Episode 187 - Colin Peters and Jake Walker

Everything Band Podcast

In this special episode we welcome Colin Peters and Jake Walker to the podcast and interview them to learn their stories and hear their plans for the future of the podcast. Topics covered include origin stories, teaching during COVID, teaching beginners, and their answers to the big questions.

Colin Peters Bio:

Mr. Colin Peters has completed his fourth year of teaching public school band and is now pursuing a Masters degree in Wind Conducting at Sam Houston State University. Prior to Sam Houston, Colin served four years as the Assistant Band Director at York Junior High in Conroe ISD. While at York, he conducted the Symphonic band, Concert II/III bands, assisted with the Wind Ensemble and other concert bands, as well as assisted with the marching band at Grand Oaks under the direction of Mr. Peters, the Symphonic Band and Concert II/III Bands received superior ratings at the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest, along with First Division and "Best in Class" awards at local area festivals.

Colin Peters grew up in Dickinson, TX, just south of Houston. He graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelors degree in Music Education. While at UH, he studied clarinet under Chester Rowell and Randy Griffin. His performance experiences include playing clarinet and bass clarinet in the UH Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Orchestra, and Opera Orchestra. While at UH he also had the opportunity to perform with the Wind Ensemble at the Texas Music Educators Association, The Midwest Clinic and Convention, and the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Convention. Colin was also a five-year member of the “Spirit of Houston” marching band where he served as Drum Major for three of those years.

With his time outside of teaching, Mr. Peters has played in the Woodlands Concert Band, worked with marching bands and leadership teams, and judged solo and ensemble contests around the Houston area. He also spends his summers attending Texas area workshops, including the Sam Houston State University’s Teaching the Middle School Band.

Colin's professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, Tau Beta Sigma and Phi Mu Alpha.

Jake Walker Bio:

Mr. Jake Walker is in his second year as the 5th Grade Band Director at Hannah Martin Elementary School, in Huntley, Illinois. After earning his teaching degree, Jake launched the new Martin Band program. In his first year, he recruited over 100 beginning band students into the program. In 2018, he was named the Assistant Marching Band Director at Huntley High School, where he worked for two marching band seasons alongside his full time position.

Jake is also a Summer School Band Director for the Wauwatosa School District in Wisconsin for 5th-10th grade students, a position he accepted in 2020. In January of 2021, he joined the Everything Band Podcast team as their Creative Director, where he creates graphics and manages social media content.

Jake graduated and received his Bachelor of Music Education degree in 2019 from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. While attending NIU, Jake studied with trumpet professor Dr. Mark Ponzo, ensemble and conducting professors Dr. Thomas Bough and Dr. Ronnie Wooten, and music education faculty Dr. Mary-Lynn Doherty and Dr. Christine D’ Alexander. In 2018, he was named the Head Drum Major for the NIU Huskie Marching Band and the President of the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) collegiate chapter. Jake was recognized for his efforts in the Huskie Marching Band when he received the Outstanding Band Member of the Year for two consecutive seasons (2016, 2017) and the “Director’s Award” for excellence (2018).

In the Fall of 2020, Jake contributed to the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) Band Best Practice Committee to curate a collection of health and safety recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic for Illinois band programs.

Jake was selected to represent Illinois in the upcoming 2022 Rose Parade in Pasadena, California as a member of the "Salute to America's Band Directors Marching Band". The band will be composed of up to 300 band directors from across North America and will pay tribute to the exceptional instruction, character development and inspiration provided by music educators everywhere.

Links:

• Arnold: Four Scottish Dances
• Grainger: Irish Tune from County Derry

The Everything Band Podcast team includes the following contributors:

• Host and Creator: Mark Connor
• Outreach Manager: Colin Peters
• Creative Director: Jake Walker