Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

We made it! In this epic, high-energy Season 1 finale, Brian and Chris take a victory lap through their debut season, proving they are still "works in progress, progressing on their works." Joined on-air by their producer, Marianne White, the hosts look back at the chaotic, beautiful journey of launching the pod: from completely forgetting to introduce their very first guest to expanding their global footprint. This episode is a masterful mix of laugh-out-loud moments (including the origin of the "sneeze blast" and impromptu singing) and profound insights pulled from listener questions spanning from Ohio to Australia. It serves as a masterclass in performance anxiety survival skills, the raw vulnerability of the creative process, and a passionate defense of why the human "heart business" of music education can never be replaced by AI.

In this high-energy "end-of-year" special, Brian and Chris dive into strategies for keeping students engaged during the "final countdown" of the school year. They are then joined by the iconic Cheryl Floyd, a trailblazer in the middle school band world. Cheryl shares her "non-traditional" start, her philosophy on commissioning world-class composers for young ensembles, and her "Suzuki-inspired" approach to starting beginners without a book. This episode is a masterclass in removing barriers for students, the vital importance of mentorship for "grown-up" teachers, and why musicality should never be the "third 50%" of your rehearsal.

In one of the most powerful and timely episodes of the season, Brian and Chris sit down with Omar Thomas to discuss his "non-linear" evolution from a 23-year-old Berklee professor to one of the most significant voices in contemporary wind band music. The conversation dives into the "invisible music" that cannot be written on a page—the vernacular, the grit, and the soul of jazz and gospel. The episode culminates in a deep discussion about the "platform" of the band room and a direct address of the controversy surrounding his piece, Mother of a Revolution, currently being challenged by a school board in Wisconsin.🖼️ Omar’s featured headshot was recently commissioned from queer artist, Anthony Hurd.

In this episode, Brian and Chris open the show with a vulnerable (and hilarious) look at "Fan Mail"—specifically the kind that calls you an idiot. This leads into a profound discussion on Imposter Syndrome and the importance of a trusting community. They are then joined by Scott Rush, the visionary behind the Habits of a Successful Band Director series. Scott shares his journey from a horn performance major to building the massive Wando High School program from 98 to 280 students. The trio dives deep into the "three buckets" of musical capacity, the evolution of the classroom from a "dictatorship" to a "music-making lab," and why high expectations are actually the ultimate form of love.

In this heartfelt episode, Brian and Chris celebrate the "Heart of the School"—the teachers. The conversation kicks off with a humorous and nostalgic look at Teacher Appreciation Week (featuring the legendary "Omelet Guy" and "Pasta Guy") before transitioning into a high-level discussion on the impact of mentorship. The hosts are joined by the first-ever Spark Award recipient, Amanda Cornet, who shares her journey from a pre-med hopeful to a community-driven orchestra director. The episode concludes with Brian and Chris sharing intimate stories of the teachers who didn't just teach them notes, but unlocked their musical souls and prepared them for the "real world."The 2026 Spark Award (presented by Alfred Music and MakeMusic) nominations will open on 4/20/26. Learn more and nominate a deserving teacher at makemusic.com/spark!

In this deeply personal and moving episode, Brian and Chris welcome a dear friend and a titan of the wind band world, Ryan Nowlin. From his unexpected start as a "math major just in case" to leading the United States Marine Band, Ryan shares the "cauterizing experiences" that shaped his career. The conversation explores the profound influence of mentors, the transition from the classroom to the Marine Barracks, and the "unbroken lineage" of the Marine Band. Whether discussing the technicality of conducting elite pros or the emotional gravity of working with John Williams, Ryan reminds us that while music is the how, service is the why.

In this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, Brian and Chris connect with Alex Shapiro, a composer whose career is a testament to the power of "saying yes" to the unknown. From her roots in Manhattan, through the gritty LA commercial music scene, and to her current "creative cocoon" on a remote Washington island, Alex discusses her non-traditional path to becoming a wind band staple. The conversation dives into the nuances of electroacoustic music, the ethical boundaries of AI in the arts, and the vital importance of self-awareness. This episode is a masterclass in building a career through genuine relationships, the courage to be "the first you" instead of a second someone else, and the pursuit of beauty in a digital world.

In this raw and high-energy episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Wayne Bergeron, arguably the most recorded trumpet player of our time. From his "accidental" transition from French horn to trumpet (thanks to a vandalized band room) to his storied career on over 500 film scores, Wayne pulls back the curtain on the Hollywood studio life. The conversation spans his mentorship under Maynard Ferguson, his deep brotherhood with the late Gordon Goodwin, and his personal battle with cancer. This episode is a masterclass in professional humility, the technicality of "studio magic," and the emotional weight of musical legacy.

In this dynamic episode, Brian and Chris welcome Jeffrey Grogan, a conductor who famously crossed over from the "dark side" of elite marching bands to the pinnacle of orchestral studies. Jeff shares his unique journey—from conducting to his Star Wars soundtrack in 4th grade to inspiring countless music students. The conversation bridges the gap between band and orchestra, explores the "physiological" nature of string playing, and dives into the urgent national mission of recruiting the next generation of music educators.

In this deeply personal and inspiring episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Paula Crider, a true pioneer in music education. Paula shares her remarkable journey from a small-town Mississippi basketball player to becoming the first female high school band director in Texas 5A history. The conversation explores the courage required to stand up for oneself in a male-dominated field, the profound responsibility of being a role model for students, and why passion is the ultimate "secret ingredient" to music-making. From "blowing in the small end" of a trumpet to conducting world-class ensembles, Paula’s story is a masterclass in resilience and lifelong learning.

