

The Growing Band Director
Kyle Smith
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
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
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 24, 2022 • 1h
Grade 4 Repertoire - Part 1
In this episode Kyle shares recordings and his insight on some amazing Grade 4 pieces for your band! You get to hear his favorite music at the grade 4 level - what works in each piece, and why your students need to experience this music! Coming from a real life situation - this music works! A must listen! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

Jun 17, 2022 • 1h 14min
How to Improve your Band by Singing with Dean Neal
In this episode Kyle and Jeff meet with one of New Englands finest teachers - Dean Neal. Dean's decades of experience as an instrumental and vocal teacher has lead to many awards for ensembles througout New England. We discuss how to incorporate singing into the band and jazz band rehearsal to improve everything from tone and intonation to overall musicianship skills in your students. There are examples of things you can do with beginners all the way through advanced musicians. A must listen! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

Jun 10, 2022 • 1h 17min
Improvisation - Overcome the Fear and Embrace the Fun!
In this episode Kyle and Jeff chat with the incomparable Barry Saunders, get insights into his go-to; time tested approachs to teaching students to improvise. This is for students and teachers of all levels - from beginner to professionals - there is something in here for you! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

Jun 2, 2022 • 18min
Make the Right Friends - Inter-School Communication!
In this episode Jeff goes at it solo - sharing the many ways your relationships to the other adults in your school will help improve your program. This is insight from a veteran teacher - with much to share! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

May 27, 2022 • 1h 32min
Amazing Grade 2 Repertoire! Don't sleep on these great pieces!
In this episode we explore some of the best music for Grade 2. High School teachers - don't sleep on this music! Coming from a real life situation - this music works! A must listen! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

May 20, 2022 • 1h 28min
Grade 3 Repertoire
In this episode Kyle goes at it solo! You get to hear his favorite music at the grade 3 level - what works in each piece, and why your students need to experience this music! Coming from a real life situation - this music works! A must listen! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

May 13, 2022 • 48min
John Wooden Inspiration
A lively dive into John Wooden’s mindset and how his quotes can shape bandroom culture. They highlight meticulous practice, repetition until you can’t be wrong, and attention to small details. They stress character over reputation, teamwork over stardom, and measuring success by personal effort. Practical ideas include using printable Wooden quotes and borrowing discipline techniques from other fields.

May 6, 2022 • 1h 1min
Longevity in your Band Program
In this episode Kyle and Jeff talk about the balanced band program - and how to structure it so that it has sustained success. A must listen! 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!

Apr 29, 2022 • 1h 13min
Trae Blanco - Habits of a Successful Teacher
Trae Blanco, a collegiate band director and clinician known for rehearsal technique and ensemble musicianship. He discusses setting high, non-negotiable standards, choosing repertoire that fits your group, building student ownership and leadership, practical directed-listening and pencil-rehearsal strategies, and using clinicians to reinforce long-term habits.

Apr 26, 2022 • 57min
Randall Standridge
In this episode Kyle and Jeff meet up with Randall Standridge to get his thoughts on great music for grades 1-3 especially, what to look for in the techniques requred for each music, the important things teachers can do to put their programs to the next level, as well as a discussion around commissioning new works from a composer. 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 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. Connect with us with comments or ideas Visit our merchandise store to purchase exclusive swag from The Growing Band Director Podcast Follow the show: Podcast website : Growingband.com On Youtube The Growing Band Director Facebook-The Growing Band Director Podcast Group Instagram @thegrowingbanddirector Tik Tok @thegrowingbanddirector If you like what you hear please: Leave a Five Star Review and Share us with another band director!


