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  • 115 - Designing Your Year with Intention

    115 - Designing Your Year with Intention
    2026/08/10

    Welcome to Season 6 of the Pass the Baton podcast! As a new school year begins, Kathryn and Theresa kick off the season by looking beyond lesson plans, classroom setup, and first-day logistics to explore the invisible decisions that shape the entire year. Through five reflective questions, they discuss what teachers can truly control, what students should own, how classroom routines communicate trust, when compliance is necessary (and when it isn't), and which traditions are worth keeping—or reimagining. Together, they challenge listeners to create learning environments that prioritize student ownership, creativity, and meaningful engagement from day one.

    Rather than offering another back-to-school checklist, this conversation encourages educators to begin the year with intentionality. Kathryn and Theresa share practical examples from their own classrooms while reminding listeners that small mindset shifts can have a lasting impact on students' confidence and growth. The episode concludes with a simple intentions exercise, inviting teachers to reflect on what they want students to leave their classroom believing, what they will stop doing this year, and what they want students to truly own as learners.

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    A note from our Sponsor:

    You Love Teaching. But Is the Job Taking Too Much From You?

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    50 分
  • Best of - Creativity With a Student First Mindset, featuring Jodie Blackshaw

    Best of - Creativity With a Student First Mindset, featuring Jodie Blackshaw
    2026/07/27

    In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Australian composer and educator Jodie Blackshaw. A self-described "composing first educator," Jodie shares how her background in composition, teaching, and Orff-Schulwerk has shaped her belief that all students should have opportunities to create, explore, and think like composers. Her student-centered approach challenges traditional ensemble models by placing creativity, ownership, and musical decision-making at the heart of learning.

    Throughout the conversation, Jodie discusses the importance of scaffolding creative experiences, building safe environments where students feel comfortable taking risks, and helping young musicians develop both independence and self-discipline. Whether you teach band, choir, orchestra, or general music, this episode offers practical ideas for empowering students and creating classrooms where learning grows through curiosity, experimentation, and creativity.

    Connect with Jodie and Learn More:

    • Website: Jodie Blackshaw
    • Teaching Performance Through Composition
    • Rhythm and Pitch Pack #1


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    1 時間 12 分
  • Best of - Inspiring Young Musicians: Passion and Purpose in Music Education, featuring Stephen Cox

    Best of - Inspiring Young Musicians: Passion and Purpose in Music Education, featuring Stephen Cox
    2026/07/13

    As part of our Best of Pass the Baton series, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations from the podcast archives. If you're interested in creating a music classroom where students experience greater autonomy, creativity, and joy, this episode is one you won't want to miss.

    In this encore presentation of Episode 77, Kathryn and Theresa sit down with Grammy Music Educator of the Year Stephen Cox as he shares his unique approach to music education and discusses his work with the Willis Wonderland Foundation. Drawing on his 14-year teaching career in Texas, Stephen reflects on how he developed a progressive, student-centered approach to band that prioritized student voice, intrinsic motivation, and meaningful musical experiences. He shares how empowering students to lead and make decisions transformed both his teaching and his students' growth.

    Stephen also introduces the work of the Willis Wonderland Foundation, where he is helping develop free songwriting resources for teachers. Created to honor the legacy of legendary songwriter Allee Willis, the foundation provides educators with tools to inspire creativity through songwriting and student expression. Whether you're hearing this conversation for the first time or listening again, Stephen's ideas offer a compelling vision for how creative freedom and student empowerment can transform music classrooms.

    Connect with Stephen and learn more:

    • Website: https://stephentcox.com/
    • The Willis Wonderland Foundation

    Resources suggested by Stephen:

    • Ungrading: Why Rating Students Undermines Learning (and What to Do Instead)
    • Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
    • Why We Do What We Do: Understanding Self-Motivation
    • Punished By Rewards: Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition: The Trouble with Gold Stars, Incentive Plans, A’s, Praise, and Other Bribes

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    58 分
  • Best of - The Kids Come First: Student Ownership in Ensembles, featuring Kathleen Jacoby

    Best of - The Kids Come First: Student Ownership in Ensembles, featuring Kathleen Jacoby
    2026/06/29

    As part of our Best of Pass the Baton series, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations from the podcast archives. If you've ever wondered how to create greater student ownership and engagement in your ensemble, this episode is full of practical ideas and inspiration.

