Maggie Berthiaume is the Director of Debate at Woodward Academy in Georgia. She is a past recipient of the National Debate Coaches' Association Educator of the Year Award and the Georgia Forensic Coaches' Association Debate Coach of the Year Award. She has been on the NDCA and GFCA Executive Board and was a member of the editorial board of Contempo…

Sean King is the Executive Director of USBands and has been a member of the USBands team for 27 years. Since 2020, he has overseen the transition of the organization from one parent non-profit to a program offering of BD Performing Arts, a non-profit organization based in Concord, CA. Sean has been responsible for aligning organizational and operat…

Amy Perras is the Instructional Supervisor for Music, Art, and Library Media for Milford Public Schools in Connecticut, a role she took on after spending 14 years teaching PK-12 instrumental, choral, and general music. In addition to her work in Milford, Amy is the President of the Connecticut Arts Administrators Association and the NFHS Music Advi…

Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports, Jessie Benner as she speaks with Becky Moran, NIAAA Associate Executive Director on the importance of encouraging support of female athletics. Moran explains what it means to her to be a woman in sports and how we can create a positive narrative around female sports and activities. Subscribe and share this episode! …

Host Ken Burke is joined by Eric Arnold, Program Director for the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) Executive Institute at Western Illinois University. As someone who has so much experience with emergency action plans and campus safety, there are few people that know more than Eric on these issues and topics. Throughout…

Join NFHS Coordinator of Marketing and Social Media, Olivia Jennings as she speaks with NFHS Director of Sports, Julie Cochran on the origin and evolution of the Women in Leadership team. Cochran explains how she identified the need and began to create the program and the ways in which it has grown to serve our member states around the nation. Subs…

On this episode of The Stage, host Ken Burke speaks with Ramon Rivera, Mount Vernon School District Mariachi Director, Mariachi Artist, and 2023 Washington State Music Educator of the year. Ramon Rivera began teaching Mariachi in the late 90s and brings a wealth of knowledge on the subject and on educating to this conversation. As he leads and educ…

On this episode, host Ken Burke interviews Dr. David Kelley, Associate Professor in the Sport Administration Program within the University of Cincinnati’s School of Human Services. He also currently serves as the Online Master’s Degree in Sport Administration Program Coordinator and has a wealth of knowledge not only on sport administration, but on…

On this episode of The Stage, our guest today is Tooshar Swain, Director of Public Policy at Americans for the Arts. Before joining Americans for the Arts, Tooshar served as Director of Public Policy and Advocacy at the National Association for Music Education. Tooshar has made a career in Music Education, Policy, and Advocacy, and has even worked …

Our guest today is Davine Davis, former Assistant Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association. Davine, who has recently retired, helped establish Missouri as one of the leading states in the country in terms of music and she has served on the NFHS Education Committee as well as the NFHS Spirit Rules Committee. She ma…

On this episode of The Stage, our guest today is Chantal Epp! Chantal is the Founder and CEO of ClicknClear. ClicknClear prioritizes music licensing for Choreographed Sports, Arts, and Fitness, and makes it easy! Chantal is a multiple award winning business founder and owner, an international cheerleader, and so much more that we will touch on thro…

On this episode of The Stage, our guest today is Craig Manteuffel, Assistant Executive Director with the Kansas State High School Activities Association and newly appointed Assistant Executive Director of the Kansas Music Educators Association. In his role, Craig oversees Speech, Debate and Drama, Music, Piano administration, Sportsmanship and Even…

On this episode of The Stage, Nick Averwater, Vice President of Amro Music, joins the show today to discuss how the retail industry continues to support music education across the nation. Amro Music is the largest piano, band, and orchestra store in the Mid-South and one of the largest in the nation. It has been family-owned and operated in Memphis…

On this episode of the Stage, we are honoring Rebecca Meyer-Larson, 2023 NFHS Citation Award recipient for Theatre. Rebecca is a theatre and speech & debate educator at Moorhead High School in Minnesota and has led her students to MANY state titles, awards, and more. During her 32-year career, Meyer-Larson has received several honors including two …

Jennifer Brooks began her career in 1996 as a band and choir director for Banks (Oregon) Junior and Senior High School before moving to the David Douglas School District in Portland, Oregon, in 1998, where she currently works as the director of all music in the K-12 schools. Today, we get to talk to Jennifer about winning this year’s NFHS Music Cit…

