Musicast

Sarah sits down with veteran choral educator, Anola Douglas, to discuss strategies for connecting with kids and getting them EXCITED about coming to music class! Her latest book, "Teaching the Apathetic Choir," breaks down some of Anola's favorite activities and mindset shifts that can bring joy back to the classroom. You can learn more about her book and grab the eBook version here: https://fflat-books.com/product/teaching-the-apathetic-choir/Or the physical version here: https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Apathetic-Choir-Strategies-Unmotivated/dp/1639911499Plus, check out the other resources Anola mentioned. Rock Paper Scissors: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rock-Paper-Scissors-Rhythm-10111557Choir workbook: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Singers-Workbook-9770913

It's our first episode of season 6!Join Dr. Sarah Gulish, co-founder and CEO of F-flat Books, in conversation with publishing assistant Tayler Hill. Sarah and Tayler talk about the publishing industry, how Tayler got involved in writing and editing, and what they're suppperrrrr excited for this fall (Hint: it's a book that will make you laugh and cry). Shoutout to Vicky Weber for introducing us to Tayler and to all of the authors who have contributed to our first anthology!Links Shared in the episode: Tayler's Instagram: @folkandtalespress @taylerhillauthorVicky's Instagram: @vickyweberbooks @athomeauthorWebsites:https://www.folkandtales.com/https://www.folkandtales.com/lead-collectionhttps://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/TheGildedPagePresshttps://www.athomeauthor.com/

This episode of Musicast is a little different and a little more personal as Jen is joined by her husband Matt to talk about what it's like to be a spouse of a music teacher. From navigating concert season to the ups and downs of advocating for music education to the crazy schedules, this episode gives a look behind the curtain at good ways to support your music educator through it all. Hope you enjoy the last episode of this season!

On today's episode, Jen connects with Charlie DiCarne and Beth Beccone of Peak Travel to discuss the benefits, challenges, and funny stories of student trips. All three share their own experiences of organizing student travel and the impact it has made on their groups. Whether it's an overnight trip or a two-week summer sojourn, student travel is always a rewarding experience. You can learn more about Peak here: https://peakgrouptravel.com/

This week Jen sits down with three former students to delve into the differences, challenges, and opportunities music students face making the leap to the collegiate level. Joined by Lauren Saks from West Chester University, Michael Frentzen of Lebanon Valley College, and Christian Gallucci from University of Miami's Frost School of Music, each of these amazing student muscians offer their unique perspectives on what excites them about their field of study while being honest about potential pitfalls and the amazing opportunities that come from investing in themselves and their craft.

Ever think you can't do something? On this week's episode, Jenn sits down with Joe Stellino, director of choirs at CB South in Pennsylvania, to discuss the importance of a constantly evolving mindset. Changing the focus from "can't" to "haven't yet" is a very powerful way to grow students and teachers alike.

On this week's episode, Jenn connects with Jes Cleland to talk about the importance of early childhood music education and her upcoming album 'Out There in the Wild'. Jes shares her passion for making music education accessible for our youngest students and how that shapes their journey going forward.

Welcome to a roundtable chat with three seasoned music educators who have seen it all (or at least most of it). On this episode, we talk shop about finding your strengths as a teacher, creating meaningful and unexpected opportunities for students, and laughing over the weird and wonderful moments that happen in our classrooms. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just starting out, pull up a chair - there is always room at the table.

On this week's episode, Jen had the opportunity to connect with Gillian Desmarias to talk about the impact of digital music making and songwriting for non-traditional music students. Gillian shares insights into her experiences as an educator and some of the tools and curriculum she leverages to provide an extraordinary opportunity to her students.You can learn more about Gillian here: https://www.soundteched.com/

This week, Jen sits down with Dr. Marissa Guarriello to talk about the impact that mentorship and challenging horizons have had on her work. Through her journey, Dr. Guarriello has experienced music education in many facets: first as a student, then as a music educator, and on into graduate work and teaching at the collegiate level. Listen to learn more about Marissa (the first host and founder of this very podcast!) and head to the link below to learn about her new book, "Onward and Upward":https://fflat-books.com/product/onward-and-upward-paperbook/

On this week's episode, Jen had the opportunity to sit down with Kevin Longwill, one of Yamaha's '40 under 40' to discuss teaching 'Modern Music' and the impact of broadening music education horizons to appeal to non-traditional music students.You can learn more about Kevin and his upcoming Modern Music invitational at Abington Senior High School here: https://www.m3asd.com/invitational

