After Hours: Conversations for Music Educators
170 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 months ago -After Hours: Conversations for Music Educators is a music education podcast from Amro Music Stores, Inc. Our After Hours podcast host, Nick Averwater, facilitates engaging conversations each week with band directors, private music teachers, general music educators, orchestra directors, and other music industry professionals just like you. Each podcast guest shares practical advice on things like classroom management in your band program, placing beginners on instruments, band and orchestra recruitment strategies, band boosters, fundraising, and more. The goal of After Hours is to provide a podcast for band directors, orchestra directors, and music educators with strategies for both "on-podium" and “off-podium” skills that can help create a school music program that you can be proud of. If you can't find what you're looking for in our current episodes, we'd love to hear from you! Send us an email with questions or topics you'd like to see addressed in the podcast.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Increasing Retention In Your Music Program
June 11, 2022 02:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MBThis week Joel Hurd, one of co-producers of the podcast, talks with Dr. Jennifer Hawkinson, Associate Professor of Music Education at the University of Central Arkansas. Before joining UCA, Dr. Hawkinson spent 18 years in South Dakota as a music educator in several school districts, including one of the largest schools in the state, Sioux Falls Washington High School. She joined us at Amro Music as part of Amro University, a two-day gathering of college students and new music educators, wh...
Strong Community Support Results In Decades of Success For A Small Town's Band Program
May 17, 2022 02:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Jason Deem, Director of Bands at Union City High School in Union City, Tennessee, a town of just over 10,000 people in the northwest corner of the state. Jason joined the Union City schools in 2006, and has been Director of Bands for five years. In this conversation, we'll learn about his early influences, how he carries on the tradition of success in the band program, and the importance of good communication ...
Practical Ideas For Recruiting New Students For Your Band Program
May 09, 2022 04:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Randy Dale, Assistant Professor of Music, Associate Director of Bands, and Director of Athletic Bands at the University of Mississippi, to get some ideas about recruiting new students for your band program. Our conversation was recorded April 8, 2022 in downtown Memphis, where Randy was giving a presentation for Amro University.
More Ideas To Help Students Who Want To Make Music Education Their Career
May 02, 2022 03:00 - 26 minutes - 18 MBIn this episode, Nick Averwater continues his with Dr. Matt Rowan, Director of Bands for the Pearl School District in Pearl, Mississippi, the 13th largest city in the state, located just east of Jackson. In this conversation, Dr. Rowan shares more ideas about how to help students who want to pursue a career in music education. The conversation was recorded March 2, 2022, and is broken up in to two episodes, and this is part 2.
Advising And Encouraging Students Who Want To Pursue A Career In Music Education
April 24, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBIn this episode, Nick Averwater talks with Dr. Matt Rowan, Director of Bands for the Pearl School District in Pearl, Mississippi, a city of around 27,000 just east of Jackson. In this conversation, Dr. Rowan talks about how he knew early that he wanted to pursue a career in music education, in large part because of the many educators along the way who encouraged him. We'll also learn about ways he now serves as a mentor for leaders in his band program who want to go on to teach music. The ...
Developing a Positive Relationship With Your Local School Board
April 17, 2022 02:00 - 22 minutes - 15.6 MBThis week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Todd Shipley, Director of Arts Education for the Tennessee Department of Education. In this episode, they'll discuss the importance developing a positive relationship with your local school board, proactive vs. reactive advocacy, and more. Our conversation was recorded February 14, 2022, and is broken up in to two episodes, and this is part two.
Advocating For Arts Education In A State of Nearly 7 Million People
April 10, 2022 01:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Todd Shipley, Director of Arts Education for the Tennessee Department of Education. Todd had eight years of experience as a school band director before moving into his current role with the state in 2018. In this episode, we'll learn more about what it means to be the leading advocate for arts education in a state of nearly seven million people, and we'll learn about some practical ideas for advocacy at the local level. Our conversation was recorded Febr...
Language Barriers Are No Match For The Joy Of Teaching And Learning Music
April 03, 2022 02:00 - 40 minutes - 27.6 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Dr. Angela Ammerman, author of the new book, The Music Teacher's Guide to Engaging English Language Learners, which is published by G-I-A Publications. Since 2006, Dr. Ammerman has been a music educator for students of all ages...from Kindergarten to the University level. She has earned music education degrees from The University of Cincinatti, Boston University, and George Mason University, and is currently a busy music education consultant, guest condu...
