BandWagon
What makes BANDWAGON different from other band-related podcasts? Rather than focusing only on music education topics, it’s meant for anybody who ever did band. And in a world where not everybody “gets” band, it can be a challenge for people who do. With news, commentary, and advocacy from the band world (concert and marching; scholastic, community, and service bands), and entertaining conversations with band leaders and participants alike ... this podcast aims to create community through band: to be a resource and a refuge for band geeks.
Listen on:
Episodes
Monday Jun 30, 2025
Monday Jun 30, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 064 • June 30, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• FAMU Marching 100 has its first female head drum major
hbcugameday.com/2025/06/18/iconic-hbcu-band-names-first-woman-as-head-drum-major/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIaS800SPEM
• Greenwich HS band director saved by student advocacy
patch.com/connecticut/greenwich/music-students-make-impassioned-pleas-keep-beloved-band-director-greenwich
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: Ferris Bueller, 40 Years Later -or- “How Y’All Doin’?”
www.youtube.com/watch?v=5D9gcRPxBR8
TRIO
This episode’s interview guest: MIKE PALMIERI
www.linkedin.com/in/mike-palmieri-a00a4187/
https://www.facebook.com/BridgewaterAntiphonialBrassSociety/
DOGFIGHT
Topic: New England Band Directors Institute (NEBDI) … and podcast marketing!
www.nhbda.org/new-england-band-directors-institute
CODA
Topic: Remembering NEBDI founder Gary Corcoran
www.keohane.com/obituaries/gerard-j-gary-corcoran-jr
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Monday Jun 16, 2025
Monday Jun 16, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 063 • June 16, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• Retiring Nebraska band director gets the “Mr. Holland’s Opus” treatment
www.mnhsonline.com/news/a-bittersweet-goodbye/
www.wowt.com/2025/05/08/millard-north-alumni-return-send-off-band-director-with-surprise-performance/
• Southern University “Human Jukebox” documentary wins Emmy
hbcugameday.com/2025/05/21/hbcu-students-win-emmy-award-for-band-documentary/
sports.yahoo.com/article/southern-university-students-documentary-hbcu-203929016.html
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: An Internet “out-over-the-skis” moment
TRIO
Topic: The Uniform Code of Military Justice, Section 88 – Part I
UCMJ Section 88: uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title10-section888&num=0&edition=prelim
PoliticsGirl’s Instagram post re: re-interpretation of UCMJ Section 88: www.instagram.com/p/DJsH-rES3gH/
DOGFIGHT
Topic: The Uniform Code of Military Justice, Section 88 – Part II
www.military.com/daily-news/2025/06/11/bragg-soldiers-who-cheered-trumps-political-attacks-while-uniform-were-checked-allegiance-appearance.html
www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2025/06/10/trump-watches-army-demonstration-at-fort-bragg-as-he-faces-criticism-for-deploying-military-to-la/84137233007/
CODA
Topic: Nashoba Valley Concert Band is back in the saddle again!
Shirley Summer Concert Series: www.facebook.com/ShirleyCharitableFoundation/posts/pfbid0BywpJBFdQ5aZXCjwWpUuUbaYdbuc1zhu8eFfa1WxK2NWh4FfXkPdvyQmTbee44xEl
Nashoba Valley Concert Band calendar: www.nashobavalleyconcertband.org/members-info
Nashoba Valley Concert Band: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100041166523330
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Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon
Monday Jun 02, 2025
Monday Jun 02, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 062a • June 2, 2025
In which our hero (at least temporarily) adjusts this podcast’s release schedule.
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Monday May 26, 2025
Monday May 26, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 062 • May 26, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• Indy 500 Festival Parade features 14 bands
www.wthr.com/article/news/community/500-festival/14-marching-bands-selected-perform-aes-500-festival-parade-12-from-indiana/531-ac2a090d-31a7-4501-8a45-55a8d6bddcf6
500festival.com/parade/
• Green Valley Concert Band director Snavely retires
www.kgun9.com/news/community-inspired-journalism/sahuarita-and-green-valley-news/the-band-plays-on-green-valley-concert-band-conductor-takes-final-bow
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: Band podcast connections
TRIO
Topic: Dr. WILLIAM G. ZIMMERMAN, Jr.
prabook.com/web/william_george.zimmerman/798817
www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/vnews/name/ruth-zimmerman-obituary?id=54170186
www.weremember.com/ruth-mcneill-zimmerman/0z3a/memories
DOGFIGHT
Topic: Band podcast production values
CODA
Topic: A Michael Moore quote, about staggered breathing
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Monday May 19, 2025
Monday May 19, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 061a • May 19, 2025
A micro-episode, thanks to the onset of Rob’s Wacky Week.
