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Band Talk is Back

65 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -

Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends features conversations with band directors, conductors, musicians and friends from the music industry and beyond.

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Episodes

A Conversation with Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University

March 25, 2024 16:56 - 53 minutes - 97.6 MB

Dr. Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University highlights his journey from growing up in Glascow, Montana to becoming Director of Bands at NDSU.  We chat about some of the issues directors face when preparing a group for a festival performance, repertoire being performed and a whole lot more.

Band Talk is Back: You Never Know What Comes Out of a Blizzard

March 14, 2024 21:23 - 44 minutes - 45.7 MB

Band Talk with Charlie Menghini and Friends returns thanks to a blizzard that cancelled day one of the Raging Red Band Festival, in Fargo, North Dakota.   In an effort to provide some information to the directors who didn't get a chance to participate, along with the general listening audience, you will hear this, the first of a six-part podcast featuring the administrators of the festival as well as the clinicians who were at the event.  Today's podcast features Bill Law, Assistant Director...

Retired Col. Thomas Palmatier

April 13, 2022 18:37 - 1 hour - 82.5 MB

Retired Colonel Thomas Palmatier shares what drew him to join the military and reflects on his more than 37 years in the United States Army where he served in a wide array of assignments including Leader and Commander of the United States Army Band "Pershing's Own."  Since retirement, Palmatier has kept very active and has recently been named Editor of School Band and Orchestra Magazine.

Tom Merrill - Traveling With Your Band

April 05, 2022 16:42 - 1 hour - 72.5 MB

Tom Merrill spent the first 10 years of his career as a band director and the past 20 years in the festival and travel business.  Tom provides great insights and information if you are considering traveling with your group.

Ted Piechocinski, Director of the Music Business Program, Indiana State University

February 14, 2022 22:32 - 1 hour - 76.3 MB

It all started when his junior high school band director told his dad that he thought Ted would make a great band director.  Who knew that 50 plus years later he would have degrees in music education, music performance and law. With experience in the music industry, Ted Piechocinski is now director of one of the finest college music business programs in the nation and author of a comprehensive book:  The Music Industry - Where Creativity Meets Business.  

Jay Bocook

January 31, 2022 17:14 - 50 minutes - 56.1 MB

With over 600 titles to his credit, Jay Bocook is one of America's finest and most trusted band composers and arrangers.  From his days as a student with the Largo (FL) Band of Gold to returning to his Alma Mater, Furman University as Director of Bands, Jay's story is one of hard work, discipline and determination.

Dr. Ken Dye, Director of Bands, University of Notre Dame

January 14, 2022 18:32 - 59 minutes - 70.8 MB

Dr. Ken Dye shares his journey from a student in California to becoming the Director of Bands at the University of Notre Dame.  Dr. Dye talks about the role the band plays in preparing his students for their life after college.

Les Taylor - The Importance of Listening to Music

December 28, 2021 19:31 - 53 minutes - 61.8 MB

Les Taylor and Charlie have a conversation on the importance of listening to music and the need to create dedicated time to help expand our musical palettes.  

John Armato, Dr. Heidi Kay Begay & Dr. Garrett Hope

December 16, 2021 00:16 - 1 hour - 71.1 MB

John Armato makes his second visit to the podcast to talk about all that went into his CD, The Drummer Loves Ballads.  It's a fascinating story, one you will enjoy.   Dr. Heidi Kay Begay and Dr. Garrett Hope share what to expect with the Ultimate Music Business Summit coming up January 6 - 8, 2022.  

A Conversation with Paul Murtha

December 07, 2021 21:31 - 58 minutes - 63.7 MB

Paul Murtha served as Chief Arranger for "Pershing's Own," The United States Army Band from 2001 to 2016.  Today, he continues writing and has over 600 published works to his credit.  Since his first theory class with his high school band director, Paul Murtha shares an interesting journey that has led him to become a national treasure in the band arranging world.

Mike Lawson, Publisher, SBO Magazine

July 06, 2021 17:51 - 59 minutes - 69.1 MB

As a little kid, Mike Lawson loved to sing.  Then a friend's father changed his life by teaching him his first four guitar chords.  His love for music grew but he only had a limited path in traditional school music ensembles. Mike dropped out of high school and started playing in bands.  Today, as publisher of SBO, Jazz Ed, Choral Director and MME Magazines, Mike hopes to provide content to help teachers inspire students to succeed in music, school and life.

