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PODCAST

Band BFFs

Katie Lewis and Laura Bell

Hosts Katie Lewis and Laura Bell are the Band BFF"s! This podcast is The One Where We Discuss Band Music. Cheers to starting the conversation!

music music commentary

All Episodes

16:56

Grand Galop

Band BFFs ·

2024/11/18

In this lively episode, we explore Grand Gallop by Johnnie Vinson, a spirited circus march that adds excitement and energy to any concert program. We break down the key elements, from ensemble dynamics and phrasing to teaching strategies and performance tips. Learn how to make the most of this fun and flexible piece, whether by adding an accelerando for dramatic flair or incorporating creative percussion for a circus-like touch. Perfect for directors seeking to enhance their band's musicality and

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27:47

La Madre de Los Gatos

Band BFFs ·

2024/11/11

Welcome to Band BFFs, the go-to podcast for band directors, music educators, and ensemble enthusiasts looking to simplify their repertoire selection and get detailed insights into standout pieces. In this episode, we dive into La Madre de Los Gatos by Brian Beck, a Spanish-style work that captivates audiences with its energetic rhythms, lyrical melodies, and essential percussion elements. Join us as we break down key rehearsal tips, practical teaching strategies, and ensemble-specific nuances to

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22:22

Blue and Green Music

Band BFFs ·

2024/11/04

In this episode of Band BFFs, we delve into Blue and Green Music by Samuel Hazo, a stunningly textured and beautifully layered piece inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe's famous painting. This slow, evocative work offers rich opportunities for exploring musical colors and artistic expression, blending lush harmonies with delicate percussion. We discuss how to guide your ensemble through its slow tempo, manage intricate breath support, and bring out the emotional depth of the piece. With its many split

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11:40

Synergy March

Band BFFs ·

2024/10/28

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore Synergy March by William Owens, a delightful six-note march perfect for beginner and non-varsity bands. At just one minute long, this piece offers fantastic teaching opportunities with simple rhythms, limited articulations, and plenty of phrasing practice. We'll dive into strategies for developing articulation clarity, guiding students through full-value notes, and ensuring they connect longer phrases. This march also provides a fun chance for students to

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15:26

Spania

Band BFFs ·

2024/10/21

In this episode of Band BFFs, we dive into Spania, a thrilling Spanish-style march by David Shaffer. With its vibrant rhythms, bold brass, and intricate percussion features, Spania offers young bands an exciting yet accessible challenge. We'll break down the piece’s structure, from its upbeat 4/4 tempo to the essential accents and stylistic nuances that bring this march to life. Discover tips for teaching key sections, managing accidentals, and helping your band balance dynamics for a polished

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20:07

Rippling Watercolors

Band BFFs ·

2024/10/14

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts discuss Rippling Watercolors by Brian Balmages, a lyrical and beautiful piece perfect for teaching students pulse, air control, and musical precision. They highlight the importance of percussion, colorful orchestration, and how the slow, rippling phrases challenge ensembles to create a mature, unified sound.

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8:19

Elizabethan Dance

Band BFFs ·

2024/10/07

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts break down Elizabethan Dance by Mark Williams, a light and airy piece perfect for young or beginner bands. They highlight its accessible rhythms, flexible instrumentation, and potential for teaching phrasing, balance, and articulation, making it an excellent choice for any developing ensemble.

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24:18

Appalachian Morning

Band BFFs ·

2024/09/30

In this episode of Band BFFs, hosts discuss the intricate beauty of Appalachian Morning by Robert Sheldon, highlighting its melodic complexity, subtle percussion, and importance in developing soloists. They emphasize the challenges of phrasing, breath control, and ensemble balance, making this piece a great choice for both contest preparation and concert programming.

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25:50

New Music Grades 3 & 4

Band BFFs ·

2024/09/23

In this episode of Band BFFs, we explore three exciting pieces for band directors and musicians, focusing on winter and train-inspired music that Laura and Katie performed at the Texas Bandmasters Association Conference this past July.Winterscape by Gavin Lendt (Grade 3.5): A fast-paced, dynamic winter-themed piece featuring frequent time signature changes, a split clarinet and trumpet section, and unique percussion hits. It combines nods to holiday classics like We Wish You a Merry Christmas and

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28:52

New PML 2-3

Band BFFs ·

2024/09/16

In this episode of the Band BFS Podcast, the hosts discuss four medium-difficulty band pieces (grades 2 to 3) featured in the Texas Bandmasters Association (TBA) Music Reading Clinic. The pieces include:Echoes of Time by Sean O'Loughlin: This piece, in concert E-flat and marked as a grade 2.5, has an echoing effect with different instruments responding to each other. It’s heavily inspired by John Williams’ music, with an adventurous feel similar to Indiana Jones. The piece balances woodwinds and

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20:03

Andalucia and Infinity - Easy Marches

Band BFFs ·

2024/09/09

In this episode of Band BFFs, we focus on easier marches, including Andalucia by Victor Lopez and Infinity March by James Curnow. We discuss the intricacies of both easy marches, including key changes, rhythm, and percussion needs. We offer tips on how to bring out the best in your ensemble. Tune in for insights on how to tackle these pieces and elevate your band's performance!

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9:46

Great Beginnings

Band BFFs ·

2024/09/02

In this episode of Band BFFs, we dive into "Great Beginnings" by Michael Kamuf, a fantastic piece for young bands. We explore its simple rhythms, minimal percussion needs, and accessible flex band arrangement, making it perfect for teaching fundamentals to beginners. Plus, we discuss key teaching opportunities within the piece, from articulation and dynamics, to proper phrasing and ensemble balance.

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22:23

New Music Grades 1-1.5

Band BFFs ·

2024/08/26

In this special episode of Band BFFs, Katie and Laura discuss their top picks from the Texas Bandmasters Association Clinic, featuring newly published grade 1 and 1.5 pieces. They dive into their performances of five standout works: Antz by Carol Brittin Chambers, Courageous Spirit by Michael Kamuf, Whispers in the Wind by Robert Sheldon, March of the Hobgoblins by Randall Standridge, and Skedaddle by Timothy Loest. The episode highlights the educational value and unique features of each piece,

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24:46

Winter Difficult

Band BFFs ·

2024/08/19

In this episode of Band BFFs, we conclude our winter concert series with three challenging pieces: "Ukrainian Bell Carol" arranged by Richard Saucedo, "Jingle Bells" arranged by Jay Dawson, and "Toboggan" by JaRod Hall. Each piece offers unique challenges and festive energy, perfect for advanced bands looking to showcase their skills. Join us as we explore the intricacies and excitement of these winter concert favorites!

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19:42

Winter Medium Difficult

Band BFFs ·

2024/08/12

In this episode of Band BFFs, we continue our winter concert series with three medium to medium difficult pieces including "Frosty's Caribbean Holiday" arranged by Ralph Ford, "Hip Hop All the Way" also by Ralph Ford, and "To All a Good Night" arranged by Michael Story and Robert W. Smith. Each piece brings unique styles and challenges, from Caribbean rhythms to hip hop beats, and festive encores. Join us for tips on selecting and performing these engaging pieces for your band's winter

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19:34

Winter Medium Easy

Band BFFs ·

2024/08/05

In this episode of Band BFFs, we continue our winter concert series with medium easy to medium pieces. We review "Bell Carol Rock" by Ryan Fraley, "Santa the Barbarian" by Randall Standridge, "Santa on Parade" by Jean Milford, and "Secret Agent Sugar Plum" arranged by Scott Watson, providing insights into their musical features and performance tips. Tune in to discover engaging selections for your upcoming winter concert!

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16:57

Winter Easy

Band BFFs ·

2024/07/29

In this episode of Band BFFs, we kick off our series on winter concert music programs with easier pieces for your band. We review "Holiday Rock" by Chris Bernotas, "Diary of a Grumpy Elf" by Timothy Loest, and "African Bell Carol" arranged by Robert W. Smith. We provide detailed insights into their suitability for Beginner, Sub Non Varsity or Non Varsity band levels, as well as performance tips. Join us as we help simplify your music selection for the Winter Concert programs!

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17:23

Big Sky Round-Up

Band BFFs ·

2024/07/22

In the Season 1 Finale, the Band BFFs "round up" the season with Big Sky Round-Up by Robert Sheldon, a vibrant western-themed piece perfect for younger bands with some challenging elements. They discuss the key changes and emphasize the need for strong trumpet and snare drum players. The hosts break down the sections of the piece, providing insights on articulation, balance, and tuning, especially for higher notes. They also offer practical tips for managing key changes, marking parts, and ensuring

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28:30

Fall Difficult

Band BFFs ·

2024/07/15

In the final episode of the Band BFFs fall concert series, hosts Laura and Katie delve into more challenging pieces for your fall program. They explore Zombie Dreams by Roland Barrett, Cave You Fear by Michael Markowski, and Music for a Darkened Theater by Danny Elfman, arranged by Michael Brown. Each piece offers intricate key changes, tempo shifts, and diverse styles that provide excellent teaching opportunities and a rich performance experience. The hosts guide you through these complex works,

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24:43

Fall Medium Difficult

Band BFFs ·

2024/07/15

In this episode of Band BFFs, hosts Laura and Katie continue their fall concert series, exploring medium to medium-difficult pieces. They dive into Dark Ride by Randall Standridge, Coffin Races by Jason Nitsch, and Zombie Tango by James Meredith. The hosts provide an in-depth analysis of each piece, discussing key elements, performance tips, and effective teaching strategies to help band directors bring out the best in their ensembles. This episode is packed with practical advice on balancing,

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