Rephonic
Artwork for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas
Music Education
Halloween
Midwest Clinic
Wayne Bergeron
Composition
Storytelling
Teacher Burnout
Teaching Techniques
Leadership
Positive Attitude
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Spark Award
Omar Thomas
Mentorship
Rehearsal Techniques
Teaching Methods
Motivational Speaking
Score Study
Performance Anxiety
Unexpected Incidents

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 ... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes21Founded9 months ago
Number of ListenersCategories
EducationMusic

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Artwork for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

Latest Episodes

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 l... more

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 wor... more

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.... more

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. ... more

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Recent Guests

Cheryl Floyd
Retired director of bands, Hill Country Middle School (Austin, TX); renowned clinician and composer advocate for music education
Hill Country Middle School, Austin, Texas
Episode: Cheryl Floyd: Unlocking Musicality, The Power of Rote, and "Show Me Your Dirty Laundry"
Omar Thomas
Composer and advocate for music education
Composer; educator
Episode: Omar Thomas: Curiosity, The Power of the Platform, and "Mother of a Revolution"
Scott Rush
Conductor, clinician and adjudicator; former Director of Bands at Wando High School, South Carolina
Wando High School (past) / Various
Episode: Scott Rush: Building Cultures of Trust, Servant Leadership, and the "Teaching Inventory"
Amanda Cornet
Spark Award winner, 2025
School unspecified in transcript
Episode: The Heart of the School: Teacher Appreciation and the 2025 Spark Award with Amanda Cornet
Ryan Nowlin
Director, The President's Own United States Marine Band
United States Marine Band
Episode: Ryan Nowlin: Stewardship, The Non-Linear Path, and The "Why" of Service
Alex Shapiro
Composer and advocate for new music
ASCAP; New Music USA; Composers Now; Music Publishers Association; Erin Copeland Fund for Music
Episode: Alex Shapiro: The Art of the Leap, Digital Connectivity, and the "Heart Business"
Wayne Bergeron
Sought-after trumpeter known for movie soundtracks and jazz lead trumpet
Various including Gordon Goodwin's Big Fat Band
Episode: Wayne Bergeron: Studio Magic, Lead Trumpet Secrets, and the Legacy of Gordon Goodwin
Jeff Grogan
Founder of Teach Music, national initiative to recruit and support future music educators
Teach Music
Episode: Jeffrey Grogan: Crossover Conducting, The Artistry of Strings, and Recruiting the Future
Paula Crider
First female band director at a Texas 5A high school and renowned music educator
Episode: Paula Crider: Breaking Barriers, The Power of Storytelling, and Finding Joy in the Note

Hosts

Brian Balmages
Co-host of Take Notes podcast
Chris Bernotas
Co-host of Take Notes podcast

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 38 ratings
  • For EVERY band director.

    This is still crazy to say, but as a veteran band director (Who? Me?) I learn from this podcast every time I listen to it. Sometimes I’m shaking my head, vehemently in agreement to something that I have done for years and found to be worthwhile and effective. Sometimes I am aghast with “Why didn’t I think of that??” LOTS of times I am texting friends to listen. But all the time I’m inspired and writing, which prompts more exploration and more learning. Grateful for this podcast thanks guys.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    LarryStyleson135
    United States22 days ago
  • Practical and inspiring!

    In each episode of this podcast’s brief run, I have found both practical/useful information and inspirational wisdom and encouragement. Both hosts (whom I know from the band world) have a fun chemistry and strike the right balance between lighthearted banter, and serious, grounded discussion with their guests. Highly recommended!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Dr. Scott Watson
    United States3 months ago
  • Amazing Resource!

    These titans of the band industry come together to talk about music and music education! Incredible!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    TXBands
    United States8 months ago
  • Super excited!!!

    Finally, a podcast from 2 of my favorite people in music education, composition, and LIFE!!! So super excited for all that they will bring the POD world!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    SusannBlair
    United States8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners describe the show as practical and inspiring, with a great balance of expertise and warmth.
Audience notes the show is a strong resource for teachers and program leaders seeking real-world strategies.
Praise the hosts' chemistry and the value of guest insights for music education programs.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#109
Israel/Music

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Wayne Bergeron: Studio Magic, Lead Trumpet Secrets, and the Legacy of Gordon Goodwin
Q: How did you land your first studio gig and transition to studio life?
Bergeron explains the gradual buildup from high school gigs to a major first movie session, followed by steadily more opportunities as he proved himself in the studio through doing his best work and being reliable.
Scott Rush: Building Cultures of Trust, Servant Leadership, and the "Teaching Inventory"
Q: How did you approach transforming the Wando program's culture to support growth from 98 to around 280 students?
Rush describes creating freshman interviews, building trust through personal connection, and ensuring that both cultural and musical growth are fostered together, with leadership opportunities available to all students.
The Heart of the School: Teacher Appreciation and the 2025 Spark Award with Amanda Cornet
Q: How did the Spark Award influence Amanda's approach to teaching and community outreach?
Amanda describes how the award catalyzed a broader commitment to outreach, including hands-on projects like the sound garden and volunteer-based programs that engage students, families, and community partners.
Alex Shapiro: The Art of the Leap, Digital Connectivity, and the "Heart Business"
Q: What is your compositional process when starting with a blank page?
She envisions the journey first, sometimes focusing on instrumentation, duration, and mood, then sketches gestures and rhythms with drawing and adjectives before moving to manuscript or a DAW, depending on whether the piece is acoustic or electroacoustic.
Ryan Nowlin: Stewardship, The Non-Linear Path, and The "Why" of Service
Q: What is the balance between tradition and innovation in programming for the Marine Band, and how do you approach rehearsals with elite players?
He explains that programming depends on context (ceremonial vs. subscription concert) and stresses a unified, collaborative approach where he provides a clear artistic vision, while players bring personal phrasing and ideas, allowing color and color changes to drive performance.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

What is Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on practical, classroom-tested insights for music educators, often featuring prominent educators, composers, and industry leaders who discuss pedagogy, leadership, storytelling in music, and event planning. Episodes frequently explore topics like student engagement, high standards, collaboration, and the health of music programs, with a strong emphasis on real-world teaching strategies, leadership development, and community building. A few episodes spotlight renowned educators and industry figures, offering both tactical tips and broader perspectives that help listeners scale programs and inspire students. The format tends to blend candid storytelling with actionable takeaways, making it useful for teachers, program directo... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas:

1. The Growing Band Director
2. Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band
3. The Ben Shapiro Show
4. New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce
5. Office Hours with Arthur Brooks

How many episodes of Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas are there?

Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas launched 9 months ago and published 21 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas?

Recent guests on Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas include:

1. Cheryl Floyd
2. Omar Thomas
3. Scott Rush
4. Amanda Cornet
5. Ryan Nowlin
6. Alex Shapiro
7. Wayne Bergeron
8. Jeff Grogan

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