The Band Director's Desk

In this episode I discuss and demonstrate (that's right, I will play my instrument!) some ideas to get your journey as a spontaneous music composer, otherwise known as improvising, started!

In this podcast I talk about my thoughts on listening to music in order to both enjoy music more and to become a better musician, why live music is the best way to experience music, and how this all relates to practicing your instrument.I refer to two books in this video (not paid to do so). Victor Wooten: The Music LessonKenny Werner: Effortless Mastery

In this episode I share some ideas that I have when it comes to playing in tune.

How do you divide up your practice time? In this episode I will tell you about three things I try to do every time I practice.

What separates the Great musicians from the Good musicians?How to start your band on the quest of great intonation.This week in Breckenridge MIBooks referencedCramer, Ray. A Teaching Music through Performance in Band: 20th Anniversary Edition. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2017.Green, Barry, and Mark Stryker. The Mastery of Music: Ten Pathways to True Artistry. New York: Broadway Books, 2005.Audio SampleSummer Skies · Leroy Anderson Pops Concert OrchestraMusical Moments to Remember: The Music of Leroy Anderson – That Easy Listening (Remastered 2016)℗ 2016 Jube LegendsReleased on: 2016-04-01Conductor: Leroy AndersonOrchestra: Leroy Anderson Pops Concert OrchestraComposer: Leroy Anderson

So, you want to be a musician?Social Reasons for BandWhat I have learned from Band FestivalThe One Thing-Practice tipReference: The One Thing, by Gary Kellerhttps://www.the1thing.com/Music: John Adams, Short Ride in a Fast Machine

This episode talks about the outcome of Band Festival, future events, we explore AABA song form using "I Got Rhythm" and I discuss what trait I believe makes the best musicians.

Sonny Rollins, John Coltrane and the Blues Form

Discussion of Air for Band By Frank Erickson. Recording used in podcast it by the University of North Texas Wind Ensemble

In this episode we take a close look at Michael Sweeney's composition Aztalan. Aztalan is a mysterious ancient city found in southern Wisconsin. 

News:Pep Band Concessions Sign upDisney PaymentsMidland SymphonyCMU Jazz FestivalSolo and Ensemble FestNight of Jazz Mr. Radtke's Music CareerPractice tip of the week

News: Cleaning your instrument, Disney Payment, Booster Meeting, Solo and EnsembleThe 5 stage practice routineClassroom Recap

Upcoming Events for January and FebruaryHistory of Gershwin and discussion of his Piano PreludesIdeas to develop toneRockathon Interviews

In this podcast I talk through some ideas I have about creating a characteristic tone on your musical instrument.