Student Leadership And Clear Expectations Are Keys To A Band Program's Success
March 26, 2022 03:00 - 27 minutes - 18.7 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Justin Harvison, Director of Bands at Germantown High School in Madison, Mississippi. Justin began his career in 2008 at Madison Central High School, where he was lead director of the 9th grade band at Rosa Scott 9th grade school. He then went on to become the founding director of the Germantown High School band program in 2011 In this conversation, Justin talks about his early influences that led to the choice ...
Keeping Students Interested In Music Throughout All Of Their School Years, And Beyond
March 12, 2022 03:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBThis week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry, General Music Teacher at Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna, Tennessee. Before moving to Stewarts Creek in 2021, Alexis spent nearly 20 years teaching general music and choir at the elementary and middle school levels. She is also President of the TMEA, The Tennessee Music Education Association, and an adjunct Music Education Instructor at Middle Tennessee State University. In this episode, Alexis shares i...
Why General Music Education Is So Important For Students Of All Ages
March 05, 2022 03:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry, General Music Teacher at Stewarts Creek High School in Smyrna, Tennessee. Before moving to Stewarts Creek in 2021, Alexis spent nearly 20 years teaching general music and choir at the elementary and middle school levels. She is also President of the Tennessee Music Education Association, and an adjunct Music Education Instructor at Middle Tennessee State University. We'll learn more about the path that led her to general music, w...
How Supply Chain Issues Affect Musical Instrument Manufacturers
February 26, 2022 03:00 - 32 minutes - 22.4 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Shane Deuel, Regional Sales Director for Eastman Music Company, and host of the podcast Ed Rep Radio. Shane gives us an insider's view of how supply chain issues are affecting instrument manufacturers. We'll also learn about the different brands in the Eastman family, and find out about some of the company's more popular instruments. Our conversation was recorded February 7, 2022.
Directing The Band Program At One Of Mississippi's Largest High Schools
February 19, 2022 02:00 - 41 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Chuck Reynolds, Director of Bands at Madison Central High School in Madison, MS, a city of around 25,000 located just north of Jackson. Chuck talks about working in a program with seven band directors in what was once the largest high school in the state, and we'll learn more about the process that takes place when it's time to add a new member to the team of music educators. He'll also talk about how section le...
Back To The Classroom After Two Years As A Fine Arts Administrator
February 10, 2022 22:00 - 30 minutes - 20.8 MBProducer's Note: On Thursday, February 3, 2022 Memphis was hit with a pretty serious ice storm that caused power outages for nearly 140,000 homes and businesses. The studio where After Hours is produced was left without power for more than four days, so we were unable to upload an episode on Friday the 4th. We apologize for the missed week. In this episode, Nick Averwater continues his conversation with David Aydelott, Band Director at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a city o...
The Importance of Collaboration Between Different Artistic Disciplines Within A School
January 29, 2022 18:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with David Aydelott, Director of Bands at Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, the sixth largest city in the state with a population of just over 150,000, located 35 miles southeast of Nashville. David talks about the lessons he learned as a school administrator that have made him a more effective band director, the importance of collaboration between different artistic disciplines within a school, and mor...
The Gibson County Mass Band's Journey to the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade
January 22, 2022 04:00 - 42 minutes - 29 MBIn this episode, Nick Averwater talks with Jeremy Tate from Gibson County High School in Dyer, Tennessee. We'll learn about the long journey to performing in the 2022 Tournament of Roses Parade for the Gibson County Mass Band, which is made up of musicians from five high schools in this rural part of northwest Tennessee. You can see the band performing at the Tournament of Roses Parade here.
Great Advice For Beginning Oboists, And For Educators With Oboists In Their Program
January 14, 2022 14:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Dr. Kristin Leitterman, Assistant Professor of Oboe at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. They'll be talking about ways to allow a young oboist to get the most out of their instrument, advice for music educators who may have oboists in their program, and the importance of always playing with quality reeds. Dr. Leitterman mentions an oboe fingering chart at 23:30. Here's a link to it. Our conversation was recorded January 3, 2022.
Creative Ways To Build Community Support For A Band Program
January 08, 2022 01:00 - 24 minutes - 17.2 MBThis week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with John Easley, who has been an Educational Representative for Amro Music for the last five years, but was a band director in several school districts in northwest Tennessee, including over three decades in Union City, a town of around 11,000 people. They'll be talking about creative ways of building support for a band program in a small, rural community, the challenges that face young band directors, and more. Our conversation was recor...
