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Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas
by Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas in conjunction with Alfred Music and MakeMusic
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Latest episodes
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Cynthia Johnston Turner: Student-Centered Rehearsals, Leadership, and Podium Vulnerability
October 7, 2026 · 1 hr 16 minIn Season 2 Episode 203 of Take Notes, Brian Balmages and Chris "Cool Breeze" Bernotas sit down with renowned conductor and pedagogue Dr. Cynthia Johnston Turner (WASBE President-Elect, Wellington Wind Symphony Artistic Director, Wilfrid…
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Cristian Măcelaru: Score Study with Boulez, Rehearsal Strategy, and the Paris Olympics
September 23, 2026 · 1 hr 27 minIn Season 2 Episode 202 of Take Notes, Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas sit down with Grammy Award–winning conductor Maestro Cristian Măcelaru (Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre National de France, Cabrillo Festival, Interlochen…
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Darcy Vogt Williams: Building 600-Student Cultures, Inviting Growth Critique, and Avoiding Burnout
September 9, 2026 · 1 hr 22 minWelcome to the Season 2 Premier of Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas! Brian and Chris jump into the video era (complete with birthday celebrations for Chris) before sitting down with Darcy Vogt Williams, Head Director at Stiles Middle…
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The First Vod: Summer Shore, HybridNow & Exciting New Releases! 🎬🎺
August 12, 2026 · 17 minIn this special video bonus episode, Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas assemble in Louisville, Colorado, to reflect on their whirlwind summer travels across various educational institutes, bandmaster conventions, and a quick recharge at…
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Season 1 Finale: "The Works in Progress Wrap-Up Special"
June 12, 2026 · 1 hr 36 minWe made it! In this epic, high-energy Season 1 finale, Brian and Chris take a victory lap through their debut season, proving they are still "works in progress, progressing on their works." Joined on-air by their producer, Marianne White…
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Cheryl Floyd: Unlocking Musicality, The Power of Rote, and "Show Me Your Dirty Laundry"
May 29, 2026 · 1 hr 16 minIn this high-energy "end-of-year" special, Brian and Chris dive into strategies for keeping students engaged during the "final countdown" of the school year. They are then joined by the iconic Cheryl Floyd, a trailblazer in the middle…
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Omar Thomas: Curiosity, The Power of the Platform, and "Mother of a Revolution"
May 11, 2026 · 1 hr 12 minIn one of the most powerful and timely episodes of the season, Brian and Chris sit down with Omar Thomas to discuss his "non-linear" evolution from a 23-year-old Berklee professor to one of the most significant voices in contemporary wind…
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Scott Rush: Building Cultures of Trust, Servant Leadership, and the "Teaching Inventory"
May 1, 2026 · 1 hr 12 minIn this episode, Brian and Chris open the show with a vulnerable (and hilarious) look at "Fan Mail"—specifically the kind that calls you an idiot. This leads into a profound discussion on Imposter Syndrome and the importance of a trusting…
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The Heart of the School: Teacher Appreciation and the 2025 Spark Award with Amanda Cornet
April 17, 2026 · 1 hr 12 minIn this heartfelt episode, Brian and Chris celebrate the "Heart of the School"—the teachers. The conversation kicks off with a humorous and nostalgic look at Teacher Appreciation Week (featuring the legendary "Omelet Guy" and "Pasta Guy")…
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Ryan Nowlin: Stewardship, The Non-Linear Path, and The "Why" of Service
April 2, 2026 · 1 hr 27 minIn this deeply personal and moving episode, Brian and Chris welcome a dear friend and a titan of the wind band world, Ryan Nowlin. From his unexpected start as a "math major just in case" to leading the United States Marine Band, Ryan…
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Alex Shapiro: The Art of the Leap, Digital Connectivity, and the "Heart Business"
March 20, 2026 · 1 hr 27 minIn this vibrant and thought-provoking episode, Brian and Chris connect with Alex Shapiro, a composer whose career is a testament to the power of "saying yes" to the unknown. From her roots in Manhattan, through the gritty LA commercial…
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Wayne Bergeron: Studio Magic, Lead Trumpet Secrets, and the Legacy of Gordon Goodwin
March 6, 2026 · 1 hr 23 minIn this raw and high-energy episode, Brian and Chris sit down with Wayne Bergeron, arguably the most recorded trumpet player of our time. From his "accidental" transition from French horn to trumpet (thanks to a vandalized band room) to…
About the show
Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is the definitive music education podcast for teachers at every level. Join renowned composers Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas as they share their wealth of knowledge from decades in the world of instrumental music.
Brian's successful tenure as a composer has made his works a staple in concert halls and classrooms worldwide, while Chris's rich background as a public school music teacher has given him unparalleled insight into the daily realities of the classroom.
Now, working together through Alfred Music and MakeMusic, Brian and Chris bring their expertise directly to you. Each episode offers relevant and helpful insights on topics that matter most to music educators. You’ll also hear from a variety of special guests who are leaders in the field, ready to discuss impactful music education trends, rehearsal techniques, and program growth ideas.
Whether you're a new teacher looking for foundational tips or a veteran director seeking fresh inspiration, this podcast is designed to be your essential resource. Tune in and get ready to Take Notes!