Band Talk is Back Charlie Menghini

Professor John Whitwell, who retired as professor of music and director of MSU Bands, has distinguished himself in the field of music as an educator, clinician, conductor, adjudicator, and author. He earned an associate degree from Rochester College (formerly known as Michigan Christian College), a bachelor’s degree in music education from Abilene Christian University, and a master of music degree from the University of Michigan. Professor Whitwell began his teaching career in 1965 and held positions as a music teacher, director of bands, and music department chairperson at public schools in Jackson and Ann Arbor. Before joining MSU in 1993, he taught at Stephen F. Austin State University and Abilene Christian University. During his time as director of bands at Michigan State, Professor Whitwell served as chairperson of the conducting area. As a lecturer, guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator, he participated in hundreds of music conferences, state and national music association meetings, workshops, festivals, and music competitions throughout the United States and elsewhere, including England, France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland, and Mexico. He joined the board of the Midwest Clinic, one of the world’s largest instrumental music conferences, in 1997. His writings have appeared in several music journals and other publications. He is a tireless supporter of the MSU Alumni Band Association and has worked with that organization to commission new works for band. He received MSU’s Distinguished Faculty Award in 2003 and the Paul Varg Alumni Award for Faculty from the College of Arts and Letters in 2004.
 

A dear friend of Charlie's returns to the program after a couple of years.  Together in Fargo, North Dakota for the Raging Red Band Festival, Charlie caught up with John a couple of weeks after the event to catch up on life and talk about all things band.

Steve Peterson, Director of Bands (Retired) at the University of Illinois shares his journey from learning the piano to ending up leading one of the most prestigious band programs in the country.  Steve has not forgotten his roots, nor those who served as mentors throughout his education and career.  This is a conversation you will not want to miss.

Dr. Rick Fleming, Director of Bands at SUNY's - Buffalo State University campus talks about his beginnings as a trombone player, and the steps that led him to his current position.  Rick also shares a wonderful question posed by his Ph.D. conducting professor, Dr. James Croft.  

Dr. Andrea DeRenzis Strauss is Conductor of the Tara Winds and is the retired Director of Bands at the Georgia Institute of Technology.  An accomplished musician and conductor alike, Andrea Strauss holds the Women Band Directors International Scroll of Excellence among the many honor and awards she has received throughout her career.

Dr. Warren Olfert, Director of Bands at North Dakota State University highlights his journey from growing up in Glascow, Montana to becoming Director of Bands at NDSU.  We chat about some of the issues directors face when preparing a group for a festival performance, repertoire being performed and a whole lot more.