In this episode, Brian and Chris sit down with one of the most prolific and multifaceted voices in the music industry, Soon Hee Newbold. Longtime friends since their days at James Madison University, Brian and Soon Hee reminisce about their shared beginnings and the organic evolution of their careers. Soon Hee reveals her unique "origin story"—from her adoption and upbringing in the Maryland Suzuki world to her unexpected path from pre-med student to global composer. She shares her philosophy on storytelling in music, her high-intensity career in the film industry, and her intriguing secondary life as a reserve police officer and martial artist.

In this high-energy and deeply moving episode, Brian and Chris sit down with the "icon of positivity," Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser. Known globally for his leadership training and motivational speaking, Dr. Tim shares the "accidental" origin of his career and his profound insights into student psychology. The conversation moves from the humor of "writer's block" and road-warrior lifestyle to the heavy responsibility of being a music educator in a high-pressure, tech-saturated world. Dr. Tim delivers a masterclass on building trust, maintaining professional longevity, and why the "connection" is always more important than the content.

In this special preview episode, Brian and Chris dedicate the show to all things Midwest Clinic. They welcome Midwest Clinic Executive Director Kelly Bell for crucial logistical and professional insights, including her unique perspective as a former educator and the conference's future. Following her segment, the hosts share their personal Midwest highlights, detail their favorite aspects of the conference (networking, new music), and provide all the essential information needed to find and engage with them at the Alfred Music/MakeMusic booth: 1139.

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome legendary Texas band director Robert Herrings for an electrifying and honest conversation about achieving sustained excellence. Herrings, known for his unprecedented consecutive Honor Band wins and multiple Midwest appearances with Henry Middle School along with his upcoming Midwest debut with Vista Ridge High School, reveals his philosophy for building a program with sustaining success. He candidly shares the secrets behind his consistency: prioritizing student relationships, constant self-improvement (including private lessons on every instrument), and maintaining sky-high expectations rooted in joy and humanity. The episode is packed with practical advice for teachers at every level.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Brian and Chris open up about their personal holiday traditions before dedicating the show to gratitude for the music community. The episode is divided into three powerful segments: First, Chris surprises his former high school band director, Mike Sopko, to thank him for changing his life's trajectory. Second, Brian shares the profound story of Melody Jackson (Reeltown High School, AL), a student whose selfless wish for her band's new uniforms galvanized the music community and inspired his new piece, The Gift of Giving. The show culminates with a surprise guest appearance by their producer, Marianne White, highlighting the often-unseen creative people who support music education.

In this episode, Brian and Chris talk with film orchestrator and celebrated concert band composer Rossano Galante. Rossano shares his journey from Buffalo to Hollywood, studying with the legendary Jerry Goldsmith (who told him to keep playing trumpet!) and how he transitioned his film orchestration skills into writing the heroic, romantic music his band audiences love. The hosts and Rossano get deeply candid about the struggles and ultimate joys of the creative process, offering invaluable, practical advice for any young composer looking to get published and succeed.

In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the dynamic Annie Ray to discuss the true meaning of success in music education. Annie, the 2024 Grammy Music Educator of the Year, shares the profound philosophy behind her unique programs, including Crescendo Orchestra (for students with disabilities) and the viral Parent Orchestra (250+ participants). She passionately details why intentional teaching, building student independence, and prioritizing humanity over traditional assessment scores are the keys to avoiding burnout and building a resilient, lifelong community of musicians.

In this special Halloween-themed bonus episode, Brian and Chris step away from typical advice to share the most fun, unexpected, and sometimes terrifying moments from their musical careers. They trade stories of performance disasters, backstage calamities, and awkward social situations that highlight the universal experience of a life in music. Ultimately, the episode uses humor to bring every surprising "uh-oh" moment back to a crucial lesson: Mistakes are inevitable, but the human-centered way you react to them is the real performance.

In this deeply insightful episode, Brian and Chris talk with Soo Han about his journey from a child of immigrants who practiced piano on a kitchen table to a conductor of international acclaim. The conversation is a powerful blend of artistic and pedagogical wisdom, focusing on the essential difference between conducting gestures and genuine musical communication. Soo Han shares profound lessons learned from his mentor Kevin Noe, stresses the importance of prioritizing humanity over performance, and offers practical, heartfelt advice for every music educator facing daily challenges.

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music.In this episode, Brian and Chris welcome the legendary Peter Boonshaft, conductor, educator, motivational speaker, and author of the Teaching Music with Passion series. Peter shares his journey from determined young band director to world-renowned clinician, revealing how a single invitation changed the course of his career.Together, they discuss teacher burnout, beginning-of-the-year mindset, and the power of reinventing yourself in the classroom. Peter offers practical advice on setting expectations, finding joy in teaching, and remembering why you started. You’ll also hear his humorous take on life’s unpredictable moments, from ripped pants to unexpected thunderstorms, and the lessons that come with them.Whether you’re a first-year director or a seasoned educator, this episode will leave you inspired to rediscover your “why” and bring fresh energy to your students. Tune in and get ready to Take Notes!

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music.Brian's successful tenure as a composer has made his works a staple in concert halls and classrooms worldwide, while Chris's rich background as a public school music teacher has given him unparalleled insight into the daily realities of the classroom.Now, working together through Alfred Music and MakeMusic, Brian and Chris bring their expertise directly to you. Each episode offers relevant and helpful insights on topics that matter most to music educators. You’ll also hear from a variety of special guests who are leaders in the field, ready to discuss impactful music education trends, rehearsal techniques, and program growth ideas.Whether you're a new teacher looking for foundational tips or a veteran director seeking fresh inspiration, this podcast is designed to be your essential resource. Tune in and get ready to Take Notes!