This is the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail podcast. A series where historians and experts help us explore significant events in African American history that happened in the state. This is the third and final episode, where we take you to protests and movements across the state inspired and energized by the Greensboro Four sit-in in places such …

This is the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail podcast. A series where historians and experts help us explore significant events in African American history that happened in the state. This is the second of three episodes. And in it, we’re going to learn about how four young men protesting at a department store lunch counter in Greensboro, NC, influ…

This is the North Carolina Civil Rights Trail podcast. A series where historians and experts help us explore significant events in African American history that happened in the state. This is the first of three episodes. And in it, we’ll tell the story of the events leading up to the famous A&T Four sit-ins in Greensboro in 1960, including the stor…

The North Carolina Civil Rights Trail podcast is a series where historians and experts help us explore significant events in African American history that happened in the state. It features well-known events from larger cities like Charlotte, Greensboro and Raleigh. It also tells stories of how everyday citizens joined together to make change in th…

This episode takes us to the town of Clinton in the eastern part of the state. Following the pivotal U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Brown v. Board of Education, a judge ordered the desegregation of Clinton High School. On August 26, 1956, a group of African American students – the Clinton 12 – attended their first day of class, marking the first inte…

The Tennessee Civil Rights Trail podcast explores the most significant aspects of the Movement in the state. This episode takes a look at the integral role college students played in the city (from Fisk University, American Baptist College, Tennessee State University and elsewhere) especially as they participated in significant protests, such as th…

The Tennessee Civil Rights Trail podcast explores the most significant aspects of the Movement in the state. This episode offers a sketch of the city’s overall history before bringing us into what it was like there in the 1950s and 1960s. We learn about the city’s Sanitation Workers’ Strike in 1968, the cause that compelled Martin Luther King, Jr. …

The Tennessee Civil Rights Trail podcast explores the most significant aspects of the Movement in the state. The episodes will take you from the cities of Memphis and Nashville to the town of Clinton. And they will feature the voices of veteran foot soldiers who stood strong against oppression. You’ll also hear from historians and experts who expla…

In this episode, “Meeting Places, Organizing Protests & Confrontations, pt. 2,” historians and experts help explain the role of the civil rights movement in Louisiana’s rural towns such as Plaquemine, Jonesboro and Bogalusa. You’ll hear the heroic stories of the Deacons of the Defense and learn about the influential 105-Mile March from Bogalusa all…

In this episode, “Meeting Places, Organizing Protests & Confrontations, pt. 1,” historians and experts help explain the growth of the non-violent protests that helped desegregate Louisiana. You’ll hear the story of the nation’s first bus boycott in Baton Rouge. And you’ll learn about the student-organized sit-ins and protests in New Orleans, Shreve…

In this episode, “Desegregation,” historians and experts help explain some of the most pioneering moments in desegregation in the state of Louisiana. You’ll learn about the key role that the 761st Tank Battalion at Camp Beauregard played during World War II. You’ll hear the story how a coach fought to integrate the basketball team at what is now kn…

The state of Louisiana plays a pivotal role in the history of the Civil Rights Movement. And the Louisiana Civil Rights Trail podcast tells the triumphant stories of people there who made a difference both in their communities and around the country. Each episode features historians, experts and eyewitnesses who explain the full context and help us…

In this episode, “The March for Equality,” historians and experts help us explore how African Americans in South Carolina, and their allies, began peaceful protests in the late 1950s and into the 1960s, when the state ignored new federal legislation calling for integration and equality. To learn more about the stories and places you hear about, you…

In this episode, “Separate is Not Equal,” historians and experts help us explore how some of the pivotal legislation — rooted in South Carolina — made a significant difference in the entire Civil Rights movement. To learn more about the stories and places you hear about, you can visit Columbia where the protest took place at the state capitol and w…

In this episode, “Precursor to the Movement,” historians and experts help us explore critical 19th Century events that plunged the nation into a civil rights crisis. To learn more about the stories and places you hear about, you can visit Beaufort County, Hilton Head, Mitchelville and Union County. You can also visit the Reconstruction Era National…

The South Carolina Legacy of Courage podcast tells the stories of people who stood strong against oppression. Across three episodes, historians and experts help us explore critical 19th Century events that plunged the nation into a civil rights crisis and then illuminates court cases, protests and those who affected positive change in the state and…

