Pursuit Of Music Podcast

Ben and Michael sit down with owner of InVersion Band, guitarist, pilot, and software engineer, Phillip Holmes. 

Ben and Michael have a discussion with Dallas Brass members Garrett Klein and Buddy Deshler to talk brass ensembles and chamber music generally, along with musical pedagogy. 

Musician 1st Class Myles Blakemore is a native of Dallas, TX. He received a Bachelor’s degree in Trombone Performance from Southern Methodist University and a Master’s degree in Orchestral Performance from Manhattan School of Music. His teachers include Per Brevig, John Kitzman, and James McNair.Prior to entering the Navy, Blakemore held fellowships with the Minnesota Orchestra, New World Symphony in FL, and Symphony in C in NJ. Professionally, he has performed with the Charleston Symphony, Dallas Symphony, and Malaysian Philharmonic. In addition to his education, he has been a member of the Aspen Music Festival, Brevard Music Center, Lake George Music Festival, National Repertory Orchestra, and Spoleto Music Festival USA.In 2018, Blakemore auditioned and was selected for assignment to the U.S. Naval Academy Band. Following recruit training at RTC Great Lakes, he reported for duty as trombonist with the brass ensemble, marching band, and ceremonial units.In this episode, Ben and Michael discuss audition succe

Cody McClarty is the Assistant Principal Trumpet Player of the Fort Worth Symphony and a member of Fort Worth Brass. 

In this episode, former 3rd director at Prosper High School, Spencer Smith, and current 2nd director of Hurst Junior High, Jacob Groening, join Ben and Michael to discuss the implications and reactions to COVID-19.

In this episode, Brandon, Michael, Ben, and Jason discuss the coronavirus situation and answer a few questions from local listeners.

In this episode, Michael and Ben discuss the implications of COVID-19 and how to go about maintaining structure in your life during this time.

Ben and Michael are honored to be joined by newly appointed head band director of Hays Middle School, Mr. Ben Aune. His bio is as follows:Benjamin Aune will return to Prosper for his 16th year in music education as the new Director of Bands at Hays Middle School in Prosper, TX.  Mr. Aune will conduct the Symphonic Winds, assist and oversee all middle school ensembles, and teach beginner brass classes.Mr. Aune most recently comes from Celina ISD where he was the director of bands for Celina High School.  During his time there, the program grew by over 100% and all ensembles routinely received “Superior” ratings at UIL competitions and festivals. The Bobcat Marching Band was an area qualifier at the UIL level and was a silver medalist at the Bands of America DFW regional.​Before his time in Celina, Mr. Aune was a member of the staff in Prosper ISD.  There, he team-taught a number of different ensembles grades 6-12 as a brass specialist under the guidance of John Alstrin.  During Mr. Aune’s time in Prosper, ense

Dr. Jason Oliver is one of DFW's most successful freelance trombone players, gigging nearly every weekend around the metroplex and maintaining a studio that is constantly at capacity and even includes a waiting list. Pursuit of Music is honored to be joined by Dr. Oliver to discuss the life of a freelance musician. 

In this episode, Ben and Michael discuss why we should advocate for students and teachers to pursue subjects that revolve around the arts. 

In this episode, Evan Jones describes what competition season is like, what parents should expect, and what the students have to look forward to over the next month and a half. It's the craziest time of year for most band kids, but it will surely lead to unforgettable moments that they can look back on for the rest of their lives.

Pursuit of Music is honored to be joined by newly appointed director of fine arts, Mr. John Alstrin. In this episode, John discusses his journey though music with Ben and Michael, and also draws out what the future looks like in his role as the director of fine arts and for the future of Prosper ISD generally.

Ben and Michael are joined by Caleb Belonga to discuss the ins and outs of being a music major in college and what challenges are presented. They also discuss the prospect of choosing your major and the challenges that come with each option. 

In part 1 of this series, Ben and Michael discuss how to balance your life out with all of the various responsibilities you have as a high schooler in marching band, in addition to other scenarios. 

In this episode, Michael and Ben continue to discuss parental involvement in your child's life as a marching band member. They also discuss pitfalls to avoid as a performance major in college. 

In this episode, Michael and Ben (sort of) answer Ann Skaehill's question about how to get excited for marching season!

In this series finale, Michael and Ben discuss the ins and outs of both real estate and business ownership in order to establish a secondary income to supplement your teaching income. 

In this solo episode, Ben discusses content from Malcom Galdwell's Outliers, and also talks about how to practice your upcoming all-region music using Darren Hardy's 8 steps to learning. 

For the first-ever live podcast episode, Ben and Michael interview several members of the brass camp just before their concert on Friday evening begins.