George Hattendorf, Retired Director of Bands, Mountain Ridge High School, Phoenix, AZ

June 17, 2021 14:58 - 1 hour - 73.4 MB

George Hattendorf, retired director of bands at Mountain Ridge High School, Phoenix, AZ talks about his 47 plus year career and offers that band directors have two choices....stand on the sideline and complain or get involved and be a part of the change.  George chose the latter for all the right reasons and in doing so, offered his students lifetime experiences.  

Part 2 - Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School

June 10, 2021 14:54 - 58 minutes - 65.8 MB

In part 2 of our conversation, Greg Bimm, Director of Bands at Marian Catholic High School talks concert band, score study, the importance of the impact on our actions and decisions on everyone else and so much more.

Greg Bimm, Director of Bands, Marian Catholic High School - Part 1

June 03, 2021 21:08 - 1 hour - 68 MB

Greg Bimm is in his 44th year at Marian Catholic High School where he has developed a nationally recognized program.  In part one of this two part podcast, Greg talks about how his father laid the groundwork for his work ethic and commitment, the influence his high school band director had on him, how student teaching helped put things into perspective and how he has worked to develop the Marian Catholic Band program.  

Dr. Andrew Chybowski

May 26, 2021 11:42 - 1 hour - 64.6 MB

Dr. Andrew Chybowski, Director of Bands, Pittsburg State University (KS) had his career path set when, at his first elementary band concert, he got to wear sunglasses and the director had a fog machine and laser lights.  Today he works to balance pedagogy and artistry in his teaching and is intent to get students to realize they have a lot more creative control in the music making process.  Great thoughts from a rising star!

Chris Behrens, Director of Bands, Beloit Memorial High School, WI

May 08, 2021 20:51 - 52 minutes - 68.9 MB

"Music is more than playing in a band rehearsal every day."  During the pandemic, Chris and his music teacher colleagues created a series of four-week short courses students could take in addition to their ensembles to learn more about music. He also took an idea from one of his students and developed a summer jazz mentoring program.  Oh, and did I mention his jazz ensemble has received nine invitations to Wynton Marsalis' Essentially Ellington Festival in New York?  There's a lot to unpack ...

Jim Yarnell, Band Director, American School, Hague, Netherlands

April 24, 2021 19:51 - 1 hour - 73.3 MB

This Indiana boy went to college and ended up teaching with his old high school band director, the legendary Al Castronovo in Chesterton, IN.  While there, Jim met his wife who was from the Netherlands and decided to relocate, becoming the band director at the American School in the Hague.  Jim looks back on a stellar career and his story highlights what it is like to teach band in such a culture-rich country like the Netherlands.

Dr. Dan Belongia, Director of Bands, Arkansas Tech University

April 15, 2021 21:25 - 58 minutes - 68.6 MB

Dan Belongia talks about the impact his band directors had on him throughout his career...beginning with the trombone through earning his doctorate.  His love of repertoire and the importance of having positive energy in rehearsals are things he has learned.  Today, Dan Belongia is driven to pass those traits and more on to his students in his role as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Arkansas Tech University.

Jerry Hoover & Herb Duncan, Two Legends of Missouri Bands

April 02, 2021 17:53 - 59 minutes - 69.8 MB

Jerry Hoover and Herb Duncan share a story of how they met. They talk about what kept them together as friends and colleagues for over 50 years and give their thoughts on the profession. This is more than a conversation, this is a Master Class in band directing and being a success. It's a sharing of wisdom acquired over the two careers of two master teachers, two great band directors and two incredible people.

Karl Sievers, Professor of Trumpet, The University of Oklahoma

March 26, 2021 19:14 - 59 minutes - 68.7 MB

Dr. Karl Sievers shares insights on what he looks for in a student, how students should practice, how to overcome performance anxiety and a whole bunch more.  Pragmatic thoughts and information for teachers and students from one of the best in the business.

