Music On Purpose

On this episode, Jim and Gary sit down together after their individual episodes to discuss their long time friendship, working together and knowing their roles, and how competition doesn't define them or their program. What a pleasure this was to have these music education icons in the same room together. I think we all can relate to having friends that mean so much to us. You will enjoy and learn from them about the importance of caring for others.

On this episode, I talk with Gary Crisp, my dad and long time music educator in KY, TN and IN. I have learned so much from him personally and as a music educator myself. This interview gives insight from a music educator that taught over 30 years. Thoughts about relationships while teaching and navigating switching careers.

On this episode of Music On Purpose Jim Stuppy talks very emotionally about his memories as a long time music educator in KY, IN and TN. Jim is now retired and been away 15 years and offers advice and information to the younger generation of music educators.

On this episode I talk to Wayne Dillon about the upcoming exciting 50th season with DCI, the return of judges to the field and advice on how to grow a high school band program. Wayne is a retired band director as well as a DCI, BOA and WGI world renown adjudicator.

On this episode of Music on Purpose I spoke with Andy Harnsberger about his success as a marimba soloist and what motivates him on a daily basis to continue his work ethic at age 54. Andy is also Director of Percussion at Lee University in Cleveland TN and talks about his philosophy of teaching and thought process for young students. Check out this episode for resources and information to become a stronger performer.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Steve Patrick joined me from Nashville, TN. Steve owns his own line of brass mouthpieces called Patrick Mouthpieces. He also started an incredible resource to learn from studio players in Nashville called Lessons with Studio Musicians. Steve toured with the Maynard Ferguson Band and has played and recorded with any big name artist you can imagine. He talks about his long career as a freelance player and studio musician.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Hiram Diaz joined me to discuss his success as a performer that ultimately led to him winning a job with the President's Own United States Marine Band. We talk about what is takes to be successful in an audition and how to prepare. He give thoughts on sound concept and fundamentals of playing as well. He also talks about what life is like in the Marine Band Hiram is a wealth of knowledge and an easy going charismatic guy.

Freelance composer and arranger Ben Lee joined me on this episode of Music on Purpose to discuss marching arts compositions, how to put a quality show together and advice for band directors who are looking to improve their competitive ensembles. You can check out Ben's over 100 arrangements on soleemusic.com.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Alan Siebert joined me to talk about his 30 year career at the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM). He is retiring this year and talks about his time at CCM. He also talks about his lip tear and recovery from surgery. He is a wealth of knowledge.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Tim Allen joins me to talk about the how to improve your band. He also discusses his philosophy and keys to success as he won 18 state championships at Adair County High School over 28 years. Currently, Tim is Director of Bands at Lindsey Wilson College and is growing a band program from the ground up. He is a wealth of knowledge. Tim also serves on the marching band committee in KMEA and discusses issues within the state.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, David Jaggie joins me from Richmond, Ky to talk about the upcoming trip to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and discusses how the Madison Central Band was able to get to a level of success to be accepted. He talks about training students to be successful in life through music.

In this episode of Music on Purpose, Steve Pride joins me to talk about what it takes to have longevity in a major orchestra such as the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. Steve has been 2nd trumpet in the CSO for 39 years, since 1980. Listen to him discuss his thought process for success in this industry.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Ashley Hall joins me at the National Trumpet Competition to discuss keys to success as an international soloist and orchestral musician. She is very grounded and down to earth in her approach and she discusses ways to balance her career, family and faith. We met in the lobby of the Hilton in Lexington, Ky, so you can hear some light music in the background. It only adds to the realness of these interviews.  Check her website out for more information about her and to listen to excerpts of her soloing.

On this 20th episode I interview Brad Rogers who is the Band Director at Oldham County. He has been a music educator for 40 years and talks about secrets to longevity in this profession, his philosophy of teaching and discusses some recent changes to the KMEA format for marching arts. You will certainly pick up on some excellent advice to help you along your path to success in music education.Music 

Dr. Andy Putnam joined me on this podcast to discuss ways to improve the overall band program and gives excellent information for consistent growth and success. Dr. Putnam is the Director of Bands at Eastern Kentucky University and is a huge advocate for the marching arts and the Drum Corp activity. He is a wealth of experience and knowledge and the insight on this podcast is invaluable.

On this episode of Music on Purpose I was thankful and humbled to have Retired Director of Bands from Carmel High School and Composer & Arranger for Hal Leonard Richard Saucedo. Richard talks about what it takes to put together an award winning marching band show. Carmel High School has won Bands of America Grand National Finals multiple times including this past 2017 season. Richard also discusses things you can do in your arrangements to help your ensembles be successful this fall.

Charles Decker taught at Tennessee Technological University for 35 years. He has performed in thousands of concerts and toured with the United States Army Field Band. In this episode, he talks about how to train young students to be professionals when they graduate college. He discusses what it takes to be a successful musician and educator. His passion for music education and for training students to be great people is evident in the thought and care of his philosophies over the years. He mentions the Inner Game of Tennis as a book that was influential in his preparation for a high level performance career.

