Band Room Therapy

Ryan Ashley
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Education
  • Updated Weekly

Join our panel of directors as we share a laugh and shine a light on our own band rooms.

  1. 6d ago

    Measure 22: Wait, We're Playing a Concert?!

    Beginning band concerts can feel huge—for students, families, and directors. In this episode of Band Room Therapy, Ryan Ashley, Jeff Simpson, Bridget Steppen, and Nicole Vaughn share practical, encouraging ideas for planning a first concert that celebrates growth over perfection.They talk concert formats, helping anxious beginners feel safe on stage, choosing achievable music, involving families, setting expectations for concert etiquette, and the behind-the-scenes details that make the night run smoothly.Whether you’re a new band director planning your first beginner concert or a veteran looking for fresh ideas, this conversation is full of reminders to keep it simple, supportive, and student-centered.In this episode:Low-pressure first-concert formatsHelping students handle nerves, squeaks, and mistakesSetting realistic musical goalsMaking families part of the learning processTeaching concert etiquette for students and audiencesConcert attire, student speakers, setup, and logisticsFinal encouragement for directors and young musiciansSponsers:Standing O MarchingSight Reading FactoryRCP Drum CompanyWenger for Music Educationhttps://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrolladTimestamps00:00 A reminder: parents love their beginning musicians00:57 Welcome to Band Room Therapy03:44 When each program starts beginning band04:19 Class sizes, instrumentation, and teaching setups09:11 What should a first beginner concert look like?10:21 Keeping first performances short and meaningful11:32 Creating an informal, interactive concert13:45 Helping students work through stage nerves17:34 Why mistakes are part of learning18:39 Handling squeaks, squawks, and wrong notes20:12 Building a concert around student growth25:22 Getting parents involved in the concert27:42 Helping families understand what band class is29:19 Inviting parents into the band room37:11 Choosing music for the first concert38:47 Why the concert experience—not difficulty—is the challenge41:43 Adjusting repertoire to each group of beginners45:22 The bigger goals of a first performance49:11 Teaching stage decorum and performance expectations51:20 Helping families learn concert etiquette54:34 Planning attire, speaking parts, and logistics59:40 A concert-uniform story every director will understand62:29 Final advice for first-time concert directors and students

  2. Sep 28

    Connecticut: State of Band

    How does band education work in Connecticut? Host Ryan Ashley talks with Connecticut music educators Anthony Susi and Brian Cyr about the state’s music organizations, all-state and regional auditions, concert and marching band opportunities, jazz education, festivals, mentorship, and what makes Connecticut’s band community unique.They break down the full school-year calendar—from marching season through regional festivals and the All-State Conference—and discuss how a small state creates strong connections among directors, schools, and professional organizations.SponsorsStanding O MarchingSight Reading FactoryRCP Drum CompanyWenger for Music Educationhttps://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrolladBetterSax with Sweetwaterhttps://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsaxTimestamps00:00 Introduction to Connecticut band education00:51 Meet Anthony Susi and Brian Cyr02:03 Connecticut’s music education organizations03:46 Student-focused events and growing festival opportunities06:05 Regional ensembles and the All-State pathway07:06 How Connecticut’s size strengthens director collaboration08:13 Honor wind ensemble and student composition festival09:38 All-State Conference and professional development13:16 School size and marching band classifications16:27 A Connecticut band calendar: summer through spring20:23 Concert band festivals and adjudication opportunities23:02 Building a statewide concert festival model26:18 Marching band in Connecticut and state championships28:45 University-hosted clinics and performance opportunities33:14 Regional and All-State audition process38:23 Jazz, mariachi, modern band, and world percussion41:40 Honor jazz ensembles and local jazz festivals45:20 Solo and chamber ensemble opportunities48:44 Mentorship and support for new music teachers53:35 Why Connecticut’s band community stands out

