Episodes: 25
Frequency: Irregular
Rating: 4.9/5.0
Estimated listeners: 100 - 1,000
Listener location: USA
YouTube: 4.0k subscribers
Instagram: 11.0k followers
Publicly listed emails
mwhite@makemusic.com
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Brian Balmages - Composer whose works are performed in concert halls and classrooms worldwide, with extensive experience in instrumental music.
Chris Bernotas - Public school music teacher with extensive experience in instrumental music education and the day-to-day realities of classroom teaching.
Cristian Mcelaru - Score Study, Rehearsal Strategy, Youth Orchestra Leadership, Artistic Standards, And Conducting At The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.
Darcy Vogt Williams - Building Large Student Programs, Introductory Music Instruction, Instrument Selection, Trust-building, Feedback, Boundaries, And Avoiding Educator Burnout.
Cheryl Floyd - Student Musicality, Rote-based Beginner Instruction, Commissioning Composers, Mentorship, And Removing Barriers For Music Students.
Cynthia Johnston Turner: Student-Centered Rehearsals, Leadership, and Podium Vulnerability
October 07, 2026
In 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 Laurier University, and the American Band College).From starting music on a moss-green, two-octave toy keyboard in Peterborough, Ontario, to overhauling college curricula and conducting world premieres, CJT shares a candid look at grit, leadership, and ensemb...
Cristian Măcelaru: Score Study with Boulez, Rehearsal Strategy, and the Paris Olympics
September 23, 2026
In 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 World Youth Symphony Orchestra).From his early days as the youngest concertmaster in Miami Symphony history to stepping in for Pierre Boulez with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Maestro Măcelaru shares incredible stories of luck meeting preparation. He breaks ...
Darcy Vogt Williams: Building 600-Student Cultures, Inviting Growth Critique, and Avoiding Burnout
September 09, 2026
Welcome 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 School (Leander ISD). Darcy pulls back the curtain on how she manages a massive program of nearly 600 band students. From a unique two-week "no instrument" front-loaded theory approach to an intentional, non-biased instrument testing model, Darcy shares game...
Chinuch Today · Medium booking difficulty · 100 - 1,000 listeners
Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas is hosted by Brian Balmages and Chris Bernotas. Its publicly listed email is mwhite@makemusic.com. For guest bookings, the host or producer is usually the best person to reach. Podseeker helps you find direct host and producer contacts and pitch from your own inbox.
The publicly listed email for Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas: mwhite@makemusic.com.
Podseeker estimates Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas reaches 100 to 1,000 listeners per episode. Only the publisher has exact numbers.
Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas typically books industry leaders. Typical guest background: Experienced instrumental music educators, band directors, composers, conductors, and recognized leaders with practical expertise or distinctive results in music education. Common among recent guests: Leadership of substantial school or youth music programs; Recognized contributions to middle school or instrumental music education; Commissioning or creating music for young ensembles. Recent guests include Cristian Mcelaru, Darcy Vogt Williams, and Cheryl Floyd.
Medium. Guests usually need solid credentials in the topic and an idea that fits the show.
Recent episodes cover Education, Music Education, Band Directing, Rehearsal Techniques, and School Bands. Pitch an idea tied to one of these topics and mention a recent episode.
Publicly listed emails
mwhite@makemusic.com
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