In this episode, “Champions in the Fight for Voting Rights," we focus on some of Mississippi's most significant Civil Rights leaders and their work and progress in advancing equal Voting Rights. We tell the stories of James Meredith, Amzie Moore, Fannie Lou Hamer and Unita Blackwell. It features journalist and author Charlie Cobb, who was a SNCC fi…

In this episode, “Organizing the Movement,” we examine how Civil Rights leaders in Mississippi strategically organized Movement participants and events to affect change. It features historians Robert Luckett from Jackson State University and Daphne Chamberlain from Tougaloo College. We also hear from Civil Rights foot soldier and Jackson State Univ…

In this episode, “All Eyes on Mississippi,” we explore some of the most well-known events that occurred in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement. The notoriety of these events spread the awareness of what was happening in the state and influenced people to get involved. It features Jackson State University historian Robert Luckett, Benjamin …

Welcome to the Mississippi Freedom Trail Podcast, a series where historians and experts help us explore some of the most significant events of the state’s Civil Rights movement. You’ll hear the real stories of people who were there and who made a difference. And why what took place then is still so relevant to us today. After listening to the podca…

In this episode, “Marching for the Vote,” we learn about the Voting Rights protests in 1965 in Selma and Montgomery, Alabama, the violent resistance to them, and how the Civil Rights Movement ultimately triumphed. It features Betty Strong Boynton, Wanda Howard Battle, Sekou Franklin, Brenna Wynn Greer, Frye Gaillard, Glenn Eskew and Ed Bridges. To …

This episodes tells the story of how in the 1950s and 60s, Birmingham, Alabama, was one of the most racially segregated places in the U.S. People around the world were shocked when they learned of church bombings and saw photos and news footage of police turning their dogs on black teenagers or firemen aiming their hoses at protesters who were marc…

This episode tells the story of the Freedom Rides and the Freedom Riders who rode interstate buses across the South in 1961 and drew national attention to the Civil Rights Movement because of the violence that often erupted against them. It specifically focuses on the events that occurred in Anniston and Montgomery, Alabama that year. It features B…

The Alabama Civil Rights Trail Podcast is a series where historians and experts help us explore some of the most significant events of the Movement that happened in the state. We also share the real stories of people who were there and who made a difference. And we learn why what took place then is still so relevant to us today. To learn more, visi…

Bill Jastrow discusses comprehensive musicianship, organizing a school district's music program, and the caring and "feeding" of the young percussionist. Special thanks to my friend and colleague Scott Barnas for taking the lead on this episode! Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, or download this episode and more wherever you find your favorite po…

I sit down with Damien Crutcher to discuss what life looks like right now, what motivates him, how to recognize passion, working through difficult times, and leaving a legacy. Check out Mark Connor's interview with Damien to hear more about his upbringing and musical life! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2ONc8hju-Q https://www.markjconnor.com/eb-p…

Bobby Lambert talks about the hows and whys of student leadership, recommends some classic band pieces, and talks musical mentors. Head to Bobby and Jeff's Young's Podcast "That Band Life" at Apple Podcasts to hear more. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio. FULL BIO f…

Bob Mecozzi, band director at Amos Alonzo Stagg High School in Palos Hills, IL, talks about the Getting Things Done system and how we can reduce stress by managing our tasks. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio.By Bandmasters Podcast

Dr. Joe Manfredo talks about his time with Dr. Begian, provides literature suggestions, and discusses his research and publications in the area of band history and the undergraduate conducting curriculum. For more content related to music education, visit www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio. FULL BIO Joseph Manfredo i…

Tim DeBoer (Joliet West High School Choral Director and AP Music Theory teacher, Joliet, IL) and Peter Lipari (Joliet Township District 204 Orchestra Director and conductor of the West Suburban Symphony) talk opera. Tune in for recommendations of full productions, selected highlights, and find out that knowing the story before you go in might just …

Chris Gleason talks to me about educational purpose and autonomy during the quarantine, and how students can effectively practice (even if they don't have an instrument at home). I also highly recommend watching Chris's TedX talk at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4CzFQ7Esi4 for even more insight into education, motivation, purpose, and autonomy. …

Sebastian Martinez is the senior drum major of the Joliet Central High School Band. In this episode, Sebastian recommends some of his favorite Latin music. Links are provided below. Moncayo - Huapango (Alondra de la Parra, Orchestre de Paris) https://youtu.be/NbgAHpD4W_8 El Cumbanchero - Windstars Ensemble https://youtu.be/qeqlhl9xQ2I Arturo Márque…