    Connecticut: State of Band

  3. Sep 24

    Measure 21: More Than First Chair

    This episode is a panel discussion about how band and orchestra programs build leadership from day one, not just through titles or auditions. Mr. Ashley is joined by Austin Campbell, Renee Lechner, and Francisco Quixtan, who each share different ways they develop student responsibility, spot healthy versus toxic leadership, and use their ensembles to teach life skills that extend far beyond music.We discuss how leadership shows up in middle school and high school students, how structured roles can help or hurt culture, and how directors can train, trust, and serve students without putting them above the group.Sponorswww.sightreadingfactory.comhttps://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsax https://wengercorp.com/triplethreats?utm_source=BTP&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=2627WCTT&utm_content=midrollad www.RCPDrum.comTimestamps00:00 - Opening the conversation on student leadership in band01:14 - Austin Campbell introduces his background and leadership perspective02:43 - Renee Lechner explains why leadership starts in middle school03:21 - Francisco Quixtan shares a K through 12 perspective on leadership05:32 - Why band teaches leadership, responsibility, and life skills06:46 - How beginning band students start showing leadership on day one08:15 - “Every day is an audition” and testing students equally10:04 - Helping students develop leadership through small, natural responsibilities11:02 - Students who need leadership most may not be the obvious ones12:25 - Using positive attention and classroom tasks to reshape behavior14:02 - What toxic leadership looks like in student and teacher behavior16:04 - Why leadership means thinking about the whole group, not yourself17:25 - “Leave it better than you found it” as a leadership mindset18:21 - Second-year syndrome and students who think they know everything19:11 - Teachers modeling humility, mistakes, and apology21:29 - Austin’s leadership assignment based on The Student Leadership Challenge23:34 - Choosing leaders who serve the ensemble, not just themselves25:07 - When strong musicians are not the right leadership choice27:02 - Why first chair is not automatically the best leader29:11 - The group can either be good for a student or a student can be good for the group31:30 - Structured leadership roles, crews, and point-of-contact systems34:51 - Leaders as liaisons, not people above others36:37 - Team-based leadership and shared responsibility in orchestra and band39:21 - How Austin selects structured leaders and drum majors42:18 - Interview questions that reveal a student’s growth and maturity45:06 - Testing how students respond under pressure and frustration46:12 - Renee’s drum major audition process and peer-selection question48:31 - Favorite interview questions, including growth and self-reflection prompts53:03 - Responsibilities handed to section leaders and student leaders55:15 - Letting different students handle tasks each day to build ownership58:32 - Francisco’s recruitment chair and student-run social media role62:27 - End-of-season student feedback and using ideas to shape the program66:57 - Renee’s advice: start leadership early and often69:32 - Francisco’s three T’s: teach, train, trust71:14 - Closing thoughts and takeaways for directors

  4. Sep 17

    Measure 20: Keeping the Chaos in Tempo

    This episode of Bandroom Therapy brings together host Paul Glader and guests Rachel Allen, Charlie Nesmith, and Mr. Heim for a practical, experience-based conversation about middle school band classroom management. They focus on what a well-run room looks and sounds like, how to balance authority with approachability, and how to handle everything from routines to bathroom breaks without losing tempo.We discuss how to build repeatable routines, set expectations that fit the ensemble and the students in front of you, and stay flexible when the day goes off script. The conversation also highlights why middle school band is a privilege, not just a challenge, and why consistency, calm, and adaptability matter so much at this level.Sponsorships:Sight Reading FactoryRCP Drum CompanySweetwater https://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsaxTimestamps00:00 - Cold open and pre-show chatter00:46 - Episode topic: keeping chaos and tempo in the middle school band room01:39 - What a well-managed room looks and sounds like02:30 - Student engagement during sectional work02:59 - Building band mode through routines and procedures04:06 - Why teachers should explain routines to admins and stakeholders05:10 - No single classroom model fits every band room06:06 - Ensemble type changes the management approach08:12 - Planning for the unplanned and classroom flexibility08:57 - Consistency and fairness in accountability09:48 - Resetting the routine instead of reacting emotionally11:36 - Teacher emotions, regulation, and keeping calm13:45 - Middle school chaos and the need for calm starts14:46 - Teaching expectations and building skill over time15:16 - When students should raise their hand17:01 - Reteaching routines for missing music and interruptions18:30 - How home life affects classroom tone20:26 - Charlie’s silent entry and first-day timer routine24:13 - Mr. Heim’s timer, agenda slide, and technique time25:11 - Warm-up versus technique time25:34 - Starting together and controlling volume27:46 - Warm-up as a management tool and stopping gossip29:38 - Bathroom policy problems and school-wide constraints35:07 - Silent bathroom signals and avoiding the “potty parade”37:16 - Bathroom access, class timing, and emergency flexibility40:12 - Instrument handling during bathroom breaks and fire drills41:16 - Paul’s reminder that this is serious professional development42:20 - Emergencies, medical needs, and when exceptions matter45:00 - Rapid fire: getting the band’s attention46:46 - Teaching silence as a musical and classroom skill48:31 - Do seating charts affect behavior?50:57 - What surprises teachers most about middle school54:46 - Why they love teaching middle school band60:42 - Advice for first-year teachers and new directors63:00 - Secretaries, bookkeepers, and custodians matter64:03 - Stop trying to be perfect65:32 - Building your own teaching identity66:31 - Closing thoughts and episode wrap69:56 - Post-show chat: anniversaries, recovery, and sign-off

