Take Notes with Balmages and Bernotas

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 ensemble culture. She challenges directors to stop demonizing school administrators, transition from top-down podium dictation to student-centered engagement, and adjust the physical tension that holds many conductors back on the podium.

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 down his unique score study philosophy, explains why he treats youth orchestras with the exact same artistic rigor as world-class professional ensembles, and relives the chaotic behind-the-scenes drama of conducting in a torrential downpour at the 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony.

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-changing strategies for early-year pacing, building trust, and setting firm boundaries for long-term career sustainability that are relevant for any music educator.

In 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 the Jersey Shore. Between jokes about "vodcasts" and "mini-pods," the duo pulls back the curtain on major new product launches from Alfred Music and MakeMusic, including HybridNow, Marvel Foundations, Sound Innovations 2nd Edition, and Center Stage. They also officially open up submissions for Season 2 Q&A via their dedicated hotline and community channels.

In 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 the Jersey Shore. Between jokes about "vodcasts" and "mini-pods," the duo pulls back the curtain on major new product launches from Alfred Music and MakeMusic, including HybridNow, Marvel Foundations, Sound Innovations 2nd Edition, and Center Stage. They also officially open up submissions for Season 2 Q&A via their dedicated hotline and community channels.