Want to Grow your Band Program? Having Fun (and Patience) Will Help
January 01, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with John Easley, who is now an Educational Representative for Amro Music, but for over three decades was a band director in several school districts in northwest Tennessee. Most of his time as a music educator was spent in Union City, a town of around 11,000 people. They'll be talking about John's early days as a band director, the value of having patience when growing a band program, and more. Our conversation was recorded September 24, 2021 and is broken up...
Want To Grow Your Band Program? Having Fun, And Having Patience, Will Help.
January 01, 2022 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with John Easley, who is now an Educational Representative for Amro Music, but for over three decades was a band director in several school districts in northwest Tennessee. Most of his time as a music educator was spent in Union City, a town of around 11,000 people. They'll be talking about John's early days as a band director, the value of having patience when growing a band program, and more. Our conversation was recorded September 24, 2021 and is broken up...
NAMM's Work At The National Level Strengthens Music Programs At The Local Level
December 25, 2021 00:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBThis week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM, The National Association of Music Merchants. They'll be talking about the technological advances that have happened as a result of the pandemic, the work NAMM does at the national level to strengthen music programs at the local level, and more. The conversation was recorded November 15, 2021 and is broken up in to two episodes. This is part two.
The Role of The Music Products Industry in Advocating for Music Education
December 18, 2021 03:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Joe Lamond, President and CEO of NAMM. They'll be talking about the history of the organization, how the approach of the music education system in the United States differs from other countries, and how the music products industry plays an important role in advocating for music education. The conversation was recorded November 15, 2021 and is broken up in to two episodes. This is part one.
Defining Success for Young Musicians
December 11, 2021 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MBThis week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with John Mlynczak, Vice President of Music Education and Technology at Hal Leonard. In this episode they'll be talking about advocating for music education, defining success for young musicians, and more. The conversation was recorded November 23, 2021 and is broken up in to two episodes. This is part two.
Lessons Learned During Covid Create Many Opportunities for Teachers and Students
December 05, 2021 01:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with John Mlynczak, Vice President of Music Education and Technology at Hal Leonard. They'll be talking about how John's years as a middle school music teacher have influenced the work he does today, and how the lessons learned in the last 18 months have created some great opportunities for music educators. The conversation was recorded November 23, 2021 and is broken up in to two episodes. This is part one.
Making the Most Of A Band With Just A Few Musicians
November 28, 2021 03:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Dr. Charles Page, Band Director at Valley View High School in northeastern Arkansas. Prior to his current position he was Band Director in the Buffalo Island School District, which is a much smaller district in the same part of the state. In this conversation, Dr. Page talks about the musical challenges associated with directing a small band with just a few musicians, and how that can lead to some creative solu...
The Role of Music in Social Emotional Learning
November 20, 2021 03:00 - 36 minutes - 24.9 MBThis week Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Bob Morrison, CEO and Founder of Quadrant Research, the nation's leading arts education research and market intelligence organization. Bob is also a member of his regional school board in New Jersey. In this episode they'll be talking about the role of music and the arts in social emotional learning. Bob will also share his thoughts about lessons that have been learned during the pandemic, and how to apply those lessons as the virus co...
The State of Arts Education, State by State
November 13, 2021 03:00 - 22 minutes - 15.4 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Bob Morrison, CEO and Founder of Quadrant Research, the nation's leading arts education research and market intelligence organization. In this episode they'll be talking about the Arts Education Data Project, which provides a data-driven approach to understanding the condition of arts education in the United States. You can learn more about it at artseddata.org. Our conversation is broken up in to two episodes, and this is part one
NAMM's Best Communities for Music Education Survey now accepting applications
November 06, 2021 01:00 - 18 minutes - 12.6 MBIn this episode, Nick Averwater talks with Sharon Bryant, Senior Project Manager for NAMM. They'll be talking about NAMM's Best Communities for Music Education Survey, which celebrates the best music education programs in the country. Applications are being accepted through the end of January 2022, and you can learn more about it at nammfoundation.org/bcme.
Defining Expectations for Student Leaders at Mississippi State University
October 30, 2021 01:00 - 36 minutes - 25.1 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater continues his conversation about student leadership with Dr. Craig Aarhus, Associate Director of Bands at Mississippi State University in Starkville. This conversation was recorded September 28th, 2021, and is broken up in to two episodes, and this is part two. In this conversation Dr. Aarhus mentions the book, The System by Gary Smith.
At Mississippi State University, Student Leaders Are A Big Part Of The Band's Success
October 22, 2021 13:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Dr. Craig Aarhus, Associate Director of Bands at Mississippi State University. Identifying and empowering student leaders has been a big part of the band program's success, and we'll learn more about that, as well as find out more about some of Dr. Aarhus' early influences as a band director. Our conversation is broken up in to two episodes, and this is part one.
