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The Growing Band Director

Kyle Smith
Music Education
Jazz Education
Band Directing
Education
Student Engagement
Jazz Band
Improvisation
Marching Band
Band Directors
Teaching Strategies
Rhythm Section
Beginning Band
Mentorship
Community Engagement
Excelsior Music Publishing
Composition
Band Culture
Percussion Education
Student Leadership
Score Study

Our mission is to share practical advice and explore topics that will help every band director, no matter your experience level, as well as music education students who are working to join us in the coming years. To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreaon - using the button at the top of growingband.com

PublishesDailyEpisodes476Founded5 years ago
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Artwork for The Growing Band Director

Latest Episodes

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What are the most enjoyable parts of being a music administrator? What are the greatest challenges? What are administrators looking for in quality teachers and how do they help teachers who are struggling?If someone is lookin... more

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Emile Rhythm

Support the Show Here

To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector... more

YouTube

Support the Show Here

To gain access to all show notes and audio files please Subscribe to the podcast and consider supporting the show on Patreon - using the button at the top of thegrowingbanddirector.com

Our mission is to share practical advice ... more

YouTube

⁠Support the Show Here⁠

Dr Benjamin Taylor is a composer and has tons of great music for bands of all levels. In this episode we talk composition, band music with audio tracks, exercise routines for band directors, and much more!⁠Teaching Music Crea... more

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Recent Guests

Rob Westerberg
Guest on the episode, educator with extensive experience in band programs
York High School / Maine Arts Assessment Initiative
Episode: 377 Don't Try to Be Impressive - Just Be Competent in Everything with Rob Westerberg
Chris Costigan
Jazz educator and clinician
Episode: 390 How To Teach Swing Ten Minute Tips with Dr Chris Costigan and Holly Lloyd
Alan Baylock
Renowned arranger and educator, former chief arranger for the Airmen of Note, currently leading arrangements and teaching at UNT's One O'Clock Lab Band
University of North Texas / Airmen of Note (historical)
Episode: 380 Rehearsing and Composing for Jazz Band with Alan Baylock
Alex Kaminsky
Educator at Vandercook College of Music
Vandercook College of Music
Episode: 238 Achieving Sonority with Alex Kaminsky
Dr. Chris Costigan
Jazz educator, discussed Brookwood program
Brookwood (school program)
Episode: 389 Listen When Teaching Jazz Ten Minute Tips with Dr Chris Costigan and Holly Lloyd
Travis Weller
Guest on the episode, shares practices on band retention and student engagement
Episode: 378 When a Student Drops Band Ten Minute Tips with Travis Weller
Bobby Moriarty
Long Island band director teaching at Mount Sinai High School
Mount Sinai High School
Episode: 374 You Are Stronger Than You Think : Getting Back To Yourself with Bobby Moriarty
Audrey Murphy
Rhythm education specialist
GIA-related resources (referenced)
Episode: 362 Teaching Rhythm Using Body Percussion with Audrey Murphy and Holly Lloyd
Jacob Lamontagne
Band director at South Portland High School
South Portland High School
Episode: 375 Keys to Success for New Teachers with Jacob Lamontagne

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 69 ratings
  • Great Information l

    Love the content provided. Can be used for any experience that band directors may have.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    WWGuy21
    United States2 months ago
  • Encouraging, thoughtful, and engaging

    This show already has a legacy that is encouraging, thoughtful, and engaging. What a gift that you can quickly search and be inspired and motivated with experienced helps from educators that are addressing the same topics you are encountering. As the show has shifted a bit after Jeff’s passing, Kyle remains steadfast. For a quick overview of the show, see episode 144 from the Pass the Baron podcast. Otherwise, it is fun to explore what they created together as they have built a wonderful commu... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JeffGPWV
    United States2 years ago
  • 5 Stars

    Best podcast I’ve found for instrumental music education. I look forward to each episode!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    hhbassoon
    United States3 years ago
  • Fantastic Resource

    Thank you Kyle for taking a risk and putting out a super helpful podcast. Always enjoy listening and have exposed myself and program to a lot of new material and ideas because of this podcast!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    broberts314
    United States3 years ago
  • Thank you.

    Thank you for continuing to put out such a thoughtful podcast. You, and Krystal were some of the teachers that were pillars in my childhood and young adult life. Some of my favorite memories were winning Gold in 2011 for marching band, with Kyle and Emily as drum majors. And thusly becoming woodwind leader in my senior year of 2012.

    I’ll also never forget our time with the SoPo high school Wind Ensemble where we got to play a collection of Sam Hazo songs, my favorite being Arabesque. Having Ha... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    OhAdam314
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Positive, practical resource for instrumental music education.
Guests and hosts receive high regard for actionable insights and supportive community.
Listeners praise longevity-focused, thoughtful conversations and community.
Great for listeners seeking actionable tips and mentor-like guidance.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

389 Listen When Teaching Jazz Ten Minute Tips with Dr Chris Costigan and Holly Lloyd
Q: So like, what's a typical piece, like from that major list of major pieces that you would start with, or one or two pieces that you would intro?
Dr. Costigan explains starting with simple, well-known tunes and then guiding students through ear training and listening to build familiarity before introducing notation or formal music sheets.
378 Exploring New Music While Honoring the Past with Chadwick Kamei
Q: Why commission a ukulele concerto for Jake Shimabukuro and what does that mean for Hawaiian music on the world stage?
The idea aims to highlight Hawaii's distinct musical identity by featuring ukulele on major stages, leveraging Jake Shimabukuro's prominence to attract attention and inspire broader recognition of Hawaiian music globally.
378 Exploring New Music While Honoring the Past with Chadwick Kamei
Q: What's it like to host the ABA conference in Hawaii in 2028 and partner with the Japan Bandmasters?
It's presented as a significant opportunity to share cultures, boost collaboration, and bring together Hawaiian and Japanese band communities in a high-profile event that could deepen both sides' musical connections.
374 You Are Stronger Than You Think : Getting Back To Yourself with Bobby Moriarty
Q: How can directors build confidence in their abilities without constantly seeking external validation?
Collect small wins as evidence of capability, reflect on past long-term successes, and consciously separate personal worth from performance outcomes.
374 You Are Stronger Than You Think : Getting Back To Yourself with Bobby Moriarty
Q: What practical steps can a director take to avoid burnout at the start of a new school year?
Prioritize tasks, schedule recovery time, and create short daily routines for rest and detach from work when possible; use lists and explicit boundaries around time and commitments.

Audience Metrics

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Growing Band Director

What is The Growing Band Director about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Practical, practitioner-focused conversations for band directors and music-education students. Episodes cover repertoire programming, classroom management, rehearsal techniques, burnout prevention, Solo and Ensemble logistics, and jazz pedagogy, often featuring experienced educators and authors who bring real-world workflows, tips, and proven strategies. The show stands out for short, actionable tips alongside deeper dives, sponsor-supported teaching aids, and a strong emphasis on student engagement, mentoring, and sustainable teaching careers.

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Which podcasts are similar to The Growing Band Director?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Growing Band Director:

1. After Sectionals
2. Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band
3. That Band Life
4. Band Director Boot Camp
5. Band Room Therapy

How many episodes of The Growing Band Director are there?

The Growing Band Director launched 5 years ago and published 476 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 The Growing Band Director?

Recent guests on The Growing Band Director include:

1. Rob Westerberg
2. Chris Costigan
3. Alan Baylock
4. Alex Kaminsky
5. Dr. Chris Costigan
6. Travis Weller
7. Bobby Moriarty
8. Audrey Murphy

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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