player to becoming the first female high school band director in Texas 5A history. The conversation explores the courage required to stand up for oneself in a male-dominated field, the profound re...

In this episode, Brian and Chris sit down with one of the most prolific and multifaceted voices in the music industry, Soon Hee Newbold . Longtime friends since their days at James Madison University, Brian and Soon Hee reminisce about their shared beginnings and the organic evolution of their careers. Soon Hee reveals her unique "origin story"—from her adoption and upbringing in the Maryland Suzu...

In this high-energy and deeply moving episode, Brian and Chris sit down with the "icon of positivity," Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser . Known globally for his leadership training and motivational speaking, Dr. Tim shares the "accidental" origin of his career and his profound insights into student psychology. The conversation moves from the humor of "writer's block" and road-warrior lifestyle to the heavy r...

In this special preview episode, Brian and Chris dedicate the show to all things Midwest Clinic. They welcome Midwest Clinic Executive Director Kelly Bell for crucial logistical and professional insights, including her unique perspective as a former educator and the conference's future. Following her segment, the hosts share their personal Midwest highlights, detail their favorite aspects of the c...

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome legendary Texas band director Robert Herrings for an electrifying and honest conversation about achieving sustained excellence. Herrings, known for his unprecedented consecutive Honor Band wins and multiple Midwest appearances with Henry Middle School along with his upcoming Midwest debut with Vista Ridge High School, reveals his philosophy for building a p...

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian and Chris open up about their personal holiday traditions before dedicating the show to gratitude for the music community. The episode is divided into three powerful segments: First, Chris surprises his former high school band director, Mike Sopko , to thank him for changing his life's trajectory. Second, Brian shares the profound story of Melody Jackson...

In this episode, Brian and Chris talk with film orchestrator and celebrated concert band composer Rossano Galante . Rossano shares his journey from Buffalo to Hollywood, studying with the legendary Jerry Goldsmith (who told him to keep playing trumpet!) and how he transitioned his film orchestration skills into writing the heroic, romantic music his band audiences love. The hosts and Rossano get d...

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the dynamic Annie Ray to discuss the true meaning of success in music education. Annie, the 2024 Grammy Music Educator of the Year, shares the profound philosophy behind her unique programs, including Crescendo Orchestra (for students with disabilities) and the viral Parent Orchestra (250+ participants). She passionately details why intentional teaching, bu...

In this special Halloween-themed bonus episode, Brian and Chris step away from typical advice to share the most fun, unexpected, and sometimes terrifying moments from their musical careers. They trade stories of performance disasters, backstage calamities, and awkward social situations that highlight the universal experience of a life in music. Ultimately, the episode uses humor to bring every sur...

In this deeply insightful episode, Brian and Chris talk with Soo Han about his journey from a child of immigrants who practiced piano on a kitchen table to a conductor of international acclaim. The conversation is a powerful blend of artistic and pedagogical wisdom, focusing on the essential difference between conducting gestures and genuine musical communication. Soo Han shares profound lessons l...

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music. In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the legendary Peter Boonshaft, conductor, educator, motivational speaker, and author of the Teaching Mu...

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music. Brian's successful tenure as a composer has made his works a staple in concert halls and classrooms worldwide, while Chris's rich background as...