Pass the Baton: Empowering Students in Music Education, a Podcast for Music Teachers

In episode 119, Theresa and Kathryn talk with Tim Bupp about rethinking what school music is really for, and what happens when we stop treating the concert as the curriculum. Tim shares how his district has expanded access to music through Modern Band, creating opportunities for students whose musical identities might not fit traditional ensembles. Together, they explore how relevance, accessibility, and lifelong engagement can serve as guiding principles for music programs, while still suppo...

In episode 118, Kathryn and Theresa talk with elementary music teacher Ashley Cobb about creating music classrooms where students are active participants, creators, and decision-makers. Ashley shares how her own experiences as a young musician shaped her commitment to making music accessible and meaningful for every student. Drawing on music learning theory, improvisation, and modern band pedagogy, she describes how small opportunities for creativity can grow into a classroom culture where st...

In episode 117, Theresa and Kathryn talk with Jazzmone Sutton, Senior Manager of State Advocacy and Equity at NAfME, about rethinking what music education advocacy can look like. Jazzmone challenges the idea that advocacy is simply “sharing the good news” about our programs, instead describing effective advocacy as getting others to act positively on behalf of students and educators—and doing that work proactively. A key part of that advocacy? Students themselves. Jazzmone shares powerful sto...

What if your next concert piece became the starting point for an unforgettable learning experience? In episode 116, Theresa and Kathryn welcome back middle school band director Kyle Rinke to explore how interdisciplinary projects can transform students' connections to music. From museum visits and collaborative art projects to poetry, mindfulness, and even performing in a natural rock amphitheater, Kyle shares how he builds meaningful experiences around concert repertoire that help students e...

Welcome to Season 6 of the Pass the Baton podcast! As a new school year begins, Kathryn and Theresa kick off the season by looking beyond lesson plans, classroom setup, and first-day logistics to explore the invisible decisions that shape the entire year. Through five reflective questions, they discuss what teachers can truly control, what students should own, how classroom routines communicate trust, when compliance is necessary (and when it isn't), and which traditions are worth keeping—or ...