Episodes

This episode I am announcing the rival of this podcast as Teaching Band! Welcome to Teaching Band, a podcast for band directors who want to make teaching band simpler, more meaningful, and a little less stressful. I’m Erika Gates, a middle school band director, and I’m so excited to bring this podcast back in a new way. This podcast is about more than teaching notes, rehearsal techniques, or getting through the school year. It’s about the people in the band room. Because at the heart of wha...

Episode 9 Today's guest is the phenomenal Jammie Phillips, Band Director at McKee Middle School in Montgomery, AL. In this episode we discuss on the importance of being a culturally relevant music educator and how doing so will support your students ...

Episode 8 Today's guest is the wonderful Julietta Curenton, who serves as the Assistant Flute Professor at Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, Virginia. We discuss her upbringing, experience at Julliard, and the beautiful piece Niiji Memories by ...

Episode 7. A continuation of the Music In Our Schools Month Series. Episode 7 is a discussion of how I have built a good rapport with my band students, thus establishing a safe and inclusive community in my band program.  Let me know what techniques ...

Episode 6 is a continuation of the Music In Our Schools Month (MOISM) series and this episode I am talking about prepping for concert week. From logistics, communication, personal care, and rehearsal techniques. Thank you so much for listening, don't...

Episode 5! This is my first solo episode and I discuss how I decided to join Band, play the clarinet, and how my first honor band audition went. This was a very nostalgic episode for me so I hope you all enjoy! WELCOME TO MY PODCAST! My name is Erika...

Episode 4 In this episode we continue the interview with Alana Wiesing and pieces composed by Josh Gottry "Pauken Pairings". We also discuss the importance of music diversity and give advice to BIPOC musicians.  If you would like to purchase "Pauken ...

Episode 3.  In this episode we feature Alana Wiesing who is the Principal Timpanist of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as well as the Adjunct Professor of Percussion at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music. We dive in how her journey star...

Hello Everyone! This episode features a senior clarinet performance major, Jalen Mims as she reflects on her path from high school to her senior year of college as she prepares for grad school. We question if colleges support BIPOC musicians and shar...

This episode features Jonathan Taylor Rush, Associate Conductor of the BSO and Artistic Director of the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra. He shares his journey from watching Bugs Bunny conduct to conducting the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.  WE...