In Part II of "New Perspectives," Jenn sits down with Dr. Kathleen Melago and Dr. Jonathan Helmick, plus four college students working in field immersion experiences. Hear how hands-on learning opportunities can help shape experiences for pre-service music educators. You can learn more about Kathy's book here: https://fflat-books.com/product/field-experience-immersion-in-music-a-planning-guide/

This week, Jenn had the opportunity to connect with Dr. Kathleen Melago to discuss her new book, "Field Immersion in Music: A Planning Guide." Together they discuss the unique experience an immersive program offers these student educators as well as the communities they partner with! You can learn more about Kathleen's new book here: https://fflat-books.com/product/field-experience-immersion-in-music-a-planning-guide/

On this week's episode, Jenn sits down with the Chief Sound Engineer for 'The President's Own' United States Marine Corp Band, Gunnery Sergeant Mike Ducassoux, to discuss how his journey in Music Education led him down the path to sound engineering. We delve into the path he took and what it takes to work in such a high profile and ever changing environment with an elite group of musicians. Links mentioned in this episode: John Williams & "The President's Own"https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLA7no0L9zTk5-Mvyc5fBA8M1FLVg9ZABZ What Dreams May Come https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_n8mneRqiDUJLI3waI6pV8T3icN9lzbXPE

In episode two of our 'Off the Podium' series, Jenn sits down with Erin Zaffini, Director of Teacher Education at Longy School of Music, to discuss the development of the next generation of music educators and the challenge of navigating equity in music education.

Tune into this week's candid conversation between your host Jenn Divasto and her long-term friend and peer Jess Tosti for a heartfelt and honest look at their music educator journey. From their background as students and the formative influences that set them on their paths to discussing the gap between what music college told them to expect and the realities of being a first year teacher in the classroom.

On this week's epsiode of Musicast, Jen sits down with Javel Perriel to talk about his passion for blending music and science with the Makey Makey. Javel is the author of 'Music is Bananas' an amazing passion project he's put together to help music educators cross curricular boundaries into the area of STEM using the Makey Makey! Check out Javel's book here: https://fflat-books.com/product/music-is-bananas/ You can learn more and follow Javel on Instagram: @mr.perriel @music_is_bananas

For this week's episode of Musicast, Jen has sits down with 'Piano Pete' Favilla of Echoland Studios in New York City. During this high-energy conversation they talk composing, musical influences, and his passion for making music accessible through Echoland Studios.  You can checkout Echoland Studios at the link below: https://www.echolandstudios.com/

On this week’s episode of Musicast, we sit down with Sasha Eisenberg, one of the premier theater educators in Bucks County and an active Board Member of the Oscar Hammerstein Museum. With 30 years of experience in education, Sasha brings her vast experience and energy to this week’s conversation as we delve into how performing arts and theater can bring the traditional core subjects to life and discuss some of the unique challenges and opportunities that come along with directing a theater arts program! Sasha Eisenberg Oscar Hammerstein Museum Board Member & Educator Sasha Eisenberg is an English and theatre educator with a Masters in Educational Leadership who has worked in Bucks County for 30 years. At Central Bucks East High School, Sasha served as an English teacher (1995-2001) and theatre director of the award winning Patriot Players, PA Thespian Troupe #6165 (1995-present). Sasha has directed over 50 plays and musicals and has assisted with numerous additional staff and student directed productions and special events. The Bucks County Playhouse has honored her for Outstanding Direction for multiple productions. In 2017, Sasha directed the award winning one-act, “I Never Saw Another Butterfly,” and was honored to join the company at the International Thespian Festival in Nebraska. In addition to producing high quality performances, with Sasha’s leadership, the club has successfully raised tens of thousands of dollars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Sasha also has led numerous summer theatre programs including Diamond Ridge Day Camp, Briarwood Day Camp, and Delaware Valley University’s KidsU! In 2023, she co-founded Bucks County Theatrics (BCT) and looks forward to creating new theatrical opportunities for the Bucks County community. She is passionate about theatre arts education and thrilled to be a part of the mission to secure the legacy of Oscar Hammerstein. Sasha lives in Doylestown with her husband and enjoys visiting her three grown children.

Ever wonder how to balance the interests of your students with the curriculum you teach? Do you feel ever feel stuck in the confines of your curriculum? On this week's episode of Musicast, we sat down with Natasha Henry-Rodriguez to talk about her unique experience as an educator and her new book, "Navigating Music Appreciation through Interpretation." We hope you all enjoy Natasha's insight into cultivating and leveraging how music weaves its way through our culture to create meaningful experiences for our students! You can learn more about Natasha's work on her Instagram: