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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

24:54

Fall Medium Easy

Band BFFs ·

2024/07/08

In this special episode of Band BFFs, Laura and Katie talk about medium-easy to medium fall concert pieces perfect for your band program. They discuss three captivating selections: Count Rockula by Timothy Loest, Dark Adventure by Ralph Ford, and The Pit and the Pendulum by Michael Story. Each piece is explored in detail, including key rehearsal strategies, stylistic nuances, and performance tips. Ideal for band directors seeking engaging repertoire, this episode offers practical advice to enhance

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22:22

Fall Easy

Band BFFs ·

2024/07/08

In this episode of Band BFFs, Laura and Katie explore fall concert music with a focus on three engaging and easy-to-play pieces for young bands: Midnight Mission by Brian Balmages, Scary Had a Little Lamb by Carol Brittin Chambers, and Snake Pit by Tyler Arcari. They provide an overview of each piece, including key rehearsal strategies, stylistic elements, and performance tips. Perfect for band directors looking to enhance their fall concert repertoire, this episode offers practical advice and

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28:40

Into the Arctic

Band BFFs ·

2024/06/24

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts discuss "Into the Arctic" by Brian Balmages, a grade two piece inspired by the icy landscapes of Antarctica. The composition, which transitions from a slow and mysterious start to an exciting and intense finish, features a variety of instruments and emphasizes dynamic changes and articulation. The hosts highlight the importance of percussion and provide tips for achieving the best performance. Despite its winter theme, they recommend it for concerts year-round

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19:05

Armory

Band BFFs ·

2024/06/10

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into "Armory" by Randall Standridge, a thrilling piece reminiscent of video game music. They discuss the importance of maintaining intense energy and precise articulation throughout the composition, particularly emphasizing the critical roles of the percussion section and the various dynamic contrasts. The episode also highlights practical tips for achieving the best sound, such as managing percussion implements and ensuring clear, confident entrances

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21:10

Red Giant

Band BFFs ·

2024/05/27

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts delve into "Red Giant" by Jorge Vargas, discussing its intricate musical components and the challenges it presents for performers. They highlight the fast-paced, energetic nature of the piece, emphasizing the need for strong trumpet players and a well-balanced low brass section. The conversation also explores the thematic elements of the composition, which depicts an expanding star, and the various orchestration techniques that make it an exciting and

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18:34

Arctic Wars

Band BFFs ·

2024/05/14

In this episode, we delve into "Arctic Wars, Rise of the Penguin Army" by Brian Balmages. Join us as we explore the intricate composition, from its shifting tempos to the layered instrumentation, making it a favorite among both beginners and seasoned musicians alike. The imagery, changing tempos, and fun themes make this a concert favorite!

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15:13

Expectations

Band BFFs ·

2024/05/06

In this episode of "Band BFFS," the hosts delve into Larry Clark's musical piece "Expectations," discussing its approachable yet expressive composition suitable for bands transitioning to lyrical music. They emphasize the importance of percussion for color and effect, and the piece's strength in teaching students to manage lyrical phrasing and expressive playing. Additionally, the discussion covers the need for careful breath control and dynamic expression to enhance the musicality of the piece.

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19:43

Looking Up!

Band BFFs ·

2024/04/29

In this episode of "Band BFFS," the hosts explore Robert Sheldon's musical piece "Looking Up," focusing on its technical features and popularity in Texas. They delve into the complexities of the piece's brisk tempo and the challenging extended horn range, emphasizing adaptability for ensembles. Throughout the discussion, the importance of solid percussionists is highlighted, given the piece's active snare part, reinforcing the need for rhythmic and pulse solidity to enhance overall band

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18:16

Mystery Ride

Band BFFs ·

2024/04/22

In this episode of "Band BFFs," the hosts dive into Terry White's musical piece "Mystery Ride." They detail the composition's technical aspects, such as time signature, key, and instrumentation, highlighting its suitability for bands with limited percussionists. The discussion emphasizes the piece's versatility and its role as a teaching tool, noting specific musical elements like articulation and dynamics that enhance a band's performance and eventual success.

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17:13

Rust Belt

Band BFFs ·

2024/04/15

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into William Owens' composition "Rust Belt," detailing its musical elements, such as key, time signature, and ideal instrument ranges, alongside its thematic exploration of a once-thriving metropolis now facing decline. They offer practical advice for band directors on part division, dynamic contrast, and how to effectively feature various sections within the ensemble. The episode emphasizes the importance of articulation, dynamic balance, and

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21:12

Tanchozuru

Band BFFs ·

2024/04/08

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts explore Randall Standridge's composition "Tanchozuru," offering detailed insights into its musical structure, including its key, time signature, and duration, as well as specific parts for various instruments. They provide in-depth analysis on stylistic considerations, performance tips, and the importance of dynamics balance, the discussion aims to equip listeners with rehearsal techniques to make it shine.

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17:51

As Twilight Falls

Band BFFs ·

2024/04/02

In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts discuss Robert Sheldon's "As Twilight Falls," which has huge potential as an excellent piece for introducing lyrical playing. Tips on performance techniques, breath control, and balancing different sections are shared, making it clear why this piece is a favorite for varied levels of bands and an excellent choice for showcasing tone and beautiful melodic lines.

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13:17

Danza de Espana

Band BFFs ·

2024/03/25

In this episode 10, the Band BFF's discuss Carol Britton Chambers' "Danza de Espana." With its straightforward 3/4 time signature and the key of D minor, it's fun and easy to put together! Percussion is especially crucial for capturing the Spanish style. The Band BFF's provide insightful performance tips, emphasizing articulation, dynamics, and the thematic portrayal of dancers through the music.

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22:43

Japanese Pictures

Band BFFs ·

2024/03/18

In episode 9 of the Band BFF's podcast, the hosts explore Kevin Mixon's "Japanese Pictures," emphasizing its key of Concert B Flat, engaging tempo, and the crucial role of percussion in achieving the piece's dramatic effect. They offer practical advice on instrument adaptation, such as using marching bass drums as taiko drums, and speak to the teaching of various articulations and dynamics. The episode includes recommendations for balancing and tuning across the ensemble to ensure a cohesive and

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20:28

Tripwire

Band BFFs ·

2024/03/11

In episode 8 of Band BFFs, the hosts explore "Tripwire" by Jarod Hall, highlighting its dynamic range, engaging percussion, and the opportunity for each section to shine. Composed in 2020, the piece is set in concert E flat or C minor and spans about three and a half minutes, challenging musicians with varied dynamics and styles. "Tripwire" is celebrated for its ability to feature every ensemble section, making it a favorite among students and a valuable addition to concert programming.

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22:47

Our Kingsland Spring

Band BFFs ·

2024/03/04

In episode 8, the Band BFFs explore "Our Kingsland Spring" by Samuel Hazo, focusing on its key of concert E-flat and its transitions between 3/4 and 4/4 time signatures. They discuss the piece's emotional depth, highlighting its significance in teaching musicality and expression across various sections, particularly emphasizing the importance of dynamic contrasts and instrumental balance.

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17:35

Egyptique

Band BFFs ·

2024/02/26

In episode 7, the Band BFFs unpack "Egyptique" by Willie Owens, highlighting its position as a Grade 2 piece on the Texas PML with a consistent key of Concert E flat and a 4/4 time signature. They delve into its chromaticism and extensive percussion section, offering adaptable parts for varying skill levels and emphasizing the importance of dynamics and articulation to convey the piece's mysterious vibe. The episode provides strategic tips for balancing instrumental sections and enhancing the

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25:25

Colliding Visions

Band BFFs ·

2024/02/19

In episode 6, the Band BFFs discuss "Colliding Visions" by Brian Balmages, a Grade 2 piece that features lyrical style and is one of our personal favorites. They give rehearsal ideas, ways to layer in voices, and have both used this piece as a great introductory grade 2 for a band.

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19:41

Bazaar

Band BFFs ·

2024/02/05

In episode 5, the Band BFF's discuss "Bazaar" by Randall Standridge, which is a Grade 1 plus piece. They emphasize the complexity despite its short length and explore various elements like key, time signature, and instrumentation. The hosts provide insights on teaching techniques, style considerations, and specific challenges in percussion.

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18:00

Night Fury

Band BFFs ·

2024/02/05

In episode 4, the Band BFF's explore "Night Fury" by Carol Brittin Chambers. The piece features energetic rhythms, vital percussion, and attention to dynamic contrasts. This is a great choice to work on tempo control, specific articulations, and layering in melodies.

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84 results

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