The Band Room Podcast

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Latest Episodes:

BRP 102 | Donald Buell Mar 02, 2025

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We’re kicking off our return with a very special guest—Dr. Donald Buell, retired professor of conducting and trumpet, former director of the MUN Concert Band, and one of Dylan’s predecessors at Memorial University. Dr. Buell taught at Memorial University for 26 years and was a recipient of the prestigious President’s Award for Teaching during his time at MUN.

In this episode, Don and Dylan discuss his journey to Newfoundland & Labrador, his research on what makes an engaging rehearsals, mentorship, the importance of uplifting all students—not just the most talented ones—career highlights, and much more.

Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
Episode Links

Memorial University | School of Music

https://www.mun.ca/music/

"What Student's Say About Our Rehearsals" by Donald Buell

https://www.bandroompod.com/_files/ugd/5421b7_eeb22340ef144952a3e40e3432cc1d9f.pdf

Effective rehearsing with the instrumental music ensemble: A case study

https://www.bandroompod.com/_files/ugd/5421b7_0412b68c2cdb428c9100f1cba632d6d7.pdf

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP Update Jan 29, 2025

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Band Room Podcast Update!

After four amazing years of co-hosting The Band Room Podcast, Cait has made the difficult decision to step away from the podcast to pursue the many exciting opportunities ahead of her, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to see what she accomplishes next! She has been the most incredible co-host—bringing thoughtful questions, meaningful discussions, and an ability to connect with our guests and listeners.

While Cait’s voice will be missed on the podcast, Dylan is glad to have a best friend and colleague to collaborate with in new ways throughout our careers. Thank you for everything you’ve done for The Band Room, Cait!

As for The Band Room Podcast, the journey continues! Dylan is excited to keep bringing you conversations with inspiring musicians, educators, and artists. Stay tuned for what’s next!

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 101 | Ron Murphy and Mike Morrissey May 12, 2024

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Dylan was able to sit down with Ron Murphy and Mike Morrissey, founder and past directors of the Atlantic Festivals of Music, the largest band, orchestra and choir festival in Atlantic Canada. They spoke about their musical beginnings, 32 years of running the festival, favourite memories, philosophy of festivals and competitions, gifting the festival to the Nova Scotia Band Association, the future of the festival and so much more!
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
Episode Links
Atlantic Festivals of Music
https://www.atlanticfestivals.com/
Nova Scotia Band Association
https://novascotiabandassociation.com/

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 100 | Frank Ticheli Feb 14, 2024

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We had an amazing time celebrating 100 episodes by chatting with the extraordinary composer, conductor, and educator Frank Ticheli! We discussed his musical upbringing, composing music for different levels, favourite collaborations, being a conducting composer, what inspires him, and much more!
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
Episode Links
About Frank
https://www.manhattanbeachmusiconline.com/frank_ticheli/biography.html
TEDxOrangeCoast - Carl St. Clair - Innovation Whispers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezVequnPmUc&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 99 | Shelley Axelson Jan 30, 2024

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We welcome Dr. Shelley Axelson , Director of Bands at Radford University, to The Band Room! We dive into Shelley's origin story, the importance of being patient with yourself, teaching teachers, fostering student connections, and much more!
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
About Shelley
Dr. Shelley Axelson is currently the Director of Bands at Radford University in Virginia where she conducts the Wind Ensemble, Campus-Community Band, graduate conducting students, and teaches courses in the music education curriculum. She was previously an Assistant Professor of Music Education and Assistant Director of Bands at Montclair State University in New Jersey for twelve years where her duties included conducting the Symphonic Band and teaching courses in conducting, instrumental methods, and music education. She also served as an academic advisor, faculty advisor for Sigma Alpha Iota, and created a Campus Band and Pep Band so students majoring in a subject other than music would have an opportunity to continue their musical education and experiences.
Dr. Axelson earned her undergraduate degree in music education from the University of South Florida, where she studied conducting with Jerry Junkin, Michael Votta, and Mallory Thompson. She continued her training by earning a Master of Music degree in Conducting at the University of Michigan, where her principal teacher was H. Robert Reynolds. After graduating from Michigan, she taught at Pasco Middle School in Dade City, Florida (co-author of the Secondary Music Curriculum), and Richardson Junior High in Richardson, Texas.
After earning her Doctorate in Conducting with Mallory Thompson at Northwestern University, Dr. Axelson was appointed Director of Bands at Central College in Pella, Iowa where she was responsible for running all aspects of the band program. After three years in Iowa, she relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana to become the Assistant Professor of Music Education at the University of Indianapolis. In 2009, she joined the faculty of the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University in New Jersey and has been at Radford University since the fall of 2022.
Dr. Axelson is a highly sought-after conductor, clinician, presenter, and adjudicator for professional development events, band festivals, honor bands, and conferences throughout the United States and Canada. She recently presented at the National Association for Music Education Regional Conference in Atlantic City and the Mid-West Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago.
Episode Links
Radford University School of Music
https://www.radford.edu/content/cvpa/home/music.html
University of Toronto Wind Conducting Symposium 2024
https://performance.music.utoronto.ca/conducting-symposium/
BRP Consortium Project
https://www.bandroompod.com/consortium

