Band is Everything (formerly Band in Minnesota)

We are so excited to chat with Dr. Roque Diaz from the Macphail Center for Music! Roque is the director of Macphail's diversity, equity, and inclusion program. He is also a first-generation Puerto Rican college graduate, a drum corps alumni (trumpet), community connector, general arts advocate, and a heck of a good dude. With a doctorate from the University of Minnesota, we are proud to now count Dr. Diaz as a true Minnesotan (he's lived here since 2016). If you don't know Roque, you need to! And here's your chance!

Band is Everything is hosted by band directors Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School, Farmington, Minnesota).

Hang out with Brad and Erin as they talk about their morning routines! Setting yourself up for a successful workday means having meaningful traditions each morning.

Plus our "What's On Your Stand" segment, featuring music by John Williams and Frank Ticheli.

Hosted by Bradley Mariska & Erin Holmes (Farmington High School, Farmington, Minnesota).

The podcast that's all about band - and not about band at all!

It's a whole episode previewing the 2024 MMEA Midwinter Convention, with special guest Dr. Adrian Davis, MMEA President!

Join co-hosts Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School) to find out why everyone is so excited for our annual convention - and why YOU should join us in person!

It's the middle of winter and we're talking about ways to beat the winter blues --- by talking movies, hockey, and lots of cool things happening here in the classroom!

In our "What's On Your Stand" segment, we highlight the music of Yukiko Nishimura ("Flying Away" and "Northern Lights") as well as "Whirlwind" by Jodie Blackshaw.

Thank you to our sponsors, Schmitt Music, ACDC Reeds, and GrandTours.

Hosted by Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes, Farmington High School.

We are LIVE from Chicago at the Midwest Clinic 2023!

This is a truly special episode! We interview FIVE amazing band composers ... folks who have made important contributions to band in general but who are also on the program for the Farmington High School Wind Ensemble's upcoming performance at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Conference!

We interview RANDALL STANDRIDGE, ERIKA SVANOE, VIET CUONG, MICHELE FERNÁNDEZ, AND BENJAMIN TAYLOR. Plus a bonus interview with Paul Kile, band director at Edina High School, who comissioned Randall Standridge's first symphony!

What a special episode for band directors and non band directors alike.

A special crossover episode with The Growing Band Director Podcast & host Kyle Smith!

The majority of our episode focuses on workload, job expectations, and work/life balance. We also have a *CLASSICS* edition of "What's on Your Stand" featuring the music of Morton Gould (specifically, the arrangement by Douglas Wagner), Frank Erickson (Air for Band), and Karl King (The Iowa Band Law March).

Join hosts Erin Holmes and Bradley Mariska, with guest Kyle Smith, as Band is Everything joins with The Growing Band Director Podcast to present a special crossover episode!

Episode 59: THANKSGIVING SPECIAL (or “The One Where We Don’t Talk About Band At All”)

It’s our first ever Thanksgiving Special! And we basically don’t talk about band at all!

We talk about the things and people for which we are thankful - special colleagues, friends, students, and colleagues who have been supporting us in the past year. 

We also have thoughts about Flat Earthers and people who yell at each other at school board meetings.

We talk about all things Thanksgiving-related: The Charlie Brown Thanksgiving Special, our favorite holiday foods and traditions, turkey hunting, and the classic film “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles.” Brad even tries to sing the Thanksgiving hymn, “For the Beauty of the Earth.” Erin is not impressed.

Thank you to our sponsors: Grandtours, Schmitt Music, and ACDC Reeds. 

Join hosts Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School, Farmington Minnesota) for this special episode of Band is Everything. 

#Thanksgiving #Podcast #ThanksgivingSpecial #Thanksgiving2023 

This week we interview GIRL BOSS Laura Doebler !!!

Laura teaches middle school band at Dakota Hills Middle School in Eagan, MN (Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan District 196), and has recently presented at the MMEA Midwinter Conference, The Midwest Clinic, and to Women Band Directors International. She's also included in an upcoming book from GIA entitled "Women in Wind Band").

She talks about growing up in Roseville, going to college at Gustavus Adolphus College, how her professional life has led her to advocate for representation in wind bands, specifically for women.

Laura also shares "What's On Your Stand" (Yo Goto, Adrian Sims, and Haley Woodrow music!)

Brad makes lots of old-timey references to old TV shows like Columbo and Seinfeld.