On this episode of the Stage, we honor Jamelle Brown, 2023 NFHS Citation Award recipient for Speech and Debate. For those of you who remember, Jamelle was a guest on our show a few months ago, but we invited her back on to talk more about her education background, how it feels to win a NFHS Citation award, and more. Jamelle is a high school speech …

On this episode of The Stage, John Mlynczak, the new President and CEO of National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), joins the show to discuss how music education and creative industry can work together to better the future of music as a whole. John has so much experience not only in the creative industry space, but also in the music education…

Dr. Steven Karageanes is a primary care sports medicine physician at Restorative Physical Medicine, a founding member of Athletes and the Arts and co-hosts the Athletes and the Arts podcast, and is one of the first physicians in the United States certified in performing arts medicine by the Performing Arts Medical Association. Today, Dr. Karageanes…

Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports, Jessie Benner, as she speaks with Executive Director and Co-Founder of American Association of Adapted Sports Programs, Tommie Storms, to share her journey. Storms emphasizes the importance of offering inclusive opportunities for all and explains how AAASP came about. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on T…

On this episode of The Stage, Adam Jacobi, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Speech and Dramatic Arts Association comes on the show. Adam has been involved in education, adjudication, communication, and so much more for 20-plus years, and he continues to work to bring opportunities for every student in Wisconsin. With a background…

On this episode of The Stage, Robyn Hilger, Executive Director of the American Choral Directors Association, joins the show to discuss what it means to have sustained creativeness and entrepreneurialism in the music classroom. With a wealth of knowledge within music education and advocacy, Hilger provides key information for all music educators loo…

As March is Music In Our Schools Month, there is no better way to celebrate than talking with NAfME president Scott Sheehan on the importance of music education across the nation! Scott's presidency began last year, but he has been in music education for nearly three decades. As the Director of Bands and Music Department Chairperson at the Holliday…

On this episode of the Stage, Dr. Mark Spede, Director of Bands at Clemson University, joins the show to discuss how to achieve growth and prosperity in music programs across the nation. As the recipient of the Clemson University 2009 Dean’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and a three-time recipient of the Clemson University Board of Trustees Awar…

Join NFHS Director of Officiating Services, Dana Pappas as she speaks with WIAA Assistant Executive Director, Cindy Adsit to share why she believes education-based activities are a foundation for creating a better society. Adsit explains how she got her start in interscholastic activities and why she loves working with adults who focus on creating …

On this episode of The Stage, Julie Duty, founder and CEO of United Sound, comes on to discuss the importance of creating opportunities for every student through music. As a sought after speaker, presenter, and while serving as a member of The Midwest Clinic Advisory Board, Music for All’s Advocacy in Action Committee, The Institute for Composer Di…

The navigation, advocation, and implementation of music initiatives at your school can be a daunting, confusing task at times. This episode can serve as a guide to help those in education, coming from one of the brightest minds in the music profession today! On this episode of The Stage, ASTA executive director Lynn Tuttle comes on the show to talk…

Educational Theatre Association (EdTA) Executive Director Dr. Jennifer Katona joins the show today to discuss how EdTA provides resources and support for theatre programs across the nation. Dr. Katona comes from a 30-year teaching background and was even awarded for her tireless pursuit of theatre education with the 2014 President’s Award for Outst…

On this episode of The Stage, Jamelle Brown comes on the podcast to talk about her experiences of living her dream as a speech and debate educator. Jamelle is a high school speech and debate coach at Sumner Academy of Arts and Science in Kansas City, Kansas, teaching and inspiring students for years! Jamelle was also named the 2022 NFHS Speech, Deb…

This is the tenth episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Director of Officiating Services Dana Pappas as she sits with Francine Martin, Assistant Executive Director of the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) to discuss her career journey and who has impacted her along the way. After serving the KSHSAA members…

How can theatre emphasize communication and dialogue in high schools today? What does it mean to have community standards in music? What in the WORLD is going on in theatre today??? Listen to this episode to find out! On this episode of The Stage, Cory Wilkerson, Education Director at the Education Theatre Association (EdTA) comes on to discuss ini…

On this episode of The Stage, Save The Music Foundation Chief Program Officer and 2017 Casio Leadership in Music Education Award recipient Chiho Feindler comes on to discuss how parents, educators, and administrators can prepare students for life. As Chiho has been involved with music education for years, she provides her secrets to sustained succe…

With his experiences in music education and his work in string pedagogy, violinist, conductor, and professor Bob Gillespie joins the podcast to share his thoughts on how he has achieved great success in the music world. As some have claimed him the godfather of string pedagogy, Bob has written texts on string education, including the world-renowned…

