Friday, January 16th, 2026
For most of my career, I lived with the persistent, quiet weight of feeling “not enough.” In the world of music education, there is a very specific archetype of the successful band director: a figure of stoic poise, clinical organization,...
Read MoreThursday, December 11th, 2025
The band world possesses an inherent, welcoming culture. In my experience, the vibe has always been: “Can you play? Great. Rehearsals tomorrow, see you then.” It’s not about who you are; it’s about whether you can contribute positively to the...
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Wednesday, February 19th, 2025
As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to a fundamental realization: my artistry and my emotions are inextricably linked. This might seem obvious, but the culture of band directing has conditioned me to compartmentalize. I’m expected to be calm and intellectual...
Read MoreFriday, January 31st, 2025
My recent trip to Chicago for The Midwest Clinic, often called the most prestigious conference in my field, was… unexpected. While I usually look forward to Midwest, and it is my favorite conference in many ways, this year felt different....
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