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PODCAST · education

Directors Circle

by Doug Conrad

A podcast featuring insight from music educators and school leaders discussing their philosophies on the administrative leadership of a comprehensive music program.

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Episodes

  1. Andrea Brown - Episode 40

    Dr. Andrea Brown is the Associate Director of Bands at the University of Maryland in College Park, MD. At UM, Dr. Brown conducts several ensembles including the University of Maryland Wind Ensemble and the Mighty Sound of Maryland Marching Band. Topics include: - Andrea discusses her experiences...

  2. Timothy Holtan - Episode 39

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Colonel Timothy Holtan. Col. Holtan holds the distinction of being the first officer to command all three of the U.S. Army's premier bands. Since retiring in 2017, he currently serves as Artistic Director and Conductor of the Maryland Winds....

  3. Peter Boonshaft - Episode 38

    This episode features my interview with Dr. Peter Boonshaft. Dr. Boonshaft, Director of Education for Jupiter Brand Instruments and KHS America Academic Alliance, is the author of the critically acclaimed best-selling books Teaching Music with Passion, Teaching Music with Purpose, and Teaching...

  4. Ryan Nowlin - Episode 37

    This episode features my interview with Mr. Ryan Nowlin who is a well-regarded composer, educator, and conductor. Ryan is the Assistant Director for "The President's Own" United States Marine Band and is a co-author of the famous "Tradition Of Excellence" method series. In our conversation, Ryan...

  5. Michael Haithcock - Episode 36

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Michael Haithcock who is the Director of Bands at the University of Michigan. During our conversation, Michael shares his thoughts on ways to engage students in rehearsal and leading a program to musical excellence. Topics include: -...

  6. Dennis Glocke - Episode 35

    This episode features my interview with my friend and mentor, Mr. Dennis Glocke. Dennis has recently retired as the Director of Concert Bands at Penn State University where he has led several ensembles and taught courses in conducting. In our conversation, Dennis shares many lessons on…

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  7. Lori Schwartz Reichl - Episode 34

    In this episode of the podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Lori Schwartz Reichl. Lori is an author, clinician, and music educator who is well known for her contributions to publications such as In Tune Magazine and Teaching Music Magazine. In this interview, Lori shares her ideas on...

  8. Theresa Hoover Ducassoux - Episode 33

    This episode features my interview with Theresa Hoover Ducassoux. Theresa is a well-known music educator and writer with her blog, Off the Beaten Path: A Music Teacher's Journey. In our conversation, Theresa shares many of her ideas on integrating technology into the classroom and student...

  9. Scott Watson - Episode 32

    This episode features my conversation with Dr. Scott Watson. In addition to being an acclaimed composer for band and orchestra, Scott is well known for his work as an educator, author, and clinician. Topics include: - Scott's approach to composing - Composing for student musicians - Integrating...

  10. Jamey Aebersold - Episode 31

    It is my pleasure to bring you one of my favorite interviews featuring Mr. Jamey Aebersold. Jamey is recognized as a foremost authority in jazz education with his work as an author and publisher of many major publications including his famous Jazz Play-A -Long series. In this episode, we talk…

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  11. Shelley Jagow - Episode 30

    This episode features my interview with Dr. Shelley Jagow from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. In addition to her career as an educator and conductor, Shelley is well known for her work as an author of several publications including "Teaching Instrumental Music: Developing The Complete...

  12. Teaching Music During Difficult Times - Episode 29

    As we face the challenges of teaching during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, I had the pleasure of bringing a panel of distinguished music educators together as they shared their personal experiences with this matter. In this interview, you will hear Dr. Russel Mikkelson (Ohio State), Dr. Christopher...

  13. Philip Silvey - Episode 28

    In this interview, I had the privilege of chatting with Dr. Philip Silvey. In addition to being an acclaimed composer and arranger, Dr. Silvey is Associate Professor of Music Teaching and Learning at the Eastman School of Music where he directs the Women's Chorus and teaches undergraduate and...