Gary Brandes, Life-Long Teacher, Life-Long Learner

March 16, 2021 18:18 - 1 hour - 73.4 MB

After teaching 42 years, Gary Brandes says “I’m not there yet!”  A life-long band director and life-long learner, Gary advises listeners that the only way for us to advance our art form is to continue to grow as musicians, as teachers and as people.  A humble professional, Brandes talks about all who have influenced him and his quest to now, pay it forward.  Sage advice from a master teacher.

Lester Taylor, Composer, Arranger, Teacher and Musician

March 09, 2021 23:45 - 1 hour - 76.7 MB

Les Taylor shares stories about his life as a musician, teacher, composer, arranger and so much more.  From time he raised his hand in band to the early morning when he was awakened when the car he was riding in flooded out on the way home from a drum corps show.  Les tells great stories, provides insightful thoughts, and offers up lots of laughs in this great conversation

Jeff Conner of the Boston Brass & Drew Holmes and Ward Durrett of thepodcastingstore.com

February 26, 2021 15:10 - 1 hour - 90 MB

Jeff Conner is back, talking about what's been going on with the Boston Brass, staying connected during the pandemic and what he listens for in a piece of music.  Drew Holmes and Ward Durrett of thepodcastingstore.com share some tips to maximize your virtual experience and how teaching virtually will impact the future.

Dave Knox of BandDirector.com

February 20, 2021 02:23 - 56 minutes - 60.7 MB

Dave Knox began as a firefighter and through the unconditional support of his wife made a career change and pursued a degree in music.  His passion for music has never wavered and today is responsible for BandDirector.com a website that is a free and incredible resource for the band profession.  But beyond that, his story is one everyone must hear - regardless of profession.  His mission is to help and to not let anyone ever give up their dreams.  This is truly an inspirational conversation.

Ken Snoeck & Denny Senseney

February 10, 2021 18:56 - 1 hour - 78.9 MB

Ken Snoeck shares his career path and offers great ideas on what teachers can do to get their programs back on track after the pandemic.  Denny Senseney talks about what kids "get" from being in band.  Great, down-to-earth advice that makes all the difference for directors and programs of all abilities and levels.

Marcellus Brown, Director of Bands at Boise State University

January 25, 2021 19:32 - 54 minutes - 54.8 MB

Marcellus Brown,  who has been Director of Bands at Boise State University for over 30 years, talks about growing up in Detroit and ending up in Boise, ID.  His message is simple:  "Don't have limitations....then work step by step to grow them (your students) as much as you can."  Sage advice from a Master Teacher.

Saul Friedgood, President, Eastman Music Company

January 05, 2021 22:37 - 1 hour - 78.6 MB

Saul Friedgood, President of Eastman Music Company, shares his story from growing up in Des Moines, IA, working as an aide to some of our nation's top politicians and how that experience has helped him lead an international company.  His message of listening and making corrections, seizing opportunities as they come along and remembering that all politics is local is so relevant as we look to the future. 

Adam Hill & Kevin Lepper

December 23, 2020 18:42 - 1 hour - 81.1 MB

Adam Hill, Assistant Band Director and Percussion Instructor at Romeoville HS, IL and Director of the Chicago Bulls Drum Line chats with Charlie and Adam's college percussion instructor Kevin Lepper about motivating students and how he keeps all the plates spinning.  A fascinating conversation with a young, energetic teacher who has all his priorities in the right place.

Dr. Tim & Rick Coulter

December 15, 2020 00:04 - 1 hour - 73.1 MB

Dr. Tim and Charlie talk about life after Covid and about the 2020 Virtual Midwest Clinic.  Rick Coulter, retired Supervisor of Fine Arts for Williamsport, PA offers practical and proven ways to advocate for your program.

Eric Tinkler and Dr. Philip Payne, Hosts of Not Your Forte Podcast

December 01, 2020 20:13 - 55 minutes - 63.9 MB

Eric Tinkler and Dr. Philip Payne of Kansas State University talk about their Not Your Forte podcast designed to help music education majors and young teachers on a variety of subjects.

The Legendary Doc Severinsen

November 23, 2020 17:49 - 1 hour - 85.1 MB

From how he got the name "Doc" to playing on a bugle without a mouthpiece, Doc Severinsen's career is one built on hard work and an understanding that you just have to do the job...which means, you had better practice and get your act together.   This conversation sheds great light on why Doc is the greatest trumpet artist of all time.  His trumpet artistry and showmanship is only outdone by his humility and his humanity.  The world (and especially the music world) is a better place because ...

