Hang out with Brad and Erin as they discuss end of the school year routines IN NATURE! It's our first ever episode recorded OUTDOORS because it was literally the perfect day!

We are so excited to chat with Dr. Roque Diaz from the Macphail Center for Music! Roque is the director of Macphail's diversity, equity, and inclusion program. He is also a first-generation Puerto Rican college graduate, a drum corps alumni (trumpet), community connector, general arts advocate, and a heck of a good dude. With a doctorate from the U…

Hang out with Brad and Erin as they talk about their morning routines! Setting yourself up for a successful workday means having meaningful traditions each morning. Plus our "What's On Your Stand" segment, featuring music by John Williams and Frank Ticheli. Hosted by Bradley Mariska & Erin Holmes (Farmington High School, Farmington, Minnesota). The…

It's a whole episode previewing the 2024 MMEA Midwinter Convention, with special guest Dr. Adrian Davis, MMEA President! Join co-hosts Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School) to find out why everyone is so excited for our annual convention - and why YOU should join us in person!

It's the middle of winter and we're talking about ways to beat the winter blues --- by talking movies, hockey, and lots of cool things happening here in the classroom! In our "What's On Your Stand" segment, we highlight the music of Yukiko Nishimura ("Flying Away" and "Northern Lights") as well as "Whirlwind" by Jodie Blackshaw. Thank you to our sp…

We are LIVE from Chicago at the Midwest Clinic 2023! This is a truly special episode! We interview FIVE amazing band composers ... folks who have made important contributions to band in general but who are also on the program for the Farmington High School Wind Ensemble's upcoming performance at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter C…

A special crossover episode with The Growing Band Director Podcast & host Kyle Smith! The majority of our episode focuses on workload, job expectations, and work/life balance. We also have a *CLASSICS* edition of "What's on Your Stand" featuring the music of Morton Gould (specifically, the arrangement by Douglas Wagner), Frank Erickson (Air for Ban…

Episode 59: THANKSGIVING SPECIAL (or “The One Where We Don’t Talk About Band At All”) It’s our first ever Thanksgiving Special! And we basically don’t talk about band at all! We talk about the things and people for which we are thankful - special colleagues, friends, students, and colleagues who have been supporting us in the past year. We also hav…

This week we interview GIRL BOSS Laura Doebler !!! Laura teaches middle school band at Dakota Hills Middle School in Eagan, MN (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan District 196), and has recently presented at the MMEA Midwinter Conference, The Midwest Clinic, and to Women Band Directors International. She's also included in an upcoming book from GIA entit…

Brad and Erin reflect on Homecoming, fall concerts, and how a general lack of empathy in society os reflected in the additional fees being charged by airlines (at least according to Erin!) We talk about unique percussion instruments (Brad has a dozen empty gallon milk jugs outside his office) and even get nerdy about All-State Band Audition Scales …

Episode 56 - Middle School Principal Joe Sage Middle School is tough. Now imagine being the one person in charge of 900 middle schoolers. 900. ***WE HAVE QUESTIONS!!!*** We sit down with middle school principal Joe Sage, who talks about his philosophy of education and the influence of school music programs on his life (and why he hopes his young ch…

55. Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest? It’s fall and school is back in full swing! And, in what will come as a shock to nobody, things are absolutely CRAZY at Farmington High School. Brad and Erin share stories of insomnia and school struggles (shattered glass everywhere!!!). In a return of the “What’s on Your Stand?” segment, they also discuss the musi…

WE'RE BAAAAAAACK !!!!!!!!! The pod took a few months off and we are ready to get back at it!!! What we did this summer, what we're looking forward to this school year, and some big news about the podcast itself. Band is Everything (formerly Band in Minnesota), hosted by Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School MN).…

It's the end of the school year. And maybe the end of season 2 of this podcast? So spend a bit of time just hangin' with Brad and Erin. It will be good for your soul. --- Welcome to Band in Minnesota, a podcast that teaches life lessons for musicians and non-musicians alike. My name is Bradley Mariska, and along with my co-host Erin Holmes, we give…

We are so excited to welcome Jerry Luckhardt back to the Band in Minnesota Podcast! Jerry is the founder of Band in Minnesota and we spend time reminiscing about the origins of the program and learning about what he’s currently up to. Spoiler alert: he's super busy with all his duties at the University of Minnesota, and with both the Medalist Conce…