A link to the Trekculture podcast episode I speak of in this episode:
www.podbean.com/media/share/dir-35wip-25647df1?utm_campaign=w_share_ep&utm_medium=dlink&utm_source=w_share
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Monday May 12, 2025
Monday May 12, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 061 • May 12, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• New Metallica marching band competition prize opportunity
www.metallicamarchingband.com/
bravewords.com/news/metallica-exciting-new-prize-announced-for-next-metallica-marching-band-winner/
• Texas high school band “opens” for Post Malone
www.fox4news.com/news/post-malone-grapevine-hs-band
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: A Commencement Band memory
TRIO
This week’s interview guests: MATT PARENT & RASSII ELLIOTT
www.kkpsi.org
www.kkpsi.org/district-governors/
www.kkpsiaa.org/donate
DOGFIGHT
Topic: Thom Hannum’s (belated) retirement celebration
CODA
Topic: From Vincent Persichetti to Frederick Fennell
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Monday May 05, 2025
Monday May 05, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 060 • May 5, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• Burbank Community Band celebrates 85 years
outlooknewspapers.com/burbankleader/laurell-burbank-community-band-doesn-t-skip-a-beat/article_aaa73119-ea01-415c-b24c-82fb571328db.html
• U. Of Texas-Arlington professor Doug Stotter passes away
www.facebook.com/MusicUTA/posts/it-is-with-profound-sadness-we-share-the-news-that-after-conducting-a-beautiful-/1218159736980718/
www.facebook.com/UTArlingtonBand/posts/pfbid025qgCtDJnw7bWeAyosw47Y8EmAvNz33sVhqxM426uZUTuUZ22hwFVnjtkrP3uJDQAl
www.uta.edu/academics/faculty/profile?user=dstotter
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: Fallout from Jacksonville University arts & humanities cuts
www.youtube.com/watch?v=DyMeNUhhRLY
(Marguerite Richardson’s brief speech begins at 1 hour 18 minutes 25 seconds)
TRIO
This week’s interview guests: MATT PARENT & RASSII ELLIOTT
www.kkpsi.org
www.kkpsi.org/district-governors/
www.kkpsiaa.org/donate
DOGFIGHT
Topic: Bands and Star Wars
CODA
Topic: A bit more about Kappa Kappa Psi
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Monday Apr 28, 2025
Monday Apr 28, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 059 • April 28, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• Windy Hill Symphonic Band faces extinction in college closing
www.gmtoday.com/the_freeman/news/university-closing-means-taps-for-a-beloved-teacher-s-band/article_67665ecf-ed1a-54e1-9f66-1523d90c1e37.html
• Nascent Simpson College marching band effort fails
thesimpsonian.com/36775/news/to-be-or-not-to-be-simpsons-marching-band/
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: New Generation Marching Warriors set up GoFundMe
www.wavy.com/news/local-news/portsmouth/keep-the-music-playing-community-band-fundraising-to-cover-insurance-policy/
www.gofundme.com/f/support-new-generation-marching-bands-journey?attribution_id=sl:c8066bfd-efb4-4663-a90e-67da7a000f21&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp13_t1-amp14_c&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=sms
TRIO
Topic: Jacksonville University drops fine arts and humanities majors
www.news4jax.com/news/local/2025/04/15/distraught-disappointed-confused-ju-students-express-frustration-over-schools-decision-to-cut-fine-arts-majors/
www.wusf.org/education/2025-04-16/jacksonville-university-cuts-music-and-theater-programs-and-lays-off-40-faculty-members
www.jacksonville.com/story/news/education/2025/04/15/ju-drops-old-school-majors-cuts-faculty-to-focus-on-in-demand-degrees/83091318007/
www.ju.edu/news/2025-04-15-jacksonville-university-reimagines-university-wide-academic-offerings-intensifies-investment-in-priority-areas.php
Mark O’Connor Facebook post: www.facebook.com/markoconnorofficial/posts/pfbid02EojNtCbfGnMwvHhDmDUD1FLp8GiqhHFAiWfyxLFSAnLybNsJzWotQEqAyJQiTzVVl
DOGFIGHT
Topic: Randall Standridge on Staying in Music
www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1313146376838028&id=100044280355548
CODA
Music jokes at Rob’s expense!
