Take Note

Dr. Sean Powell is the author of "The Ideology of Competition in School Music" and he joins us to discuss the implications of competitive structures in school music programs.

We're talking with Tonia Asel Kaufman, a Pennsylvania music educator, that has just taken on a new PMEA role related to Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - known as JEDI. Learn about the new role and what it means for music educators.

We're joined by NAMM's Senior Public Policy Advisor Mary Luehrsen as she gets ready to retire at the end of September. Mary reflects on her career including her work advocating for music and provide some advice for all of us.

We're joined by well-known conductor, Anthony Maiello. He shares some stories from his career and provides advice for teachers and students.

On this edition of Take Note, we flip the script and the host becomes the guest as we interview Mark Despotakis, PMEA's Director of Public and Government Affairs about his journey to PMEA and he shares some things music educators should keep on their radar.

Music for All's Advocacy in Action Program is a way to get your program recognized but also learn from music education programs doing great things across the country. We're joined by James Stephens, Music for All's Senior Director of Education and Advocacy and Advocacy in Action award winner, Hayley Winslow, from Saint George, Utah to talk about the program and how you can get involved. Learn more at advocacy.musicforall.org

We dive into Modern Band and learn about what it is and how it's being implemented into music education programs. Joining us to talk about Modern Band is Dr. Cassandra Eisenreich, Dr. Warren Gramm, and Henry Pearlberg.

Kathy Campbell is a Professor of Music at Seton Hill University and a new member of the PMEA Hall of Fame. Kathy joins us to talk about her career as she is about to begin her retirement.

Deke Sharon is known as "The Father of Contemporary A Cappella" and has produced albums for groups like Straight No Chaser. He's also vocally produced five seasons of The Sing Off for NBC. He was arranger, on-site music director and vocal producer for all three of Universal’s hit films in the Pitch Perfect franchise. Deke joins us to talk about Contemporary A Cappella and how you can incorporate it into your classroom.

We are talking with Dave Cree. Dave was PMEA President from 1994-1996 and talks with us about his teaching career, work with PMEA, and his current work with the Penn State Blue Band. (Apologies for the slight audio issues.)