Program Notes: The Band Director Podcast
John M. Denis
So, you’re finishing school or you’ve signed a contract. While other new band directors are just trying to survive that first year, what can you do to thrive? Each episode will give you direct, usable information based on actual experiences relevant to your needs as a future or beginning band director. So grab your earbuds or turn up the car stereo, and let me give you some great program notes for success.
Episodes release on either the 2nd or 4th Thursdays of each month (sometimes both).
Episodes release on either the 2nd or 4th Thursdays of each month (sometimes both).
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 11, 2018 • 26min
Episode 25: Leading a Successful Band Program - Part 3
Part 3 (of 4) in out series providing tips for successfully being a leader to your band. Rob Chilton has already provided great insights, and in this episode we continue to discuss effective leadership. ©2018 John M. Denis
Sep 27, 2018 • 23min
Episode 24: Leading a Successful Band Program - Part 2
Part 2 of a series discussing director leadership with Rob Chilton, fantastic director, leader, and musician. There are some fun tidbits about productivity in this episode worth noting. ©2018 John M. Denis
Sep 13, 2018 • 25min
Episode 23: Leading a Successful Band Program - Part 1
I'm excited to welcome Rob Chilton, fantastic director, leader, and musician to the podcast for the start of a series discussing director leadership. Rob's kids recently performed at the Texas Music Educators Association convention as one of the state honor bands. For those unfamiliar with the Texas band scene, this is a pretty big deal. It means that among schools of similar size, Mr. Chilton's band was deemed to have the best performance and invited to perform at our annual meeting. I sincerely hope that listeners out there get something out of this chat. ©2018 John M. Denis
Aug 23, 2018 • 34min
Episode 22: Beginning Band - Part 3
Jason, a band director, shares wisdom and insight on beginning band. Topics include objective sheets, assessment as a teaching tool, goals for wind players, establishing standards in mixed classes, challenges of teaching beginning band, and continuous learning for teachers.
Aug 9, 2018 • 30min
Episode 21: Beginning Band - Part 2
Teaching beginning band students: colorful method books, teaching correct practice, importance of repetitions, planning goals and reflecting on teaching methods, strategies for creating a fun learning experience.
Jul 26, 2018 • 27min
Episode 20: Beginning Band - Part 1
The hosts discuss the process of selecting instruments for beginning band, recruiting students for popular instruments, addressing parent questions, instrument placement criteria, and supporting students in their band journey.
Jul 12, 2018 • 23min
Episode 19: Non-varsity bands part 3
This is the final part of our non-varsity band series. Join Bryn Roberts and myself as we wrap up out tips for working with non-varsity students! ©2018 John M. Denis
Jun 28, 2018 • 27min
Episode 18: Non-varsity Bands - Part 2
Part 2 of our discussion about working with non-varsity bands. ©2018 John M. Denis
Jun 13, 2018 • 24min
Episode 17: Non-varsity Band Part 1
Join an old friend and colleague and me as we discuss tips and tricks for you assistant band directors out there. ©2018 John M. Denis
May 24, 2018 • 22min
Episode 16: Fundamental Drill
An introduction to fundamental drill, why it matters and how to make the most of it. ©2018 John M. Denis
