Band BFFs

Katie Lewis and Laura Bell
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  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

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!

  1. 2 FEB

    Cumbia

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Cumbia by Jorge Vargas, a colorful Grade 1.5 Latin chart in concert B♭ where style and groove matter more than difficulty. They stress percussion depth, clean articulation, and rhythmic independence.

    12 min

  2. 26 JAN

    Above and Beyond

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Above and Beyond by James Swearingen, a short concert E♭ fanfare that sounds impressive without extreme demands. They focus on phrasing, quick dynamic contrasts, and its accessibility for younger or non-varsity bands.

    13 min

  3. 19 JAN

    Squirrel Chase

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Squirrel Chase by Carol Brittin Chambers, a playful concert B♭ gallop packed with sound effects, driving percussion, and crisp dotted-eighth/sixteenth style. They highlight storytelling, style, and why it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

    17 min

  4. 12 JAN

    Triumphs!

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Triumphs by Joshua Hinkel, a fast concert B♭ fanfare with bold brass, a lyrical middle section, and strong opener/closer potential. They emphasize articulation, balance, and shaping long phrases.

    23 min

  5. 08/12/2025

    Whispers in the Wind

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Whispers in the Wind by Robert Sheldon, a gorgeous Grade 1 lyrical piece in concert B♭ (about 2 minutes) that’s perfect for teaching phrasing, balance, and mature tone. They highlight its simple scoring (no split parts, limited percussion) and share rehearsal tips like shaping “4 leads to 1,” training staggered breathing, and listening for the moving line to keep sustained parts musical.

    17 min

  6. 02/12/2025

    Union March

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Union March by Mekel Rogers, a bite-size (about 1:15) concert E♭ march in 2/4 that’s perfect for teaching classic march roles—melody, countermelody, and motor—without split parts or heavy percussion. They share quick rehearsal wins like keeping notes resonant (not too short), using “tau” for clean accents, and watching tuning/articulation in the brief “dogfight” and a few accidental moments, making it an easy, catchy programming pick for young bands.

    14 min
  7. Crossover with The Growing Band Director Podcast

    24/11/2025

    Crossover with The Growing Band Director Podcast

    This week's episode is a first for the "Band BFFs"! We were honored to record a crossover podcast episode with Kyle Smith of "The Growing Band Director"! We had great conversation about how and why we choose pieces and even literature for our own bands. We spoke about some of our favorite pieces and Kyle gave great insight to us as well! Check out this informative and fun Crossover episode with "The Growing Band Director"!

    1h 5m

  8. 17/11/2025

    Destiny Fanfare

    In this episode of Band BFFs, the hosts dive into Destiny Fanfare by Mekel Rogers, exploring its energetic march-like character, approachable range, and percussion-driven fanfare style. They share practical insights for balancing parts, shaping phrasing, and programming it as a concert fanfare or a march, or even for an All Region band!

    12 min
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Katie Lewis and Laura Bell
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    91
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Band BFFs