  5. Sep 14

    Colorado: State of Band

    State of Band: Colorado Colorado band directors share how the state’s music scene is organized, from its governing bodies and region structure to concert festival, marching band, honor band, and all-state opportunities. The conversation also highlights the strong culture of mentorship, collaboration, and practical support across the state. Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory RCP Drum Company BetterSax https://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsax Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome to Colorado and introductions from Andrew King and Melissa Ellenberger 01:55 - Colorado’s music governing bodies: CBA, CHSAA, and CMEA 05:01 - How Colorado is divided into regions by geography and access 06:52 - Region meetings, representation, and communication with directors 09:26 - Colorado’s band conferences, including the Broadmoor-hosted state conference 11:47 - School classifications from 1A to 5A and what they affect 16:54 - Concert festival requirements for high school and middle school 21:20 - Colorado’s yearly calendar from marching season to spring events 23:07 - Region honor bands, ski festival, and winter conference season 25:45 - Middle school recruitment, fifth grade outreach, and instrument test drives 27:41 - Large middle school band programs, summer band camp, and class management 30:44 - What marching band looks like in Colorado, including scoring and state events 34:50 - Individual achievement pathways: honor bands and all-state opportunities 36:13 - Middle school honor band auditions and ensemble makeup 38:24 - High school honor band audition music and statewide consistency 40:21 - Video auditions and selection for all-state 42:09 - Colorado’s all-state band, jazz band, orchestra, and choir structure 45:51 - Solo and ensemble expectations and why it stays at the regional level 46:53 - Mentorship through CBA and district support for new directors 54:12 - Colorado’s culture of sharing, observing, and helping other programs 56:59 - What the guests want people to know about teaching band in Colorado 58:48 - A mindset of appreciating every festival and ensemble like art

    Colorado: State of Band

  6. Sep 10

    Measure 19: Building Band Culture

    This episode digs into what band culture actually means, how it shows up in rehearsal and daily routines, and why it matters for student buy in, trust, and community. Mr. Morgan, Miss Gates, and Mr. Haim compare middle school and high school experiences, share the traditions that shaped their programs, and talk honestly about discipline, parent communication, and the balance between teacher leadership and student ownership. Sponsors: Standing O Marching www.standingomarching.com ⁨SightReadingFactory BetterSax - SweetWater RCP Drum Company Timestamps: 00:00 - Opening mix-up and welcome to the culture conversation 01:03 - What band culture means to each director 03:06 - The band is bigger than any one person 04:01 - Students helping define the culture each year 05:02 - Signs of a healthy band room 08:35 - Red flags that culture is drifting 13:44 - Different expectations for middle school and high school 17:54 - How culture gets established in the first weeks 20:03 - Building community with student buddies and section leaders 24:57 - Culture is visible to the whole school 25:44 - Traditions, sayings, and class identities 29:41 - Alma mater, Friday night branding, and student leadership 32:03 - Passing the baton with senior notes and varsity jackets 35:16 - When students say band is about becoming good humans 36:38 - Jazz lunch as a recurring tradition 38:22 - Director driven or student driven 42:41 - Shifting the balance of ownership over the year 45:05 - Moving past the iron fist model 49:49 - Honest, fair, and calm discipline 52:37 - Trust, vulnerability, and being human with students 56:41 - Handling behavior that hurts the culture 60:57 - Parents, communication, and shared support 66:45 - Positive calls home and celebrating small wins 68:39 - A parent partnership that improved student practice 71:07 - Weekly newsletters and consistent family communication 72:08 - Highlighting non band achievements too 75:06 - Advice for first year directors 78:12 - Adapting if the program already has a culture 79:07 - Make students feel they belong and make good music 80:55 - Final thoughts on authenticity, growth, and evolving culture