It's (FINALLY) Spring Break for Erin and Brad! Farmington High School is taking some well-deserved time off, so we chat (a few days before break) about what we've been up to, what we're doing over break, and much more. If you love the "hangin' with Brad & Erin" content, this episode is for you! PleAZZZE leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts…

It's our first ever podcast "swap" episode! Brad and Erin were recently asked to be guests on the podcast "Beyond Artless", a music education podcast hosted by Chris Gleason, Peter Haberman, and Phil Ostrander. Since basically nobody listens to their podcast (for good reason, the hosts themselves admit) we decided to help promote their show by stre…

This episode is completely dedicated to our colleagues who experience the difficulties (and joys!) of teaching in small schools and rural schools. Their experiences are full of unique social and educational challenges ... and it's important for college students, teachers in larger schools, and administrators, to understand these special circumstanc…

Jim Baxter Charlie Moe Recorded at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Convention 2023 Our best episode yet.

We have some audio issues, but you probably won't even notice because the content is so... engaging? We discuss the Burger King theme song, the afterglow of concerts, resolving conflict in the classroom, and how excited we are for the upcoming MMEA Midwinter Convention. It's kind of like an episode of Seinfeld, a half hour of content about... well.…

Eric Songer (Chaska Middle School West) is one of the state's most prominent band directors! He joins us to talk about his passion for teaching popular music through a variety of (for lack of a better term) "modern band" emphasis in his teaching. His school features a variety of bands including rock, hip hop, country and bluegrass, and much more. H…

What happens when BAND IN MINNESOTA travels to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic? Well, you're about to find out! This episode features three "live" segments of our time at the world's largest gathering of band and orchestra directors. And when 18,000 musicians gather for a single convention during the coldest week of the year, we have a lot of though…

Brad and Erin chat with All-Star Band Director Scott Kummrow (Fergus Falls Public Schools) about educational philosophy, the joys of teaching middle school students, and so much more! PLEASE SUBSCRIBE!

Listeners, we interview a BAND PARENT! Our guest, Megan Johnson is Erin's sister but not a musician (we recorded this over Thanksgiving, and isn't Thanksgiving all about spending time with family?). Megan has a couple *really* interesting perspectives and insights to share... 1) She joined band in 5th grade but QUIT after 10th grade. Does she regre…

A spontaneous, unscripted mini-episode live from NEWT’S in Apple Valley as we support Rosemount Marching Band and their upcoming appearance at the Rose Bowl Parade!!!

We talk about "student agency" and a variety of other topics. A Saturday afternoon, a drink in hand, and reflecting upon life and education. >>>> This is our first ever, completely unedited podcast. <<<< Honestly - it's our best episode yet.

We just passed the six-week mark of the school year and Brad and Erin have a lot of thoughts. Lots of laughs in this episode. And some hot takes. No guests. Just hanging' with Brad & Erin.

As a band director, you’ve gotta have a good relationship with your football coach. But how do you make that connection? How can you work together to promote each others’ programs and jointly celebrate your school and community? We chat with coach Jon Pieper about football, life, and even the musical HAMILTON! Plus, Erin and Brad discuss the new Sp…

Developing good relationships with your building and district administrators is key to growing and maintaining a successful program. For teachers at the high school level, there may be no more important administrator than your A.D. Depending on the size of your school, A.D. might stand for activities director, athletic director, or arts director, b…

We hit "record" with no topic and no official guest. And it was exactly what we needed.

Brad and Erin talk about workshop week and the first week of school... while also learning tips, tricks, and funny stories about back-to-school from several of our listeners, including submissions from Michael Pearson, Reid Wixson, Willy Leafblad, Heidi Stodola, and Kimberly Lundak. Whether you've been teaching for decades or a first-year teacher..…

Don’t make time... TAKE time!!! This week we talk about self-care, all the while trying to avoid the overused cliche phrase 'self-care' itself. Surround yourself with like-minded people. Spend time with family and friends. Enjoy nature. Read a book. Recorded on location in Duluth!

WE'RE BACK! SEASON TWO! We chat a bit about band camp, meet the new co-host, and much more!

It's a special episode with both Jerry and Brad --- we're gearing up to attend the 2021 MMEA Virtual Midwinter Clinic Hear what we're excited about! We can't wait to see you all at the Midwinter Clinic - but be sure to take a listen before the conference begins on Thursday!