AND PREACHER ERIN goes off about ladders or something.

YOU HAVE TO HEAR THIS EPISODE.

Brad and Erin reflect on Homecoming, fall concerts, and how a general lack of empathy in society os reflected in the additional fees being charged by airlines (at least according to Erin!)

We talk about unique percussion instruments (Brad has a dozen empty gallon milk jugs outside his office) and even get nerdy about All-State Band Audition Scales and how we rehearse them as an ensemble.

And we celebrate passing 20,000 downloads!

Join Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School, MN)

Band is Everything (formerly Band in Minnesota)

Episode 56 - Middle School Principal Joe Sage 

Middle School is tough. Now imagine being the one person in charge of 900 middle schoolers. 900. ***WE HAVE QUESTIONS!!!***

We sit down with middle school principal Joe Sage, who talks about his philosophy of education and the influence of school music programs on his life (and why he hopes his young children will someday be a part of their school music programs).

We ask how music teachers can best advocate for their programs and students, as well as a larger conversation about the challenges of managing budgets, staff, and scheduling. Plus - how does he deal with the negative “noise” facing schools these days.  

Join co-hosts Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington HS) for this special episode of Band is Everything. 

Find us on all major podcasting apps including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. 

Thank you to our 2023-2024 sponsors: GrandTours, Schmitt Music, and ACDC Reeds.

55. Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest?

It’s fall and school is back in full swing! And, in what will come as a shock to nobody, things are absolutely CRAZY at Farmington High School. Brad and Erin share stories of insomnia and school struggles (shattered glass everywhere!!!). In a return of the “What’s on Your Stand?” segment, they also discuss the music of Michele Fernández, Elaine Hagenberg, and Preston Hazzard. Plus, a really fun and inspirational story about jazz band!  Hang with Brad and Erin for 30 minutes - we know you’ll have fun.

Thank you to our season supporters: GrandTours, our premiere sponsor, and Schmitt Music, our exclusive retail sponsor. 

Hosted by Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes. 

Band is Everything (formerly Band in Minnesota)

WE'RE BAAAAAAACK !!!!!!!!!

The pod took a few months off and we are ready to get back at it!!!

What we did this summer, what we're looking forward to this school year, and some big news about the podcast itself.

Band is Everything (formerly Band in Minnesota), hosted by Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes (Farmington High School MN).

It's the end of the school year.

And maybe the end of season 2 of this podcast?

So spend a bit of time just hangin' with Brad and Erin.

It will be good for your soul.

---

Welcome to Band in Minnesota, a podcast that teaches life lessons for musicians and non-musicians alike. My name is Bradley Mariska, and along with my co-host Erin Holmes, we give you an inside look at life in our world through conversation, laughs, and insightful guest interviews. 

Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!

To learn more about our podcast or listen to past episodes, please visit us using the links below.

*Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BandinMinnesota

*Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bandinminnesota

*Web: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/band-in-minnesota

Co-Hosts Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes teach band at Farmington High School in Farmington, Minnesota (this podcast is their own and is not a reflection of or endorsement by Farmington Area Public Schools). Read their bios here: https://www.tigerfanclub.org/directors

We are so excited to welcome Jerry Luckhardt back to the Band in Minnesota Podcast!  Jerry is the founder of Band in Minnesota and we spend time reminiscing about the origins of the program and learning about what he’s currently up to. Spoiler alert: he's super busy with all his duties at the University of Minnesota, and with both the Medalist Concert Band and the Encore Wind Ensemble!

This episode features shout-outs to several amazing Minnesota band directors, including Brady Krusemark, Ryan Anderson, Tara Michlitsch, and John Greene. We discuss and celebrate the music of Adrian Sims, Tommy Wu, Kevin Day, and Julie Giroux. 

Also hear about amazing programs by The Medalist Band, including their free summer band camp for rising 6th-grade students and the Earl Benson Concerto Contest. 

Join hosts Brad Mariska and Erin Holmes for a very special episode, in which the past meets the present! We are so glad to have Jerry back!

It's (FINALLY) Spring Break for Erin and Brad!

Farmington High School is taking some well-deserved time off, so we chat (a few days before break) about what we've been up to, what we're doing over break, and much more.

If you love the "hangin' with Brad & Erin" content, this episode is for you!

PleAZZZE leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you find fine podcasts.