Hosting A Fall Beginner Band Concert
October 14, 2021 22:00 - 47 minutes - 32.8 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks about Hosting a Fall Beginner Band Concert with Jocelyn Hembruch and Tyler Hart, both from Desoto Central Middle School in Southaven, MS, and Trey Reely, who retired in 2019 after 23 years as middle school and high school Band Director in Paragould, AR, and 11 years at Riverview High School in Searcy, AR. This Conversation was recorded October 12, 2021.
Eastman Music Company: Still Growing, Still Innovating after 30 years
October 09, 2021 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MBThis week Nick Averwater talks with Ryan Richman, Vice President at Eastman Music Company. They'll be talking about the history of the company as it approaches its 30th year, some of its latest products and innovations, and more. Eastman's brands include: Eastman Strings Eastman Winds Eastman Guitars Wm. S. Haynes Co. S.E. Shires Backun Musical Services Bourgeois Guitars
Starting, And Growing, A Successful Publishing Company
October 02, 2021 02:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Randall Standridge, a former public school band director, and a very busy and widely-published composer, running his own production company, Randall Standridge Music. This week, we'll learn more about the business, and creative, aspects of composing and publishing. We'll also get Randall's thoughts about the importance of inclusivity in the band room. Our conversation is broken up in to two ...
The Importance of Practicing Correctly
September 25, 2021 02:00 - 23 minutes - 16.1 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Randall Standridge. Randall is best-known as a highly respected composer and arranger, but he was also a band director for many years. We'll learn about his early career working in a rural public school district, his techniques for teaching students how to practice the right way, and more. Our conversation is broken up in to two episodes, and this is part one. In this conversation Randall mentions the following...
Developing Student Leaders in a 400-Member Marching Band
September 16, 2021 21:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MBIn this episode, Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Elva Kaye Lance, The Director of Bands at Mississippi State University in Starkville. We'll learn more about developing student leaders in the 400-member marching band, how the pandemic has affected procedures within the band program, and more. The conversation was recorded on May 24, 2021. It's broken up in to two episodes, and this is part two.
One Chance To Make a First Impression: Starting The New School Year The Right Way
September 11, 2021 02:00 - 40 minutes - 28.1 MBIn this episode, Nick Averwater talks with Elva Kaye Lance, The Director of Bands at Mississippi State University in Starkville. This is Ms. Lance's 30th year at Mississippi State, and her 19th year as Director of Bands. Under her leadership, the bands have expanded to include four concert bands, a jazz band, two basketball pep bands, and a marching band. In this episode Elva Kaye talks about her early years as a band director, the educators and family members who influenced and encouraged h...
The Importance of Mental Wellness for Maintaining a Successful Band Program
September 04, 2021 04:00 - 19 minutes - 13.3 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Grant Harbison at the Arkansas Bandmasters Association Convention in Little Rock. Grant is the Director of Bands for Jonesboro, Arkansas Public Schools. In this conversation, Grant talks about how his band program is moving forward as the pandemic affects a second marching band season, the importance of gratitude and positivity, and how therapy has helped him to become a more effective band director. This conve...
Amro Music's Young Director's Bootcamp, Part 2
August 21, 2021 03:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBOn August 7th, 2021, Amro Music hosted its first-ever Young Directors Bootcamp. It was a chance for new educators to get practical advice from a panel of four highly successful band directors. Amro Music's Nick Averwater hosted the event, and our panel included: Joseph Quinnelly from Hernando Middle School and High School in Hernando MS, Kaitlyn Roll from Annie Camp Junior High in Jonesboro, AR, Jocelyn Hembruch from Desoto Central Middle School and High School in Southaven, MS, Ben Hembr...
Young Director's Bootcamp, Part 1
August 14, 2021 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBOn August 7th, 2021, Amro Music hosted its first-ever Young Director's Bootcamp. It was a chance for new educators to get practical advice from a panel of four highly successful band directors in the Mid-South region. The goal for the Young Director's Bootcamp was to help everyone feel more confident and equipped for the first week of school, and beyond. The topics we discussed included: What should you cover during the first week of band class? What should you avoid doing during the first...