    In this encore presentation of Episode 62, Kathryn and Theresa talk with Kathleen Jacoby, a high school band director in Fairfax, Virginia. Kathleen’s teaching philosophy revolves around student ownership and engagement in the music program, drawing from her own experiences in a small band program where every member's contribution was vital. She shares innovative strategies she employs to involve students in decision-making processes, such as selecting pieces and contributing to rehearsal methods. The interview delves into her approach to empowering students by fostering a sense of community, responsibility, and critical listening skills. Kathleen’s methods aim to develop not just musical skills but also life skills like leadership, collaboration, and independent thinking. She is dedicated to making music education a transformative experience for students, ensuring that it contributes positively to their overall growth and development.

    Connect with Kathleen and Learn More:

    • Virginia Band Directors Inclusion Toolkit

    Learn more about Pass the Baton

    • Pass the Baton website
    • Join the Coffee Club
    • Support Pass the Baton
    • Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection

    Support the show

    Learn more about Pass the Baton

    • Pass the Baton website
    • Join the Coffee Club
    • Support Pass the Baton
    • Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
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    50 分
  • Best Of: The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education, featuring Shane Colquhoun

    Best Of: The Most Important Question You Can Ask in Music Education, featuring Shane Colquhoun
    2026/06/15

    As part of our Best of Pass the Baton series, we're revisiting one of our favorite conversations from the podcast archives. We say we want music education for all students, but how do we actually reach ALL students? Dr. Shane Colquhoun shares how we can take steps toward a more student-centered approach in music education.


    In this encore presentation of Episode 53, Kathryn and Theresa talk with Dr. Shane Colquhoun, an assistant professor of music technology and contemporary styles at Alabama State University. Shane discusses the importance of rethinking traditional approaches to music education by challenging the notion of "music education for all," arguing that current programs often cater only to students with specific musical interests, such as classical instruments, while neglecting those interested in contemporary or popular music. He advocates for a more student-centered approach, where educators ask students what they want to learn and tailor the curriculum accordingly. Shane also emphasizes the need to train future teachers to be open to different forms of musicianship and to be willing to adapt their methods to better serve a diverse student body.


    Connect with Shane and Learn More:

    • Website: Music and Ed
    • Book, The Producers of Pop
    • Instagram: @MusicandEd


    Learn more about Pass the Baton:

    • Pass the Baton website
    • Join the Coffee Club
    • Support Pass the Baton
    • Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection

    Support the show

    Learn more about Pass the Baton

    • Pass the Baton website
    • Join the Coffee Club
    • Support Pass the Baton
    • Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
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    47 分
  • 114 - What Music Teachers Are Really Looking For

    114 - What Music Teachers Are Really Looking For
    2026/06/01
    In this Season 5 finale episode, Theresa and Kathryn reflect on the school year, celebrate major milestones, and revisit some of the most meaningful themes from the season. Theresa shares highlights from completing her PhD dissertation research on why music educators listen to podcasts, revealing that teachers value podcasts not only for practical ideas and professional learning, but also for the emotional connection and validation they provide. Together, Theresa and Kathryn discuss how podcasts can help educators feel less isolated and more connected to a larger community of music teachers who are all striving to better serve students.The conversation also revisits key ideas that surfaced throughout the season, including student voice and choice, belonging, lifelong musicianship, creative approaches to performance, and expanding the definition of what music education can look like. Referencing guests and episodes from across the season, Theresa and Kathryn reflect on how small instructional shifts can lead to more empowered, student-centered classrooms. As they look ahead to Season 6, they encourage listeners to spend the summer reflecting on one tradition, belief, or routine in their teaching that might be worth reimagining in order to better support all students and create more meaningful musical experiences.Learn more about Pass the Baton: Pass the Baton websiteJoin the Coffee Club Support Pass the Baton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection Other episodes referenced: Episode 90, with Chris GleasonEpisode 94, with Corie BentonEpisode 96, with Rebecca SensorEpisode 98, with Darlene MachaconEpisode 102, with Rhoda BernardEpisode 103, with Emily LangerholcEpisode 104, with Amelia ArmstrongEpisode 105, with Merlin Thompson Episode 109, with Mary CogswellEpisode 111, with Meagan ThorupEpisode 113, with Eric Songer Support the showLearn more about Pass the BatonPass the Baton websiteJoin the Coffee ClubSupport Pass the BatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
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    37 分
  • 113 - All Music, All Students: Rethinking What Belongs in the Ensemble Room, with Eric Songer