Timothy Mahr, Composer and Director of Bands at St. Olaf College

November 16, 2020 20:01 - 59 minutes - 70.6 MB

Timothy Mahr began writing music to impress a girl but that didn't go very well.  Fortunately, he didn't give up writing music and today remains one of the most refreshing voices for the band world.  From composing new music to teaching composition at St. Olaf to directing the band, this conversation sheds insight into the talents he shares with his students and the respect he gives to all who have had a hand in his success.

Alex Kaminsky - VanderCook College of Music

November 07, 2020 14:39 - 1 hour - 100 MB

Alex Kaminsky is Director of Bands at VanderCook College of Music in Chicago, IL.   Alex shares his journey, his mission to prepare great music teachers through his work and why VanderCook is such a special place to learn how to become a music teacher.

Marcia Neel and Cheryl Floyd

October 29, 2020 18:31 - 1 hour - 80.3 MB

Marcia Neel talks about the Music Achievement Council and the First Performance National Day of Celebration.  Cheryl Floyd talks about finding her voice as a teacher and making music a special experience for her students.  

Col. Larry Lang, Retired Commander and Conductor of the USAF Band in Washington, D.C.

October 20, 2020 18:30 - 59 minutes - 65 MB

Col. Larry H. Lang grew up in El Paso, TX and played trombone in both a garage rock band and the El Paso Symphony Orchestra.  He never dreamed that he would spend 29 years in the United States Air Force and 26 of those as Commander and Conductor of an Air Force Band.  Col. Lang talks about how music brings people together and what advice he would offer our next President.

Reginald Wright - He Gave Them A Reason To Be There

October 08, 2020 21:36 - 57 minutes - 65.9 MB

Reginald Wright grew up in South Carolina and his career path took him to Proviso East High School in suburban Chicago, a few miles west of downtown.  There he created a program that changed lives.  He gave his students a reason to be there and band became the best part of their lives and the reason many of them attended high school.  Reggie is a professional who never made excuses and always saw the glass as half full.  He is a band director who really made a difference.

Elizabeth Jackson Kirchhoff

October 01, 2020 17:07 - 47 minutes - 53.5 MB

Elizabeth Jackson Kirchhoff is a high school band director at Eden Prairie HS, MN who epitomizes the joy of being a band director.  With contagious enthusiasm, Liz recalls teaching music in a town of 300 and now a high school of over 3,000.  Though there are many differences, some things don't change regardless of where and who we teach.  This is an inspirational conversation that will make you glad you chose a career in music education.

George Quinlan, Jr., How Your Music Dealer Can Help You

September 24, 2020 20:35 - 52 minutes - 62.7 MB

George Quinlan, Jr. is President of Quinlan and Fabish Music Company in Burr Ridge, IL.  In their 61st year of servicing the needs of band and orchestra directors and their students, Q and F is the crowned-jewel of school band and orchestra dealers.  With 9 locations, 25 road reps and over 50 technicians, they are a vital link in the recruitment and retention process for the schools they serve.  George provides great insights and advice on how your music dealer can help you...especially duri...

Don Stinson and The Joliet High School Band

September 15, 2020 23:22 - 1 hour - 88.7 MB

Donald Stinson is the 5th director in the Joliet (IL) High School Band's 108 year history.  Here is a young man with a passion to influence his students' lives through music and the rich traditions that made Joliet one of America's finest band programs.  Don's story is one of growing up in Joliet with some of the same struggles his students face today, but he refuses to let them be excuses. Don Stinson is a band director who understands the big picture and is determined to let every student ...

A Conversation with Paula Crider

September 09, 2020 18:34 - 52 minutes - 63.5 MB

As Paula Crider quit her high school basketball team she was handed a trumpet and a career in music followed.  After seven days of student teaching she became the school band director.  Paula talks about her days of growing up in Mississippi to becoming director of the University of Texas Longhorn Marching Band.  A past president of the National Band Association and American Bandmasters Association, Paula offers wonderful insights and advice to band directors at all levels.