As a former educator, now author, public speaker, and music advocate, Fran Kick has dedicated his life in helping the next generation of students through his speaking and educating abilities. As he travels all across the world speaking, Kick takes an interactive approach in his lessons, and gives resources that students, parents, and teachers can u…

Barry Houser, Director of the Marching Illini, Associate Director of Bands, Director of the Fighting Illini Athletic Bands, and Clinical Associate Professor of Music of the University of Illinois joins The Stage to discuss his life experiences in music and advocating for music. Barry has a hand in a number of different band activities at Illinois, …

Mark Wood is a legend in the violin world and music community. Mark has accomplished so much in his life, including creating the first solid body electric violin, traveling the world performing with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Celine Dione, and Billy Joel (along with so many others), and now rocking out with students throughout the nation. As he …

Mike Plunkett - Former Assistant Director with the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association joins The Stage to share his journey through performing arts and performing arts education. Mike has played a major role not just in music education in Oklahoma, but across the nation! As he has had a hand in creating performing arts resources, NFHS …

On this episode of The Stage, Bob Morrison joins the show to discuss his lifelong journey in music advocacy. As the CEO of Quadrant Research and former Executive Director of Arts Education NJ, Bob talks about his experiences playing in bands and orchestras as a child, to now advocating for music participation globally. The Emmy and Peabody winner s…

Former broadcaster and Utah High School Activities Association Assistant Director Jon Oglesby stars on this episode of The Stage! Jon has had a unique journey throughout his career, while having a number of different opportunities with college programs and conferences, professional teams like the Utah Jazz, and now as a director with the UHSAA. Lis…

On this episode of The Stage, Dr. Neha P. Raukar, M.D., M.S. brings her knowledge of medicine on the show to discuss heat illnesses and the harmful realities that plague sports and activities outside. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Raukar breaks down why heat illnesses have become so prevalent in the last couple of decades and what coaches, educa…

On this episode, NSDA Executive Director Scott Wunn joins The Stage to discuss how he and the NSDA continue to modernize speech and debate. Scott, who has had enormous success both as a coach and as a director, talks about a wide variety of topics, including how he has been able to grow speech and debate in today's technological world, who he looke…

This is the ninth podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Director of Sports, Lindsey Atkinson as she sits with retired NFHS Director of Sports/Executive Director of the Missouri State High School Activities Association, Becky Oakes to discuss the ongoing Title IX celebration and how the law impacted her career journey. Su…

This is the eighth podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Director of Sports, Sandy Searcy as she sits with retired Assistant Commissioner of the IHSAA, Mildred Ball while she shares her career journey and offers words of wisdom along the way. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, an…

This is the seventh podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports Angela Williams as she speaks with NJSIAA Executive Director, Colleen Maguire about her leadership style and the impact of Title IX on her life. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! https:…

This is the sixth podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Director of Officiating Services Dana Pappas as she speaks with Executive Director of the WIAA, Stephanie Hauser about her mentors, the importance of education-based athletics and what Title IX means to her. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Fa…

This is the fifth podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports Andrea Mortimer as she speaks with CHSAA Commissioner, Rhonda Blanford-Green about her career journey, being a woman in a leadership position, her leadership style, and Title IX. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook,…

This is the fourth podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports Andrea Mortimer as she spoke with NFHS Director of Officials and Sport, Theresia Wynns about her career journey and what it takes to be a leader in the education industry. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Insta…

How many of you have some negative influences or people in your ensembles or organizations? Are YOU the negative influence? Why do some ensembles or organizations seem to have culture and positivity figured out, while others do not? The “I get to” vs “I have to” mindset is important to creating a positive culture in your organization. Guest: Barry …

This is the third podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports Angela Williams as she spoke with DIAA Executive Director, Donna Polk about what it takes to be a leader in high school sports, what sports mean to her and how they have played a role in her life. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on …

The authors of the Water Resources topic, Pam McComas, Luke Brinker and Peter Crevoiserat, join the show to talk about the challenges of writing a paper during the pandemic, the virtual Topic Selection Meeting, the final balloting process and how Water Resources makes for a balanced topic. See the Map (Who Voted For What) Read the Press Release Sub…

This is the second podcast episode of the NFHS Women in Leadership series. Join NFHS Coordinator of Sports' Andrea Mortimer and Angela Williams as they chat with NCHSAA Commissioner, Que Tucker about her career journey, and how she hopes to inspire others. Subscribe and share this episode! Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn! ht…