Kirk Hickman, band director at Hinsdale South High School in Hinsdale, IL, and Eric Wellman, band director at Joliet West High School in Joliet, IL, provide some tips and resources on how percussionists can practice at home (and how percussionists are already used to this type of practice!). Some suggested links from the video/audio: Vic Firth: htt…

Alex Kaminsky from VanderCook College of Music talks about the importance of air in wind playing and demonstrates two count breathing. Visit us at www.thebandmasters.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Sticher Audio.By Bandmasters Podcast

We are hearing a lot from policymakers and pundits about the current situation but not a lot from our students. Joliet Central High School band seniors Yanni Ovalle and Alexus Maldonado talk about how they are dealing with the current global pandemic, how they manage their days, reflect on e-learning, and offer advice to underclassmen. Visit us at …

Steven Pyter and Jermaine Stegall discuss composing, recommended listening, and provide some advice on what you can do NOW to begin composing, creating, or arranging. Steven Pyter is a published composer of school band works from Joliet, IL. Jermaine Stegall is a film composer originally from Joliet, IL, now residing in LA. Don Stinson couldn't com…

Dr. Charlie Menghini of Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends speaks with me about how and why we should put our dreams and ambitions into action. Listen to the Bandmasters Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or direct download at www.thebandmasters.com. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bandmasters-podcast/id923873966 Listen to Band …

By Bandmasters Podcast

By Bandmasters Podcast

By Bandmasters Podcast

Happy end of the school year/pre-Midwest Clinic! Matt Bufis and I discuss his journey to Illinois, adapting a program to the current needs of students, repertoire selection, and work-life balance. Musical selections featured in this episode include March for the Sultan Abdul Madjid by Rossini and After the Thunderer by Hearshen. Both selections are…

I hope everyone is enjoying their first days back to school! Please enjoy this episode with Alex Kaminsky, Director of Bands at VanderCook College of Music. We talk about Alex’s musical upbringing, transitioning to a college band, and repeating success. Music credit: special thanks to Harrison Collins for permission to use his composition O rose of…

Matt Temple discusses the music program at New Trier High School, philosophies on competition in music, and comprehensive musicianship. FULL BIO Matt Temple was appointed Director of Bands at New Trier High School in 2007. He conducts the curricular Freshman Concert Band, Concert Jazz Ensemble, Varsity Wind Ensemble, and Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Hi…

Referred to as the “Band Pioneer,” A.R. McAllister would help to promote the high school band movement in the early 1900’s. Part one of A.R. McAllister takes us through his early years up to the National High School Band contests in the 1930s. My sources for this episode included scholarly writings from Philip Hash, Illinois State University, and J…

Let’s kick off summer with an interview with Dr. Rodney C. Dorsey, Director of Bands, Indiana University. Dr. Dorsey discusses his musical upbringing, building connections with students, competition in music, and warns us of the dangers of not ordering buses for our band. Special thanks to George Quinlan, Jr. for helping to set this interview up an…

“With most people of my generation, and the generation that preceded me, we tend to be doom and gloom because everyone isn’t doing it the way we did it . . . , no matter what people tell you, bands are better today than they’ve ever been.” James F. Keene took a break from conducting the ILMEA All-State Honors band at IMEC 2019 to sit down with R. S…

Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds was gracious enough to sit down for an interview at our recent Illinois Music Education Association State Conference. Dr. Gustafson-Hinds speaks about how she handles working with students that might move in or out of her school, balancing a schedule that includes band, choir, winter guard, jazz, and a family, and her go…

Happy Belated New Year! My colleague R. Scott Barnas and I had the opportunity to sit down with Professor Gary Smith at the Midwest Clinic. We also had the pleasure of having a “party-crasher” show up; Dr. Cody Birdwell from the University of Kentucky was a welcome surprise to this interview. Professor Smith talks about growing up in an arts family…

Going out of town for Thanksgiving? Our interview with Robert Herrings would make for great listening on that long car ride. Robert has some fantastic advice about objectives in band, what new teachers should do when they don’t know what to do, and programming for every kid in your ensemble. Mr. Herrings has hands down one of the most impressive ba…

John Thomson made the drive to Joliet to talk about programming, commissioning new music, and comprehensive musicianship. Mr. Thomson goes into detail about his musical career including his assistantship with Mr. John Paynter and his time at East Allegheny High School in Pennsylvania and New Trier High School in Winnetka, Illinois.…