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:

  • Apple Podcasts
  • Podbean App
  • Amazon Music
  • iHeartRadio
  • PlayerFM

Episodes

Episode 62a: "Navel Gazing"

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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WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
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Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
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WE GOT MERCH!
 
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-or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
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Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV
 
WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- go to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV
 
WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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
 
 
FOLLOW US!
 
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BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social
Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV
 
WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
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WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

Episode 57: "Class Notes"

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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Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
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WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

Monday Apr 07, 2025

SHOW NOTES
Episode 056 • April 7, 2025
 
 
FIRST STRAIN
 
News ‘n’ Notes:
 
• News item title: School band hall destroyed in fire; community steps up
 
www.koco.com/article/geary-high-school-fire-band-instruments-lost-replaced/64290950
 
www.news9.com/story/67e7f22cb31be03610aa4a92/yukon-band-holding-fundraiser-to-obtain-instruments-for-geary-high-school-band
 
Instrument/equipment donation site: The Oklahoma Counseling Group, 416 Mustang Road B, Yukon, OK 73099
 
• News item title: Tribute concert planned for community victimized by gun violence
 
https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/news/tribute-concert-for-perry-community-set-for-next-month/ar-AA1BX3jz
 
 
SECOND STRAIN
 
Topic: South Carolina basketball coach shows their band a little love
 
www.thestate.com/sports/college/university-of-south-carolina/usc-womens-basketball/article303128179.html
 
 
TRIO
 
Topic: “From a Different Angle”
 
www.autismspeaks.org/asperger-syndrome
 
 
 
DOGFIGHT
 
Topic: a Pat Flynn story
 
patflynn.com/
www.smartpassiveincome.com/
www.youtube.com/@patflynn/videos:
 
 
AD & CODA
 
Music Go Round Boston, 810 Worcester Rd. (Rt. 9), Natick, MA … (508) 647-6874
mgrboston.com
www.facebook.com/musicgoroundboston
MGR’s recent reel featuring BandWagon signage!: www.facebook.com/reel/1984953738703737
 
Haylee Gaffin: gaffincreative.com/
 
 
FOLLOW US!
 
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BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social
Rob (“HammertonMedia”) on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV
 
WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

Monday Mar 31, 2025

SHOW NOTES
Episode 055 • March 31, 2025
(w/ repaired Introduction segment)
 
 
INTRODUCTION
 
Topic: Another Wee Confession
 
 
FIRST STRAIN
 
News ‘n’ Notes:
 
• Sousa’s March Mania 2025 results
 
www.marineband.marines.mil/Educational/Sousas-March-Mania/
www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIEZNZBNKMA
 
 
SECOND STRAIN
 
Topic: US Dept. of Education commemorates Music in Our Schools Month
 
www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1069238541898210&id=100064362236684
 
 
 
TRIO
 
This week’s interview guest: LAUREN SLIVA, Haverhill Public Schools
 
 
DOGFIGHT
 
Topic: The RCA Dome, and other haunts
 
 
CODA
 
Topic: a Vaughan Fleischfresser quote
 
mrf.home.blog/author/vaughanfleischfresser/
www.brolgamusic.com/composer/vaughan-fleischfresser
 
 
FOLLOW US!
 
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BandWagon website: heyband.podbean.com
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BandWagon on BlueSky: bsky.app/profile/heybandwagon.bsky.social
Rob ("HammertonMedia") on Facebook: facebook.com/HammertonMedia
Rob on X/Twitter: twitter.com/DrRob8487
 
SUBSCRIBE TO BANDWAGON!
 
www.podbean.com/site/podcatcher/index/blog/eg706GUVzixV
 
WE GOT MERCH!
 
Visit www.teepublic.com/user/bandwagon-with-rob-hammerton
-or- got to teepublic.com and search “bandwagon”
 
SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK!
 
Email: heybandwagon@yahoo.com
Voicemail: speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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

 

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Tell us your best band story!

By eMail: heybandwagon@yahoo.com

Leave a 90-second voice message at speakpipe.com/HeyBandWagon

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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

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