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 98 | Midwest Memories 3.0 Jan 01, 2024

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The Band Room Podcast was back at the Midwest Clinic! Join Dylan and his old and new friends: Alec Harris , Alex Shapiro, Ashley Killam, Colleen Richardson, Danielle Gaudry, Frank Duarte, Harrison J. Collins, Henry Dorn, James M. David, Janet Song Kim, Jason Caslor, Jess Turner, Josh Devries, Katahj Copley, Keith Kelly, Kenley Kristofferson, Paul Kile, Pete Meechan, Roger Zare, and Shannon Shaker.
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
Episode Links
Alec Harris
https://giamusic.com/store/music-education
Alex Shapiro
https://www.alexshapiro.org/index.html
Ashley Killam
https://www.ashleykillam.com/
https://www.diversifythestand.org/
Colleen Richardson
https://music.uwo.ca/faculty/bios/colleen-richardson.html
https://www.wasbe.online/
Danielle Gaudry
https://www.mcgill.ca/music/danielle-gaudry
Frank Duarte
https://frankduarte.com/
Harrison J. Collins
https://harrisonjcollins.squarespace.com/
Henry Dorn
https://www.henryldorn.com/home
James M. David
https://www.jamesmdavid.com/
Janet Song Kim
https://www.drjsk.com/
https://music.uconn.edu/person/janet-kim/
https://musicfest.ca/
Jason Caslor
https://search.asu.edu/profile/1204254
Jess Turner
https://www.jesslturnermusic.co/
Josh Devries
https://justatheorypress.com/pages/joshua-devries
Katahj Copley
https://www.katahjcopleymusic.com/
Keith Kelly
https://www.globalbandroom.com/keith-kelly
https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/
Kenley Kristofferson
https://kenleykristofferson.com/about/
Paul Kile
https://www.edinabands.com/program/staff/
Pete Meechan
https://meechanmusic.com/
Roger Zare
https://rogerzare.com/bio.htm
Shannon Shaker
https://www.grcc.edu/faculty-staff/directory/shannon-shaker
The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures
https://www.mykatrip.com

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 97 | Building a Creative Life Dec 05, 2023

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This week Dylan moderates a conversation with Cait about the art of crafting a multifaceted career as a contemporary musician. Drawing from her own experiences, Cait shares perspectives on building a creative life that spans various facets of music and life.
This conversation was recorded live as part of a residency at Memorial University, in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. Thank you to the MUN Scholarship in the Arts and the Newfoundland and Labrador Band Association for their support of this event.
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 96 | Gillian MacKay LIVE from OMEA 2023 Nov 13, 2023

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This episode was recorded LIVE from the 2023 Ontario Music Educator Association Conference in Niagara Fall, Ontario! Dylan and Cait sat down with their friend and mentor, Dr. Gillian MacKay from the University of Toronto. They spoke about finding musical inspiration from non-musical activities, programming with diversity in mind and all three of their connections to the ColourFULL Music Initiative, band after the pandemic, contributing to creating a more peaceful and inclusive musical environment and so much more!
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
About Gillian
Gillian MacKay is Professor of Music of the University of Toronto, where she conducts the Wind Ensemble and teaches conducting. Gillian has an active professional career as a conductor, adjudicator, clinician and trumpeter. She has conducted honour ensembles throughout Canada and the United States, and is Associate Conductor of the Denis Wick Canadian Wind Orchestra. Dr. MacKay has adjudicated Canadian band festivals at local, provincial, and national levels in Canada. She has conducted honour bands and judged competitions in the US, Singapore, Thailand, and Korea.
Dr. MacKay enjoys presenting clinics and workshops at provincial and state conferences in Canada and the United States, and is known for her work on the relationship between conducting and mime. Currently, she is investigating the application of the Michael Chekhov acting technique to movement and meaning in conducting. Recognized as a conducting pedagogue, Gillian leads the University of Toronto Wind Conducting Symposium each July, and has been the guest instructor at other symposia in Canada and the United States.
Gillian holds degrees and diplomas from the University of Lethbridge, McGill University, the University of Calgary, and Northwestern University.
Episode Links
BRP 5 | Gillian MacKay - Being The Best Musician You Can Be
https://www.bandroompod.com/episodes/episode/be1b3f21/brp-5-or-dr-gillian-mackay-or-being-the-best-musician-you-can-be
BRP 24 | Gillian MacKay
https://www.bandroompod.com/episodes/episode/24782749/brp-24-or-gillian-mackay
ColourFULL Music Initiative
https://www.colourfullmusic.com/
Ear Training Apps
Better Ears
https://www.mamp.info/better-ears/en/
InTune
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/intune-tuning-practice/id580791793?amp%3Bmt=8&ls=1
Toned Ear
https://tonedear.com/

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 95 | Nora Tycast Oct 10, 2023

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We are excited to welcome award-winning music educator, Nora Tycast to the Band Room! Dylan, Cait, and Nora dive into her remarkable musical journey, connecting with students on a deeper level, the significance of inviting guest artists into the classroom to enhance the learning environment, and how parenthood has influences her teaching perspective. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with inspiration and wisdom from a true expert in the field. You won't want to miss it!
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
About Nora
Nora Tycast is in her 22nd year of teaching and has served as the director of bands at Spring Lake Park and Hopkins High School, both near suburbs of Minneapolis, MN. Currently she conducts 4 concert bands, 2 jazz bands and an active marching and pep band. Her bands have performed with Ashley DuBose, Joshua Holmgren, Cameron Kinghorn, Scott Agster, JT and Chris Bates, Ben Bussey, Salsa del Soul, McNasty Brass Band, the After Hours Jazz Project, Aby Wolfe, and Dessa. Her marching band, jazz bands and concert bands have traveled all over the United States, Costa Rica and as the first US high school band in Havana, Cuba.
She has presented multiple times at the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Midwinter Clinic and at the National Association for Music Education (NAFME) annual conference. Topics have included; literacy intervention in the large ensemble classroom, teaching to students with trauma, including historically underrepresented composers in wind ensemble literature, and developing racial and equity conversation curriculum within the large ensemble classroom as a way to engage all of our students.
Outside of teaching, Tycast has served as secretary for the MN Band Directors Association (MBDA), as the chair of the International Spanish Language Academy school board and as a Regional Arts Teacher-Leader with the Perpich Center for the Arts. She earned her B.A. in Music Education from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and her Master’s in Educational Policy and Administration from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She resides in the Twin Cities with her husband and three daughters, travels often and puts in a lot of miles on her athletic shoes.
Episode Links
Hopkins High School Music
https://highschool.hopkinsschools.org/activities/music
Schmitt Music Educator of the Year
https://www.hopkinsschools.org/district/news/article/~board/district-news/post/nora-tycast-named-schmitt-music-educator-of-the-year
Band is Everything Podacast feat. Nora Tycast
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/18-quality-music-of-diversity-nora-tycast-brian-lukkasson/id1502567757?i=1000478289967

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

BRP 94 | Pratik Gandhi Sep 17, 2023

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We welcome conductor, educator and percussionist, Pratik Gandhi to The Band Room! We spoke about his path, how to gain conducting experience as a young conductor, his work with MusicFest Canada and Ontario Band Association, thoughts on programming, the Canadian Repertoire Database and so much more!
Help support the Band Room Podcast by becoming a patron through Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bandroompod
Help support the Band Room Podcast by getting your merch at the BRP Store http://www.bandroompod.com/store
Music used in this episode
BRP Theme Music: Skyline by EKR Hammell
Performing Ensemble: University of Toronto Wind Ensemble
Dr. Gillian MacKay – Conductor
Chasing Sunlight (Piano Version) by Cait Nishimura
Arranged and performed by Brian Barber
About Pratik
Pratik Gandhi (he/him) is a conductor, clinician, and researcher based in Toronto. He currently serves as vice-chair of the concert band division of MusicFest Canada, as well as music director of the Rouge River Winds, a group he has led for over ten years. He is also a sessional lecturer in the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto, where he directs the Wind Symphony. Pratik is engaged in doctoral studies at York University in Toronto, investigating issues of equity and representation among wind band composers in Canada. He has shared his research through articles and presentations for the Canadian Band Association, the Canadian University Music Society, and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles. He also recently launched a free, public, searchable database of recent Canadian wind band repertoire, which can be found at https://cdnwindrep.ampd.yorku.ca/ . Pratik holds degrees in music education and instrumental conducting from Western University. For more information, please visit www.pratikgandhi.ca.
Episode Links
Canadian Repertoire Database
https://cdnwindrep.ampd.yorku.ca/
UofT Wind Symphony
https://www.music.utoronto.ca/our-people.php?fid=458
MusicFest Canada
https://musicfest.ca/
Canadian Winds Journal
https://www.canadianband.org/canadian-winds

Support the show

The Band Room Podcast is proudly supported by Kaleidoscope Adventures! To learn more, visit: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com/the-band-room-podcast/

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