Tell a friend. SHARE!

And follow us on Instagram or Facebook!

It's our first ever podcast "swap" episode! Brad and Erin were recently asked to be guests on the podcast "Beyond Artless", a music education podcast hosted by Chris Gleason, Peter Haberman, and Phil Ostrander.

Since basically nobody listens to their podcast (for good reason, the hosts themselves admit) we decided to help promote their show by streaming the complete episode here in our feed.

If you're enjoying Band in Minnesota, please leave us a rating or review in your podcasting app - and be sure to subscribe to "Beyond Artless" as well.

The description of their pod is below:

“Beyond ArtLess" with Chris Gleason, Peter Haberman & Phil Ostrander is a podcast that explores the friendships and the community that exists in and outside of the arts and arts education. In each episode of Beyond ArtLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What comes next is a fun-filled conversation revealing the joy of friendship and the artlessness of the hosts. Unlike most successful classrooms, this show is not well planned and probably not worth your time.

Chris Gleason (Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, formerly Patrick Marsh Middle School, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin)

Phil Ostrander (University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire)

Peter Haberman (Concordia College, Moorhead, MN)

This episode is completely dedicated to our colleagues who experience the difficulties (and joys!) of teaching in small schools and rural schools.  

Their experiences are full of unique social and educational challenges ... and it's important for college students, teachers in larger schools, and administrators, to understand these special circumstances.

Brad and Erin are both both products of small-school music education programs.  Our guest, Andy Nelson (Milaca Public Schools) had dedicated his life to rural education. 

Hear firsthand stories about both the unique challenges of being a small-school music educator. 

And, hopefully, there will be a part two. Because we are only scratching the surface!

...

Find us on any podcasting app or stream in us on the web at www.anchor.fm/band-in-minnesota

Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes, hosts

EPISODE 48: ANDY NELSON

Jim Baxter

Charlie Moe

Recorded at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Midwinter Convention 2023

Our best episode yet.

We have some audio issues, but you probably won't even notice because the content is so... engaging?  We discuss the Burger King theme song, the afterglow of concerts, resolving conflict in the classroom, and how excited we are for the upcoming MMEA Midwinter Convention.  

It's kind of like an episode of Seinfeld, a half hour of content about... well... nothing, really. 

(And, Erin, GET CLOSER TO YOUR MIC!) 

Also, even on our worst days, at least we're on Apple Podcasts. Yeah, we're looking at you Chris, Peter, and Phil.  

Eric Songer (Chaska Middle School West) is one of the state's most prominent band directors!  He joins us to talk about his passion for teaching popular music through a variety of (for lack of a better term) "modern band" emphasis in his teaching. His school features a variety of bands including rock, hip hop, country and bluegrass, and much more. He teaches lessons in DJ technique, songwriting, music history, theory, and more.  Of course, he also directs concert bands and jazz bands, too.  According to Songer, this is the future of music education and his vision is being embraced by more and more teachers and schools in our state and around the country. 

ALSO: Our "What's On Your Stand?" session features the music of band composer Chandler Wilson. 

PLUG: We got a preview of the new Beyond ArtLess podcast with Chris Gleason, Peter Haberman, and Phil Ostrander, and we recommend it!

LOOKING AHEAD: We have great episodes coming soon! We will be doing at least two episodes at/about the MMEA Midwinter Convention and also have an upcoming episode about the challenges of teaching in small, rural schools.  

Thanks for being a supporter! 

What happens when BAND IN MINNESOTA travels to Chicago for the Midwest Clinic?

Well, you're about to find out!  

This episode features three "live" segments of our time at the world's largest gathering of band and orchestra directors. And when 18,000 musicians gather for a single convention during the coldest week of the year, we have a lot of thoughts!

Join us as we reminisce. 

Whether you were there or not ... whether you're a band director or not... and whether you're from Minnesota or not.... it doesn't matter!

Because BAND IS LIFE and there are lessons for everyone in this and every episode of Band in Minnesota.

Hosted by Bradley Mariska and Erin Holmes, Farmington High School (MN).  

Brad and Erin chat with All-Star Band Director Scott Kummrow (Fergus Falls Public Schools) about educational philosophy, the joys of teaching middle school students, and so much more!

PLEASE SUBSCRIBE! 