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Monday Apr 21, 2025
Monday Apr 21, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 058 • April 21, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade
nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/event-the-national-cherry-blossom-festival-parade-presented-by-events-dc/
marching.com/events/national-cherry-blossom-festival-parade/
www.youtube.com/live/fWOjb1de4hg
• First female drum major for Texas A&M band
www.cbs19.tv/article/news/local/longview-native-becomes-female-drum-major-of-combined-texas-am-marching-band/501-aec8365f-002b-4be4-bdca-a978ee8b454c
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: Giving the Fans Their Favorites
www.nme.com/news/music/billy-corgan-doesnt-want-to-play-fan-favourites-at-smashing-pumpkins-gigs-3763187
TRIO
Topic: Concord, Massachusetts celebrates the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution
DOGFIGHT
Internet Rabbit Hole of the Week: Japan Marching Band Association
Their website: japan-mba.org/top.html
kyototachibanashsbandunofficialfanblog.wordpress.com/background-information-competitions/
www.dci.org/news/japan-marching-band-association-setting-stage-for-50th-anniversary-championship
www-japan--mba-org.translate.goog/page0002.html?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en&_x_tr_pto=sc
hornrank.proboards.com/thread/179/47th-jmba-national-championship
CODA
Topic: Call to Action … if you could travel back in time to one drum corps MOMENT, what would it be?
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Monday Apr 14, 2025
Monday Apr 14, 2025
SHOW NOTES
Episode 057 • April 14, 2025
FIRST STRAIN
News ‘n’ Notes:
• Multi-generational band concert
www.gazettenet.com/BandPractice-hg-03262025-60288866
florencecommunityband.com/
florencecommunityband.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/FCB-Spring-Concert-poster-2025_B3c-1583x2048.jpg
• News item title: “Severance” finale marching band track
www.brooklynpaper.com/bk-marching-band-director-severance-finale/
SECOND STRAIN
Topic: Bill Gibbons and Dick Baker
TRIO
Topic: “Class Notes” – news updates about previous Trio-section interview guests
Massachusetts Lions All-State Band concert: https://scontent.fcps4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/484190079_3977779699160118_2794890714646578915_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s1080x2048_tt6&_nc_cat=104&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=833d8c&_nc_ohc=nBsnq_bxq6oQ7kNvwGS6uDv&_nc_oc=Adlx8Z7B7ZuSEERJORSLhRx2LKkgjaX26CFDfkj8TVYQmyoj2QC_lkD_R8iP7aYhrs85SxuPsTcLtr-N0-kWqjt0&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fcps4-1.fna&_nc_gid=mh71ZfUjs8qfrI33cXT7Uw&oh=00_AfHYcGO2gjl1PYJT5D8DP9fRvlmSzVU7sQQpBG7ucZPsMA&oe=67FD9884
Nicholson, Outstanding Young Alumni Award: https://www.uma-foundation.org/umass-alumni-honors/2024-recipients/michael-j-nicholson
Ables and Ben Schwartz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OB605t5Enk
Craig flute studio: https://trishacraigflutist.com/private-instruction/
Sargent's Alaska Region-I Music Festival: https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/schools/nomebeltz-high-school-nome-ak
McGlothlin textbook: https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2024/12/31/fsu-professors-publish-open-textbooks-on-music-language-math/
Bergeron's 2025 Rose Parade experience: https://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/2025/01/05/it-felt-like-a-dream/
Foley on the “On a Water Break Podcast” (snippet): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sjYX6_oweg
Complete episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgy5FSSkPbo
Grant: damongrant.org
NH New Horizons combined concert: https://russgrazier.substack.com/p/81-combining-forces
https://necmusic.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/NEC-Syymphonic-Winds-and-Wind-Ensemble-14.1.25-Program.pdf
DOGFIGHT
Internet Rabbit Hole of the Week: “Take the Field”
Their website: www.youtube.com/@CollegeMarching/videos
CODA
Call to Action: “If you could time-travel … what drum corps MOMENT would you visit?”
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Merch!
At the BandWagon storefront hosted by the good people at TeePublic, find all manner of clothing and stickers and phone cases and mugs and wall art and pillows and tote bags and pins and magnets ... ... and yes, hats.
Follow this link:
www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
Tell us your best band story!
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Rob Hammerton, host
Drawing on his experience in scholastic bands as a participant, instructor and designer, his more than two decades as a church musician, his work as a college band director, and his current work as a community band conductor, Rob has broad insight into the world of winds and percussion -- and yet there's so much more he wants to learn!
Send the podcast an eMail: heybandwagon@yahoo.com