Composer Michael Daugherty

September 01, 2020 15:31 - 1 hour - 69.1 MB

Growing up the son of a dance band drummer, Michael Daugherty would walk to the library to check out record albums to try and figure out what the jazz greats were playing. From there he got thrown out of band for improvising his timpani parts. Today, he is one of the world's most prolific composers for all musical genres. Michael shares his story in a fascinating conversation that will give you great insight into the mind of this American musical treasure.

Cornelius Young and Dr. Richard Miles

August 26, 2020 13:36 - 1 hour - 88.6 MB

Cornelius Young teaches 4-8 band at Green Hedges School in Vienna, VA.  Dr. Richard Miles is the retired Director of Bands at Morehead State University in Kentucky and the man who compiled and edited the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band book series.  Though different stories to tell, there is a common thread these two directors share...they turned the inspiration others gave them into a passion for teaching people to love music. 

Michael Levine of the Dallas Brass and Diane Koutsulis

August 18, 2020 22:30 - 1 hour - 79.4 MB

Michael Levine, founder of the Dallas Brass, talks about Harmony Bridge, a program where students perform for impacted members of the community.  Diane Koutsulis, the daughter of Greek immigrants shares how winning a brand-new Lincoln Continental at age 2 ½ changed her life and how The Go Go’s We’ve Got the Beat helped pave the way for her to have an incredible career as a high school band director. 

Alfred Watkins

August 11, 2020 21:53 - 58 minutes - 63.1 MB

He began on a trumpet with only two valves and through his hard work and persistence, became one of our nation's finest high school band directors.  Alfred Watkins talks about growing up and going to school in Jackson, Georgia and how he built the nationally acclaimed Lassiter High School Band program.  He continues to make a difference in the band directing world through his work as a clinician, guest conductor and by serving as the President of the Minority Band Directors National Associat...

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Composer Willie Owens

August 04, 2020 22:48 - 52 minutes - 57.2 MB

Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser talks about the important role a teacher plays in a child's experience and discusses the new Essential Elements Band Talk podcast that has recently been released. Composer Willie Owens shares how he got the bug to own a Corvette and chats about the influence teachers made in his life and his wish to be able to have one more conversation with Vaclav Nelhybel.  

Allan McMurray

July 29, 2020 01:59 - 56 minutes - 61.8 MB

Allan McMurray's career includes 35 years as Chair of the Conducting Faculty and Director of Bands at the University of Colorado-Boulder.  Having only played the trumpet in his high school orchestra, this pre-law major's love of music led him to a career that has had a profound impact on band directors of all levels.  He is a conductor, clinician and teacher par excellence, and the experiences Allan shares provides us a clear vision into a man who has a passion for music and for music making.

Composer and Arranger Paul Lavender Shares His Journey

July 20, 2020 22:27 - 59 minutes - 65 MB

Paul Lavender, Internationally known and respected composer and arranger and Vice President of Instrumental Publications at Hal Leonard shares the story of growing up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  From copying parts for Ken Snoeck while an undergrad at Central Michigan University to working with John Williams and the President's Own, The United States Marine Band, Paul's story is one of the good that comes when you are willing to pay your dues.  Informative, Entertaining and Inspiring.

Stan Schoonover and Bob Buckner

July 14, 2020 21:01 - 1 hour - 78 MB

Stan Schoonover of Fairfax County, VA talks about turning down a science scholarship to become a band director and Bob Buckner of Waynesville, NC shares his story of a $50 per semester scholarship he received to pursue his dream.  Two great band directors who had incredible careers offer a look at what led them to be so successful.  They are living proof that hard work and persistence makes all the difference in the world.

Jerry Hoover, An American Bandmaster

July 08, 2020 11:57 - 58 minutes - 64.7 MB

Jerry Hoover takes us through his 50-plus year career.  From his days as a student at Drury College to becoming the Director of Bands at Southwest Missouri State University, Jerry shares his secrets of success: hard work, a can-do attitude, being a good musician, loving teaching, bringing music to the people, and being creative.  This is an enjoyable conversation you will not want to miss.

Dr. Danielle Gaudry & Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser

July 01, 2020 12:10 - 1 hour - 87.4 MB

Dr. Danielle Gaudry, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at Cal State East Bay shares her story. Influenced by a father who played guitar and could not read music, Danielle's journey is fascinating and highlights the fact that there is no "right" way for students to start their musical journeys. Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser and Charlie chat about ways directors should prepare for fall classes.