Listeners, we interview a BAND PARENT!  Our guest, Megan Johnson is Erin's sister but not a musician (we recorded this over Thanksgiving, and isn't Thanksgiving all about spending time with family?). Megan has a couple *really* interesting perspectives and insights to share...

1) She joined band in 5th grade but QUIT after 10th grade. Does she regret it? We ask her. 

2) She has two kids, a 6th grader and an 8th grader - they are both in band!  What is their band experience like so far?  What do they love? What are the challenges?

LISTEN!  SHARE!  RATE!  REVIEW! 

We talk about "student agency" and a variety of other topics. A Saturday afternoon, a drink in hand, and reflecting upon life and education. 

>>>> This is our first ever, completely unedited podcast. <<<<

Honestly - it's our best episode yet. 

We just passed the six-week mark of the school year and Brad and Erin have a lot of thoughts.

Lots of laughs in this episode. And some hot takes. 

No guests. Just hanging' with Brad & Erin. 

As a band director, you’ve gotta have a good relationship with your football coach. But how do you make that connection? How can you work together to promote each others’ programs and jointly celebrate your school and community? We chat with coach Jon Pieper about football, life, and even the musical HAMILTON!

Plus, Erin and Brad discuss the new Space Force theme, which they are currently rehearsing in preparation for Veteran’s Day.

Developing good relationships with your building and district administrators is key to growing and maintaining a successful program. For teachers at the high school level, there may be no more important administrator than your A.D. Depending on the size of your school, A.D. might stand for activities director, athletic director, or arts director, but the job is pretty much the same - and it’s not an easy one: to schedule and oversee all of the extracurricular activities in a school. So we sit down with Keith Badger, the Activities and Athletics Director at Farmington High School, learn about his philosophy and background. In turn, he explains how someone with a PE/Coaching background is working to learn more about - and advocate for - music and the arts.

IN ADDITION, Erin and Brad talk a bit about books. Why? Who knows!?!? But they talk discuss a mutual love for the novel “Where the Crawdads Sing” - and how Brad is really into in William Kent Krueger right now!

Brad and Erin talk about workshop week and the first week of school... while also learning tips, tricks, and funny stories about back-to-school from several of our listeners, including submissions from Michael Pearson, Reid Wixson, Willy Leafblad, Heidi Stodola, and Kimberly Lundak. 

Whether you've been teaching for decades or a first-year teacher... whether you teach band or not... everyone can agree that this episode is universal!

So join us as we joke about all the buzzwords, acronyms, and the anxiety that goes along with back-to-school. And learn some legit important tips and tricks from our awesome listener contributors! 

BAND IN MINNESOTA! LET'S GO! 

Don’t make time... TAKE time!!!

This week we talk about self-care, all the while trying to avoid the overused cliche phrase 'self-care' itself.

Surround yourself with like-minded people.

Spend time with family and friends.

Enjoy nature.

Read a book.

Recorded on location in Duluth!

WE'RE BACK!

SEASON TWO!

We chat a bit about band camp, meet the new co-host, and much more!

It's a special episode with both Jerry and Brad --- we're gearing up to attend the 2021 MMEA Virtual Midwinter Clinic

Hear what we're excited about!

We can't wait to see you all at the Midwinter Clinic - but be sure to take a listen before the conference begins on Thursday!

Brad sits downs with special guest Pete Guenther (Owatonna HS) to discuss the new Disney/Pixar movie, SOUL. And although the lead character is a middle school band director and jazz musician, we learn that the movie is about much, MUCH more than just music.

Ring in the new year with a message of hope and life - join us for our reflections on SOUL. 

If you enjoyed this interview, you can find many other episodes of Band in Minnesota on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Anchor, Breaker, Spotify, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, iHeartRadio, Pandora, and Pocket Casts.

Your reviews, with or without written feedback, help get the word out about the show. Please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts and/or Stitcher.

Thank you again for listening!

Other Resources

Show Hosts

Jerry Luckhardt   https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/luckh001

Bradley Mariska  https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-mariska-63ba2855

Facebook Website (Band in Minnesota) https://www.facebook.com/Band-in-Minnesota

TAKEOVER EPISODE!!!  Erin Holmes (Director of Bands at Farmington High School) and Scott Agster (Adjunct Professor at Anoka Ramsey Community College & current All-State Jazz Director) discuss tools and strategies for starting off the Fall 2020 school year.  Scott guides you through devices and software to make recording from home practical.  Erin gives some insight into how Farmington is setting their students up for success from day one.

