The Flying Baton - a beginning band podcast

Rachel Allen is a dedicated musician and educator residing in Charles Town, West Virginia. Since 2008, she has passionately served as the band director atCharles Town Middle School, shaping the musical talents of countless students. Graduating with a degree in music education from Shepherd University in 2005,Rachel continued her academic pursuits, earning a master’s degree in music education from the same institution in 2010. While at Shepherd University shestudied trumpet under Wayne Cameron and conducting under D. Mark McCoy, who still serves as a mentor and supporter.Rachel’s commitment to the advancement of music education extends beyond the classroom as she has held various leadership roles, including serving as theRegion 9 Bandmasters president for the past four years and secretary for six years prior. Currently, Rachel is an active member of the Phi Beta Mu (Tau Chapter)International Band Director Fraternity, where she currently serves as secretary.During the pandemic, Rachel joined TikTok and began posting band and music content to lift her spirits during the trying time. Since then, her social media platform has grown to over 330k followers and over 200K subscribers on YouTube.She loves teaching band and jazz band daily at her school. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, painting, playing board games, gardening, puzzles, and sewing.

Doing a fall concert has a ton of advantages! Learn how and 10 pieces that work great!

https://www.kygers.com/obituaries/Marlon-Arness-Foster?obId=43147366

Video Version Here!https://youtu.be/OjpzA9nbLKw

Buy Warmups with A Beat Here!https://www.theflyingbaton.com/store/p/warmups-with-a-beat

Should you go to assessment? Are there viable alternatives? What are the judges even listening for? How do we use assessment to further our musical goals? All this and more in this episode!

We’re back with some tips for sight reading at assessment!

We chat with 3 teachers with various levels of experience about the process of student teaching and how it does and doesn't prepare you for the gig!

This year, my school (Shelburne Middle School) was picked to play at our state conference. I invited legends Harry Farmer from Blacksburg MS and Scott Allred from Fieldale-Collinsville MS on the show for advice and guidance.

Perspectives on interviews from Alan Shull, Principal of Fort Defiance High school, and Barry Flowe, former Curriculum Supervisor of Hanover County.

Youtube Link for this episodeBrett’s Trumpet Handout

Jeff’s Bio - https://www.giamusic.com/store/artists/jeff-scottJeff’s Clinic Handout - https://www.giamusic.com/pdf/G-8619HO1.pdfPick of the WeekMarch to Castle Rock by Steve HodgesPublished by AlfredBuy/Listen - https://www.jwpepper.com/March-to-Castle-Rock/2398238.item 

Pick of the WeekDanza de Espana by Carol Brittin ChambersPublished by Carl FischerBuy/Listen - https://www.jwpepper.com/Danza-de-Espana/10521882.item

Helen Blackburn’s Contact Infohttps://www.helenblackburn.com/hblackburn@wtamu.eduHelen’s Handout, “Proper Care and Feeding of your Beginning Flute Class”https://bit.ly/3CTZFq5 Pick of the WeekStormchasing by William OwensPublished by FJHListen/Buy: https://bit.ly/3CEWPEZ

Pick of the WeekRise of the Bladesmith by Brian BalmagesPublished by FJH Music Company Inc.Listen/Buy: https://www.jwpepper.com/Rise-of-the-Bladesmith/10312622.item

Tiffany conducting a virtual honor band (at the 9:10 mark) - https://youtu.be/WN4_Xe7cTho?t=547Pick of the WeekThe Machine Awakes by Steven BryantListen/buy - https://www.stevenbryant.com/news/the-machine-awakes-music-for-young-band-electronics 

Pick of the weekThunder Dragon by Michael Story Published by Alfred.Buy/Listen: https://bityl.co/7IlW This work is based on a song from the southern Asian country of Bhutan. There are four contrasting variations that are meant to paint a picture of thunderstorms that cascade down the Himalayas. This piece opens with beautiful chant-like sections including an extended low brass feature right off the bat. The arrangement grows in layers as the piece goes on and grants a complex image of Bhutanese life. 

Show NotesOn Streets of Gold by Fagan - https://www.alfred.com/on-streets-of-gold/p/00-33865/ Algorhythms by Fagon - https://www.jwpepper.com/Algorhythms/10027029.item James River Music - https://jamesrivermusicva.com/ Beginning Band Pick of the WeekClarinets Packing up Early by Gary FaganPublished by AlfredBuy/Listen - https://www.jwpepper.com/Clarinets-Packing-Up-Early/10453089.item Video of a performance - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YxA7MvqQcKU 

www.buildingabassoonist.comNatalie’s Youtube Channel: https://ytube.io/3Faq Mazama by J. Chattaway: https://bityl.co/5uqq Beginning Band Pick of the WeekCyclone by Michael OarePublished by MusicworksBuy/Listen: https://bityl.co/5uqn 

Link to our COVID Guidelines: https://ggle.io/3oIl Link to playing flute with mask video: https://ytube.io/3E78 Another flute option: https://ytube.io/3E79Warmups with a Beat: https://www.theflyingbaton.com/store/p/warmups-with-a-beat Beginning Band Pick of the WeekDrive by Mark WilliamsPublished by AlfredBuy/Listen: https://bityl.co/5LKt