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Part 2 - Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School Jun 10, 2021

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In part 2 of our conversation, Greg Bimm, Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School talks concert band, score study, the importance of the impact on our actions and decisions on everyone else and so much more.

Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School - Part 1 Jun 03, 2021

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Greg Bimm is in his 44th year at Marian Catholic High School where he has developed a nationally recognized program. In part one of this two part podcast, Greg talks about how his father laid the groundwork for his work ethic and commitment, the influence his high school band director had on him, how student teaching helped put things into perspective and how he has worked to develop the Marian Catholic Band program.

Dr. Andrew Chybowski May 26, 2021

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Dr. Andrew Chybowski, Director of Bands, Pittsburg State University (KS) had his career path set when, at his first elementary band concert, he got to wear sunglasses and the director had a fog machine and laser lights. Today he works to balance pedagogy and artistry in his teaching and is intent to get students to realize they have a lot more creative control in the music making process. Great thoughts from a rising star!

Chris Behrens, Director of Bands, Beloit Memorial High School, WI May 08, 2021

Show notes

"Music is more than playing in a band rehearsal every day." During the pandemic, Chris and his music teacher colleagues created a series of four-week short courses students could take in addition to their ensembles to learn more about music. He also took an idea from one of his students and developed a summer jazz mentoring program. Oh, and did I mention his jazz ensemble has received nine invitations to Wynton Marsalis' Essentially Ellington Festival in New York? There's a lot to unpack during our conversation and it is a good one!

Jim Yarnell, Band Director, American School, Hague, Netherlands Apr 24, 2021

Show notes

This Indiana boy went to college and ended up teaching with his old high school band director, the legendary Al Castronovo in Chesterton, IN. While there, Jim met his wife who was from the Netherlands and decided to relocate, becoming the band director at the American School in the Hague. Jim looks back on a stellar career and his story highlights what it is like to teach band in such a culture-rich country like the Netherlands.

Dr. Dan Belongia, Director of Bands, Arkansas Tech University Apr 15, 2021

Show notes

Dan Belongia talks about the impact his band directors had on him throughout his career...beginning with the trombone through earning his doctorate. His love of repertoire and the importance of having positive energy in rehearsals are things he has learned. Today, Dan Belongia is driven to pass those traits and more on to his students in his role as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University.

Jerry Hoover & Herb Duncan, Two Legends of Missouri Bands Apr 02, 2021

Show notes

Jerry Hoover and Herb Duncan share a story of how they met. They talk about what kept them together as friends and colleagues for over 50 years and give their thoughts on the profession. This is more than a conversation, this is a Master Class in band directing and being a success. It's a sharing of wisdom acquired over the two careers of two master teachers, two great band directors and two incredible people.

Karl Sievers, Professor of Trumpet, The University of Oklahoma Mar 26, 2021

Show notes

Dr. Karl Sievers shares insights on what he looks for in a student, how students should practice, how to overcome performance anxiety and a whole bunch more. Pragmatic thoughts and information for teachers and students from one of the best in the business.

Gary Brandes, Life-Long Teacher, Life-Long Learner Mar 16, 2021

Show notes

After teaching 42 years, Gary Brandes says "I'm not there yet!" A life-long band director and life-long learner, Gary advises listeners that the only way for us to advance our art form is to continue to grow as musicians, as teachers and as people. A humble professional, Brandes talks about all who have influenced him and his quest to now, pay it forward. Sage advice from a master teacher.

Lester Taylor, Composer, Arranger, Teacher and Musician Mar 09, 2021

Show notes

Les Taylor shares stories about his life as a musician, teacher, composer, arranger and so much more. From time he raised his hand in band to the early morning when he was awakened when the car he was riding in flooded out on the way home from a drum corps show. Les tells great stories, provides insightful thoughts, and offers up lots of laughs in this great conversation

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