  14. Tyler Austin - Episode 27

    This episode features Dr. Tyler Austin who is currently the Assistant Director of Bands at Oklahoma State University. In this episode, Tyler talks about his roles as a college band director and musical director for the Maryland Chamber Winds. We also chat about entrepreneurial skills, creating...

  15. Timothy Mahr - Episode 26

    In this episode, I speak with renowned conductor and composer, Dr. Timothy Mahr. Dr. Mahr is an active composer for wind band and is also a professor of music at St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. Dr. Mahr shares some valuable insight into the art of composing and creating a culture of…

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  16. Jerry Blackstone - Episode 25

    This episode features my interview with the legendary Dr. Jerry Blackstone. Jerry is a Grammy award-winning conductor who is well known for his work as a professor of choral music at the University of Michigan. In our discussion, Jerry shares his views on repertoire, inspiring musicians, and the...

  17. Inside The Circle - Scott Sheehan

    In this special edition of Directors Circle, I catch up with Scott Sheehan on the open election for the National Association for Music Education. Scott discusses the topics up for election as well as being a candidate for the 2020-2022 National President-Elect. If you are a NAfME member, make…

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  18. Todd Stefan - Episode 24

    In the episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Todd Stefan from Wexford (a.k.a Pittsburgh), PA. Todd oversees a large high school band program in the North Allegheny School District that has featured ensembles at PMEA state conferences, NAfME All-Eastern conferences, and the inaugural…

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  19. Jason Worzbyt - Episode 23

    This episode features my conversation with Dr. Jason Worzbyt from Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, PA. In addition to conducting several instrumental ensembles, Jason also teaches undergraduate and graduate music courses and leads the bassoon studio at IUP. In this interview, we…

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  20. Mike Kamuf - Episode 22

    Being a music educator is an occupying job with regards to time and balance. Imagine having the job of being a prominent composer in addition to that! In this interview, I had the privilege to chat with Mike Kamuf on how he balances a busy schedule of being a working composer in addition to…

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  21. Christopher Kiver - Episode 21

    This podcast episode features my interview with Dr. Christopher Kiver. Dr. Kiver is the Director of Choral Activities at Penn State University where he directs the concert choir and glee club. In addition to discussing the importance of music and quality repertoire, Dr. Kiver also gives insight...

  22. Scott Lang - Episode 20

    This episode features my interview with leadership expert, Scott Lang. Scott is an internationally known speaker and advocate for music education. As a lead author and contributor to publications like "Leader Of The Band" and "Be Part Of The Music", Scott has helped in leading thousands of…

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  23. Frank Battisti - Episode 19

    In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Frank Battisti about his views on music and music education. Known affectionately to many of his students as "Mr. B", Battisti has led a prolific career as an educator at Ithaca High School (NY) and the New England Conservatory. Bonus...

  24. Derrick Fox - Episode 18

    In this episode, I chat with Dr. Derrick Fox from the University of Nebraska-Omaha on what it's like to have a background in instrumental music and leading a renowned collegiate choral program. Topics include: (05:34) Fox talks about his life and professional background (15:52) Building community...

  25. Stephen Gage - Episode 17

    This episode features Dr. Stephen Gage from Youngstown State University. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on a wide array of subjects ranging from imagination to repertoire selection. Topics include: (04:33) Dr. Gage talks about his life and professional background (07:30) Dr. Gage talks...

  26. Brenda Brenner - Episode 16

    Have you ever wondered what it would be like having a career as a renowned performer and music education training specialist? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Brenda Brenner from Indiana University to discuss her roles as a professional musician, studio instructor, and professor of music...

  27. Scott Rush - Episode 15

    This episode features my interview with the acclaimed author and music educator, Scott Rush. Mr. Rush is widely known for his Habits of Success book series as well as being a renowned band director in South Carolina. Scott shares stories about his career, work as an author, and his current role...

  28. Christopher Cicconi - Episode 14

    In this episode, I speak with Dr. Christopher Cicconi from Towson, MD. Cicconi shares how he conducts his band and orchestra programs at Towson University. Also being a professor of music education, Cicconi shares how he prepares his students as they enter the workforce. Topics include: (04:05)...