    113 - All Music, All Students: Rethinking What Belongs in the Ensemble Room, with Eric Songer
    2026/05/18

    In episode 113, Theresa and Kathryn sit down with Eric Songer, a veteran middle school music educator, to explore what it really means to move from “music for all” to “all music.” Drawing from his own unconventional path into music—sparked by pop radio and a love for popular culture—Eric shares how his teaching philosophy centers on expanding access to music-making beyond traditional ensembles. He describes how incorporating genres like rock, hip hop, bluegrass, and mariachi, along with opportunities in songwriting, production, and student-led ensembles, creates more entry points for students to engage meaningfully with music.


    Eric offers a wide range of practical strategies for bringing this vision to life, from launching after-school “School of Rock” programs to embedding composition, improvisation, and music technology into the regular band curriculum. He also highlights the importance of student agency—encouraging teachers to say “yes” to student ideas, even when it means learning alongside them. Throughout the conversation, Eric emphasizes that these approaches don’t detract from traditional programs but instead deepen student engagement, broaden participation, and help more students see themselves as musicians.


    Connect with Eric and Learn More:

    • Website
    • YouTube Channel
    • Facebook
    • Instagram


    Resources from this Episode:

    • Association for Popular Music Education
    • Shed the Music
    • Music Will
    • 3 Strings
    • Episode 53 - The Most Important Question You can Ask in Music Education
    • Episode 112 - We Know We Can: Building Community Through Hip-Hop


    Learn more about Pass the Baton:

    • Pass the Baton website
    • Join the Coffee Club
    • Support Pass the Baton
    • Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection

    Support the show

    Learn more about Pass the Baton

    • Pass the Baton website
    • Join the Coffee Club
    • Support Pass the Baton
    • Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
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    50 分
  • 112 - We Know We Can: Building Community Through Hip-Hop, with Andrew Wang

    112 - We Know We Can: Building Community Through Hip-Hop, with Andrew Wang
    2026/05/04
    In this episode, Theresa and Kathryn are joined by Andrew Wang, a K–12 music teacher who brings hip-hop culture to life in a neurodivergent-centered classroom. Drawing from his own experiences as a neurodivergent learner, Andrew shares how hip-hop became both a personal outlet and a powerful teaching tool. He describes his work in an inclusive school setting, where music supports not only musical growth but also communication, confidence, and social-emotional development. By incorporating elements like beatboxing, call-and-response, and student-selected music, Andrew creates an engaging environment where all students can participate and feel a sense of belonging.Throughout the conversation, Andrew emphasizes that hip-hop is more than just music, it’s a culture rooted in community, identity, and expression. He highlights practical ways teachers can bring hip-hop into any classroom, from general music to traditional ensembles, while still meeting standards and maintaining intentionality. The discussion also explores how hip-hop can foster deeper student connections, encourage critical thinking, and support lifelong musical engagement. Ultimately, Andrew makes a compelling case for expanding what counts as “valuable” in music education, showing how culturally relevant, student-centered approaches can empower learners of all backgrounds.Connect with Andrew and Learn More: Email: hiphopneuroed@gmail.comWebsite: Neuro Hip Hop Links: https://popl.co/card/LtviKNP9/1/dash Additional Resources from this Episode Book - Hip Hop Can Save America, by Manny Faces Book - Yonkers the Lost City of Hip Hop, by Jerome Enders Book - For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood, by Chris Emdin Book - From White Folks Who Teach in the Hood, by Chris Emdin and Sam Seidel Website: We Got Our Own Thang - Real Talk from AJ WoodsonNeurodivergent Music Network Learn more about Pass the BatonPass the Baton Book Study through VanderCook College of Music Pass the Baton website Join the Coffee Club Support Pass the Baton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection Support the showLearn more about Pass the BatonPass the Baton websiteJoin the Coffee ClubSupport Pass the BatonAmplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection
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    48 分