Brad sits downs with special guest Pete Guenther (Owatonna HS) to discuss the new Disney/Pixar movie, SOUL. And although the lead character is a middle school band director and jazz musician, we learn that the movie is about much, MUCH more than just music. Ring in the new year with a message of hope and life - join us for our reflections on SOUL. …

OUR FINAL EPISODE OF SEASON ONE! Saxophonist & retired music educator Randy Lee talks music of the Arrowhead & North Shore. From Grand Rapids to Duluth to Grand Marais (and everywhere in between) he talks about the historic figures who shaped music-making in the region ... and those who continue the rich music culture there today. STAY TUNED FOR EX…

Building community around any band programs is an important aspect of our work as band directors. We have two leaders from the Rosemount Band program that have a proven track record that can inspire us all. Leon Sieve joined the faculty of Rosemount High School, Rosemount, Minnesota in the fall of 2002 and is in his 27th year of teaching instrument…

TAKEOVER EPISODE!!! Erin Holmes (Director of Bands at Farmington High School) and Scott Agster (Adjunct Professor at Anoka Ramsey Community College & current All-State Jazz Director) discuss tools and strategies for starting off the Fall 2020 school year. Scott guides you through devices and software to make recording from home practical. Erin give…

Erik Hermanson teaches 6-12 band in Cleveland, Minnesota. He has built a program over the past 27 years that has an incredible amount of administrative, community, parent, and student support. He has approximately 90% of the student population in the band program and also serves as his school’s football coach. Erik is a world class community builde…

What if we asked a principal, “How can band directors best advocate for their program?” Now imagine if that principal was a musician and former band director! Kim Budde, Principal at Lakeville North HS, gives honest advice to band directors who may be considering a future in admin, reminding us of the unique skills all musicians have as potential l…

He's best known as Founder of the Dallas Brass, but Michael Levine has another passion: the Harmony Bridge Project, a flexible ensemble music method for middle school and HS students. We enjoy so many talented musicians in our state, but Levine is definitely one of Minnesota’s mavericks. He is originally from St. Louis Park, MN, and was a music maj…

In 2020, Music Advocacy has never been more relevant or important. Today we sit down with Kristin Chase, advocacy co-chair of the Minnesota Music Educators Association. She shares vital information about how you can advocate for music education in your community! Kristin Chase is one of two advocacy co-chairs for the Minnesota Music Educators Assoc…

If you’re a beginner band director or a general music specialist this is an episode for you. Building bridges with your elementary general music teacher has some real benefits for you and your students. Learn more about making these healthy connections. This is an episode specifically asked for by one of our listeners! Jennifer Jungwirth is an Elem…

Facilities age and new schools are built. If you are a band director fortunate enough to be faced with new construction or renovations what so you do? Who do you turn to for information? Our two guests today have firsthand knowledge of the process. This conversation will provide you a check-list of things to do or think about for renovations or new…

This week: an important practical matter for band directors and arts administrators. A lack of instrument inventory to insure every child has access to instrumental music is not a new problem. With limited budgets, sharing instruments has long been a needed practice for many instrumental programs, especially larger instruments like tubas and barito…

Cait Nishimura & Salvador Jacobo - two young composers (both in their 20’s) who have already written several very popular pieces of band music. In particular, Cait’s “Chasing Sunlight” and Sal’s “Vuelo” have been programmed by many band directors in Minnesota in the past two years. We wanted to know what it’s like to be a young composer from a demo…

Ellen Dinwiddie Smith has been a member of the Minnesota Orchestra since 1993 and currently serves as third horn. Smith is Adjunct Professor of Horn at the University of Minnesota and has served as Young-Artist-Program faculty at the Curtis Institute of Music Summerfest since 2015. Smith is a 1987 graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, where sh…

Spring Lake Park HS (MN) has a national reputation for innovation and inclusivity. Co-directors Nora Tycast and Brian Lukkasson have been featured on NPR, The Washington Post, and MPR thanks to their unyielding effort to program excellent music written by composers of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds.We are very proud of this week's episode…

A new Virtual Conductor’s Summit is being launched at the University of Minnesota led by Director of Bands, Dr. Emily Threinen. This virtual workshop will take place July 14-16, 2020. In this podcast we will learn more about this new initiative and how you can get involved. Dr. Emily Threinen currently serves as Director of Bands and Associate Prof…

This episode is directed toward high school students with the dream of pursuing music as a profession. That said, we believe this episode may also be helpful to parents of students thinking about music careers as well as band directors. To delve into this important topic, we are joined by Band faculty from Gustavus Adolphus College, Dr. James Patri…