  29. Len Lavelle - Episode 13

    In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Len Lavelle from Pittsburgh, PA. If you are from PA, you are sure to be familiar with Len's work with his bands at North Hills High School. If you are not from the Keystone State, make sure to check out this episode featuring one of the…

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  30. Frank Parker - Episode 12

    Frank Parker is director of bands at Quakertown High School in Quakertown, PA. In his program, Frank teaches a wide range of ensembles including two concert bands, two jazz bands, and the award winning Panther Marching band. As a highly sought after conductor, Frank has been featured as a guest...

  31. Ramona Wis - Episode 11

    This special episode features the renowned choral conductor and author, Dr. Ramona Wis. In this interview, I discuss several key components of leadership with Dr. Wis that she was written about in her popular book, "The Conductor As Leader: Principles of Leadership Applied to Life on the Podium."...

  32. Joe Santanello - Episode 10

    I chat with Joe Santanello as he discusses his views on attaining student excellence and transitioning into a new position. Joe is a phenomenal musician, educator, and human being and this episode is jam-packed with tons of valuable insight for anyone interested in developing a program or moving...

  33. Bob Phillips - Episode 9

    In this episode, I sit down with Bob Phillips to discuss his career as an educator and the Director of String Publications for Alfred Music. Topics discussed include: recruitment of student musicians, building a new program, using alternative styles in a string curriculum, and writing a method...

  34. Brad Townsend - Episode 8

    In this episode, I speak with Dr. Brad Townsend who is the director of bands at the University of Pittsburgh. He shares his thoughts on developing music programs at multiple universities, entering as a new director in a program that is rich in tradition, taking student input into consideration…

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  35. Bob Matchett - Episode 7

    Bob Matchett discusses his work as a band director at Seneca Valley Senior High School in Harmony, PA. With an accomplished career as an educator and musician, Bob discusses characteristics of an outstanding leader, taking over a new program, and how working as a professional musician can impact...

  36. Stephen Benham - Episode 6

    Dr. Stephen Benham speaks about his leadership roles as a former president for the American String Teachers Association and as an Associate Professor of Music Education at the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. As a leading expert in string pedagogy and…

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  37. Scott Koter - Episode 5

    Scott Koter sits down with us to discuss his extensive carrier that includes experience as an assistant superintendent, band director, and program coordinator for several DCI drum corps. In this episode, Scott will share his thoughts on building a comprehensive program, working with…

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  38. Greg Johnson - Episode 4

    In this episode, Greg Johnson shares his experiences on leading his jazz program at the Marin School of the Arts. Topics discussed include: teaching improvisation, gaining appreciation for all styles of music, programing repertoire, and utilizing experience as a professional musician to motivate...

  39. Ryan Beeken - Episode 3

    Dr. Ryan Beeken shares his thoughts of effectively connecting with students and building a choral program of over 300 musicians during his time as an educator in public schools. In addition to his work as the director of choral studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Beeken frequently...

  40. Jeff Ball - Episode 2

    In this episode, Jeff Ball discusses his approach to building a band program of over 350 students at the Grand Street Campus in NYC and conducting the Brooklyn Wind Symphony around the country in venues such as Carnegie Hall and Alice Tully Hall.

  41. Scott Sheehan - Episode 1

    In this episode, Scott Sheehan discusses his thoughts on leadership, advocacy, and serving as a leader for the National Association for Music Education and Pennsylvania Music Educators Association.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

A podcast featuring insight from music educators and school leaders discussing their philosophies on the administrative leadership of a comprehensive music program.

HOSTED BY

Doug Conrad

CATEGORIES

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Directors Circle have?

Directors Circle currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Directors Circle about?

A podcast featuring insight from music educators and school leaders discussing their philosophies on the administrative leadership of a comprehensive music program.

How often does Directors Circle release new episodes?

Directors Circle has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Directors Circle?

You can listen to Directors Circle on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Directors Circle?

Directors Circle is created and hosted by Doug Conrad.
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