  7. Sep 3

    Measure 18: the Art of the Guard

    This episode of Band Room Therapy Podcast is all about color guard and why it matters to the full marching band experience. Mr. Ashley is joined by Dalton Stout, Mrs. Lavonne Pearson, and Jeremy Williams for a practical conversation on recruiting, inclusion, fundamentals, leadership, and building a healthy guard culture.We discuss how to value color guard as artists and educators, not just as an add-on to the band. The conversation also digs into what band directors should know if they want their guard to succeed, especially when resources are limited.SponsersSight Reading Factory www.sightreadingfactory.comRCP Drum Company www.RCPDrum.comBetter Sax https://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsax00:00 - Welcome to The Art of the Guard02:00 - Guest introductions and color guard backgrounds03:50 - What to look for in color guard tryouts07:10 - Why willingness and presence matter more than experience08:38 - Recruiting middle school students through high school leaders09:58 - How color guard builds leadership naturally13:21 - Why visual design is central to marching band storytelling15:20 - Color guard as storytellers across the whole show17:28 - How guard helps casual audiences connect with the music19:52 - How directors can make guard feel valued in rehearsals22:37 - Respecting the work guard actually does on the field24:53 - Why transitions and reset time must account for equipment26:29 - Using set numbers and clear language to reduce stress28:07 - Helping newcomers survive the first season31:59 - Don’t compare yourself to upperclassmen34:11 - Common challenges band directors may not see36:36 - Finding experienced help through schools, videos, and alumni38:24 - Communicating changes in closer, tempo, or stand tunes42:25 - Why color guard learns slower than most band sections44:47 - Preventing toxic culture and cliques in the guard47:36 - The block system as a simple antidote to drama52:47 - How to use a color guard instructor effectively when time is limited56:39 - What to do when guard is with the band instead of separated58:52 - Advice to your younger self: keep it simple62:22 - Final thoughts on community, expertise, and asking for help64:02 - Uniform, makeup, and shoe choices that support confidence66:51 - Reach out for help and ask guard questions anytime67:39 - Closing thoughts and episode wrap-up

  8. Aug 31

    California: State of Band

    California’s band world is anything but one-size-fits-all. Host Mr. Ashley sits down with Southern California director Jimmy “Jimm3rz” and Northern California director Jacqueline to unpack how music education, festivals, all-state auditions, marching band, and local leadership work across the state.They compare the organizations that shape opportunities for students, the differences between Southern California field shows and Northern California parade culture, and how concert festivals, jazz, solo and ensemble events, and regional honor groups fit into the picture. The conversation also gets practical about mentorship, teacher retention, arts funding, credential transfers, and advice for directors considering a move to California.Sponsors: Sight Reading Factory www.Sightreadingfactory.comBetter Sax https://geni.us/bettersaxclassicsaxRCP Drum Company www.RCPDrum.com 00:31 – Meet the California band directors01:02 – The organizations that govern California music events03:17 – How California All-State auditions and ensembles work05:20 – Where statewide conferences are held06:55 – Regional events, festivals, and local honors bands08:30 – Opportunities for rural and smaller programs10:05 – Director conferences across the state11:06 – Marching band and concert classifications12:40 – Why Southern California’s marching scene is so distinct15:26 – Northern California parade competition vs. Southern California field shows17:00 – Judging, guard scoring, and marching-band awards18:07 – Show-style bands, HBCU marching, and physical demands19:10 – Is there a statewide marching-band champion?20:42 – Indoor guard and drumline opportunities24:28 – Concert festivals, ratings, and required repertoire29:55 – Choosing festival music and avoiding novelty programming32:03 – All-State audition material and honor-band pathways33:40 – Northern California, the Bay Area, and regional identity35:14 – All-State jazz, choir, orchestra, mariachi, and modern band37:21 – Jazz festivals and solo-and-ensemble opportunities40:02 – The California band-director community and mentorship43:18 – Teacher retention, funding, and arts education45:25 – Advice for new and out-of-state California directors47:33 – Final thoughts on supporting music education

    California: State of Band
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Trailer

5
out of 5
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About

Join our panel of directors as we share a laugh and shine a light on our own band rooms.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Ashley
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ryan Ashley
  • Show Website
    Band Room Therapy

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