Jerry and Brad are nowhere to be found in this very special TAKEOVER episode.  We hope you enjoy! 

What if we asked a principal, “How can band directors best advocate for their program?” Now imagine if that principal was a musician and former band director! Kim Budde, Principal at Lakeville North HS, gives honest advice to band directors who may be considering a future in admin, reminding us of the unique skills all musicians have as potential leaders in their schools. She gives us hints and tricks to all music educators of how best to talk to your administrators - and how to effectively build stronger relationships within your community.

Kim Budde received a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and went on to teach music in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  After earning a Masters in Education from St. Mary's University and an Education Specialist degree from the University of St Thomas, she held leadership positions in Edina, Lakeville, and Rosemount.  As an assistant principal at Rosemount High School, she was chosen as the 2015 State of Minnesota Assistant Principal of the Year. She currently serves as the Principal at Lakeville North High School, in Lakeville Minnesota.

Show Timings:

0:00 - Banter and Intro

4:36 - Background in music and years as a band director

6:48 - Transition to school administrator

8:51 - How does your background as a band director make you a better administrator?

11:43 - How can band directors advocate better for their program - and better community with admins?

16:25 - In this Covid-world, what do music educators need to discuss with their admin before the first day of school?

19:30 - Advice for band directors considering a future in admin - some “real talk”

24:26 - Final thoughts: it’s all about relationships

If you enjoyed this episode or any other episode, please consider leaving a review on any of the platforms that you listen to the show on: Apple Podcast, Anchor, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, Breaker, and Pocket Casts.

Your reviews, with or without written feedback, help get the word out about the show. 

Thank you again for listening.

Other Resources

Show Hosts

Jerry Luckhardt https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/luckh001

Bradley Mariska https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-mariska-63ba2855

Facebook Website (Band in Minnesota) https://www.facebook.com/Band-in-Minnesota

Spring Lake Park HS (MN) has a national reputation for innovation and inclusivity. Co-directors Nora Tycast and Brian Lukkasson have been featured on NPR, The Washington Post, and MPR thanks to their unyielding effort to program excellent music written by composers of diverse and underrepresented backgrounds. We are very proud of this week's episode, "Quality Music of Diversity" with Nora Tycast and Brian Lukkasson. We also want our listeners to know that this episode was recorded prior to the murder of George Floyd and the events that followed. To give additional perspective to this topic, Brian and Nora have provided the statement below. "We are grateful and honored to share some of our work from the past 5 years with you on the newest episode of Band in Minnesota podcast. The topic of “diversifying” repertoire is not new, but after the May 25th murder of George Floyd and the public outrage at continued police brutality against communities of color there has been an increased interest in programming composers of color. While we are encouraged by this interest we ask that all educators (including us) pause and reflect on their role in spreading racism through superficial action or worse, in-action. "This is not a moment to program a “Black Lives Matter” concert to justify any anger, sadness, or embarrassment. This is a time for deep, personal reflection on how we must change what and how we teach. All of our students should see themselves AND people not like themselves held up as innovators and creators in our classrooms. Our ensembles should be where the music of our black and brown students is held up as equal art and where the missing narratives of our education system can have a more than equal voice and powerful elevation. This is not a “One and Done” movement, but an opportunity for systematic change for our students' benefit. "We are only sharing with you what we have done in recent years and the reasons we believe it is the right for our profession to do. It is not enough! We will continue to listen, learn and commit to do better by our students and communities." -Brian Lukkasson & Nora Tycast, 6/17/2020 Programming Resources: Composer Diversity Database: https://www.composerdiversity.com/ And we were heard:  http://andwewereheard.org Murphy Press: http://Murphymusic press.com Diverse Composers of Wind Band Music https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1i4mcvDo3j6P9MiXKDbgyZ6enIGPcDhY2NTG278ReOaI/edit#gid=0 Music by Black Composers: https://www.musicbyblackcomposers.org/ Female Band Composers: https://www.jodieblackshaw.com/female-band-composers Facebook Groups: Network of Positive Orchestra Directors Lesbian and Gay Band Association Decolonizing the Music Room ColourFULL Music MN LGBTQ+ Educator & Ally Progressing Creative Artists Forward