Amro Music's Young Director's Bootcamp, Part 1
August 14, 2021 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBOn August 7th, 2021 Amro Music hosted its first-ever Young Directors Bootcamp. It was a chance for new educators to get practical advice from a panel of four highly successful band directors in the Mid-South region. Our guests included: Joseph Quinnelly, Hernando Middle School and High School in Hernando MS Kaitlyn Roll, Annie Camp Junior High in Jonesboro, AR Jocelyn Hembruch, Desoto Central Middle School and High School in Southaven, MS Ben Hembruch, Horn Lake Middle School in Horn Lake, ...
The Art Of The First Week
August 07, 2021 02:00 - 57 minutes - 39.6 MBIn this episode we kick off Season 3 of the After Hours podcast as Nick Averwater and his three guests talk about The Art of the First Week. Joining Nick will be Lindsey Mears from Smyrna Middle School in Smyrna, TN, Brittany Jerrell from Stewarts Creek Middle School, which is also in Smyrna, and Jennifer Church from Greenbrier High School in Greenbrier, Arkansas.
Cannonball Musical Instruments Celebrates its 25th Anniversary
July 31, 2021 02:00 - 20 minutes - 14.3 MBNick Averwater checks in with Sheryl Laukat from Cannonball Musical Instruments at Summer NAMM in Nashville. Cannonball is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we'll learn a bit about the company's history, and find out about some of the techniques they use that make their instruments unique.
Lisa Steele-MacDonald discusses ESSER Funds and Educational Resources from Yamaha
July 23, 2021 18:00 - 13 minutes - 9.36 MBNick Averwater checks in with Lisa Steele-MacDonald, Director of Vertical Marketing for Yamaha. Lisa will have the latest information about Esser Funds, and what is still available to music programs, and she'll also share some other resources available to band directors from Yamaha. You can find out more about Yamaha's offerings to band directors at www.yamahaeducatorsuite.com.
Hal Leonard's Virtual Music Education Summit
July 19, 2021 19:00 - 9 minutes - 6.55 MBNick Averwater checks in with David Jahnke from Hal Leonard to learn more about Looking Forward To 2020-2021, Hal Leonard's Virtual Music Education Summit, which happens July 29-30, 2021. They talked on July 16th at the Summer NAMM Show in Nashville.
Directing Band Across a Wide Spectrum of Socio-Economic Groups. What's Different? What's the Same?
July 17, 2021 03:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater continues his conversation with Randy Box, the Director of Bands at West Memphis High School in West Memphis, Arkansas. Randy talks about the differences, and similarities, between being a band director in an affluent school district versus one with it's share of economic challenges. He also talks about what advice he would give himself if he could go back to 1978 when he started his career in rural Pocahontas, Arkansas. O...
Marching in The Macy's Parade Two Months After 9/11 (and other adventures in a 42-year career)
July 10, 2021 03:00 - 33 minutes - 23.1 MBRandy Box has taught in four school districts in his 42-year career, most recently at West Memphis High School in Arkansas. In this first part of our conversation he talks about his early influences, taking his band to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade twice, and the importance of the acronym T-S-B-N-A-F-W-A-E-I-N.
Setting Up A Grading and Assessment Structure for Band Students
July 03, 2021 02:00 - 33 minutes - 23.2 MBNick Averwater continues his conversation with Dr. Sarah Labovitz, the Associate Director of Bands & Coordinator of Music Education at Arkansas State University. In this episode Dr. Labovitz shares some ideas about setting up a grading and assessment structure for band students. This is the second of two episodes with Dr. Labovitz.
Practical Advice for New Band Directors
June 26, 2021 01:00 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBIn this episode of the After Hours Director Spotlight, Nick Averwater talks with Dr. Sarah Labovitz, the Associate Director of Bands and Coordinator of Music Education at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. In this first of two episodes with Dr. Labovitz, she talks about the advice she gives to new band directors, ways to avoid burnout, and how to embrace all of the necessary tasks involved with being a music educator that may not feel very creative or artistic.
Making the Connection between Brain Development and Music Learning
June 16, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 48.7 MBNeuroscience and psychology researchers have done extensive studies over the last 20 years to understand how the brain processes music and why music learning seems to be such a cognitively unique activity. Musically trained children have better language and communication skills, can focus for longer and are more likely to stick with difficult problems until they solve them, they are able to control their own emotional responses and understand emotional responses of others and they have signi...
Making The Band Room A Safe And Welcoming Place For All Students
June 12, 2021 04:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBNick Averwater continues his conversation with Dr. Albert Nguyen, Director of Bands at the University of Memphis. In this episode Dr. Nguyen talks about making the band room a welcoming, safe place for all students. He also looks back at some things he might have done differently in his early days as a band director.