Joining us on this episode is Paul Piller, who is the musician contractor for the Broadway Across America series in Cincinnati, Ohio. This episode gives some insight into the process of hiring musicians for Broadway shows, and what it takes to be successful in a career in order to get a gig like that. Paul is a wonderful trombone player and has played with the Cincinnati Symphony, Blue Wisp Big Band and the Nick Clooney Show.

Scott Belck is a wealth of knowledge regarding hard work and sacrifice and offers advice on how to improve jazz programs at the high school level. Mr. Belck has written a new book with a twist on the average lip slur and it is available through Hal Leonard Publications. Also, Scott will be one of the guest clinicians at the upcoming National Trumpet Competition in Denton, TX held at the University of North Texas.

I was thrilled to have Stephen Campbell on this episode to discuss his keys to success in trumpet performance, music education and how to be successful in helping students be the best versions of themselves. We were in school together at University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music (CCM) and I noticed his work ethic and attention to detail then and was elated he agreed to record this episode. Stephen is currently the Visiting Professor of Music with Trumpet Emphasis at Ball State University and the Principal Trumpet of the Lexington KY Philharmonic Orchestra.

In this episode of Music on Purpose I had the opportunity to spend time with one of the greatest trumpet performers of all-time, Vincent DiMartino. He has performed and/or played with everyone imaginable from Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie to Canadian Brass and Doc Severinsen. He offers his advice on how to separate yourself from the middle of the pack and make your way to being extraordinary. He is an educator at heart and taught at the University of Kentucky for over 20 years and Centre College for almost 20 years.  

W. Dale Warren, Senior Wind Band Conductor from the University of Arkansas, joins us to talk about how to be a successful music educator. W. Dale has taught music at every age and enjoys working and consulting with programs all over the country. A genuinely passionate man about building and keeping relationships, he offers advice on connecting with students and keeping the passion to have longevity in the field of music education.  

On this episode of Music on Purpose I was fortunate enough to talk with a wonderful person and educator Lois Wiggins. Lois is the Band Director at Edith J. Hayes Middle School in Lexington, Ky. Recently, Ms. Wiggins was a finalist for the Grammy Music Educator Award and she discusses the thought process and techniques that have helped her be successful. She says "If you want it, Teach it!" Great thoughts from an experienced middle school music educator.

On this episode of Music On Purpose I was fortunate to sit down with three talented members from the band Seabird. Ryan Morgan, Aaron Morgan and Aaron Hunt all toured and recorded including being signed with the EMI label. Currently each member is now leading worship at a church in the Cincinnati area. Hear these guys talk about what it's like to be a member of a nationally recognized popular band as well as life on the road, recording, writing songs and the transition to worship ministry. Thank you to Ft. Mitchell Baptist Church for allowing us to use the facility to record this podcast.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, I talk with Matt Hawkins about his passion for being a freelance percussionist and doing what he loves as his career. He has some great insight about what it is like to be a self-employed musician. Matt also discusses his primary teachers and advice that has meant so much to him. He has an amazing sense of humor and is extremely laid back and easy to talk to. Listen to him talk about how to get along with others and the importance of what others think about you.

We are please to have George Boulden from the University of Kentucky join us on this episode to discuss music education at both the high school and collegiate level. He is also an avid marching band and concert band adjudicator with BOA and DCI and gives his view on what makes a successful band program. George is the new President Elect with Kentucky Music Educators Association and gives his advice on how to improve our state music education in marching and concert band activities.  

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Eric Hale Director of Bands at Bourbon County HS in Paris, Ky, joins me to talk about how he has been able to build a state champion band. He discusses the steps to follow to get your band programs to the next level. He also discusses the positives and negatives to the way the state of Kentucky are doing the concert festival and gives his opinions on WGI Winds. Eric is a very passionate music educator and very real on this podcast. His sense of humor makes this a fun and extremely educational podcast.

What a pleasure to sit down with the long time Principal Clarinetist of the London Symphony Orchestra, Andrew Marriner. On this episode of Music on Purpose, Andrew talks about the things he has done to be successful at the highest level and gives advice to those planning to audition for an orchestra job. He also talks about the many recordings he is part of, and the conductors and mentors that have meant the most to him along the way. One of those mentors was his father, who founded and conducted the St. Martin in the Fields Orchestra, which is one of, if not THE, most recorded orchestras of all time. Take a listen to a wealth of experience and knowledge.

On this episode of Music on Purpose, Chris Coletti from the world famous Canadian Brass joins us to talk about his passion and success in performing at the highest level. It was such a pleasure to sit down with Chris and get his insights about what helped him get to the level to be able to perform around the world in the Canadian Brass. You can follow Chris on twitter @colettitrumpet, Instagram @trumpeterchris, and follow his website at www.trumpetchris.com.  

On this podcast, Nate Siler talks about things that have helped him in the world of freelance playing and being a successful educator at both the high school and collegiate level. Nate is the Assistant Professor of Trombone at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Ky. He's real about getting students to become the best versions of themselves.

Gary Schallert joins me on this podcast from Western Kentucky University. He is the Director of Bands at WKU and talks about the amount of passion needed to be a successful music educator. Gary discusses his career and the things he has learned that helped him be successful. For information about Western Kentucky University, please visit www.wku.edu.