Tag Archives: rehearsal

Drums and Public School Music Teachers Part 2 of 2 (with Guest Host, Shaun Rodgers) Ep041

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:02:47 — 57.7MB)

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In the 2nd half of our interview, we continue our conversation with Shaun Rodgers.  In part 1 we talked a lot about Shauns current projects and teaching music in the Virginia public school system, and in part 2 we talk about the University of Maryland’s music department and about drum kits.  Shaun is a former colleague and bandmate of hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray, playing drums in their original band, the Kairos Quintet.
Shaun graduated from the University of Maryland’s music department, and we ask him to detail his experience.  He tells us about his reasons for choosing the University of Maryland, the teachers (many of whom perform with the National Symphony), the amazing music facilities on campus, the classes, and the overall vibe of the school.
We dive into the world of drum kits.  Shaun explains his different kits, and how he chooses which one to use for each gig.  We discuss drumming techniques, choosing drum sticks, snare drums, the sounds of different drums based on the types of wood that they are made from, electric drum kits, and hand drums.
Shaun currently plays in several bands around Northern Virginia including:
–  Broken Ground Band: a 1990s/early 2000s cover band (www.brokengroundband.com)
–  Half Pint Harry: a band featuring tiny instruments (www.halfpintharry.com)
–  FarAway: an acoustic duo (plus drums) (www.farawaysongs.com)

Drums and Public School Music Teachers Part 1 of 2 (with Guest Host, Shaun Rodgers) Ep040

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:04:06 — 44.2MB)

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Shaun Rodgers joins the show to talk about drumming, teaching music in the Virginia public school system, and the University of Maryland’s music department.  Shaun is a former colleague and bandmate of hosts Aaron Sefchick and Joe McMurray, playing drums in their original band, the Kairos Quintet.  The guys reminisce on the collaborative writing approach and overall professionalism of that band.
Shaun tells us about the different bands that he is currently playing in around Northern Virginia including:
–  Broken Ground Band: a 1990s/early 2000s cover band (www.brokengroundband.com)
–  Half Pint Harry: a band featuring tiny instruments (www.halfpintharry.com)
–  FarAway: an acoustic duo (plus drums) (www.farawaysongs.com)
Shaun tells us about life as a general music teacher in the Virginia public school system.  He teaches Kindergarten through 6th grade and although it can sometimes be exhausting, Shaun points to the beauty of having a full-time salaried position in the musical realm.  We discuss why he is choosing to teach younger kids versus older kids (no after school programs!), semester planning, “Standards of Learning” (SOL), teaching young kids how to “school,”  teaching recorder in public schools, and the usefulness of the piano and guitar for teaching.
We then talk about melodic drumming, a topic that we have discussed in the past with Joe Hamm of El Sistema in Episode 038.  Shaun, who has an incredible ear, tells us about his past ear training and how it helps him to sing harmonies.  We also talk about the importance of designated listening for ourselves and our students.

Concerts and Music Festivals Ep032

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Aaron and Joe delve deep into their memory banks as they share tales from the many concerts and music festivals they have experienced. As a musician it is incredibly important that you attend live shows: it fuels your passion for making your own music, it helps you learn how to build set-lists to hold an audience, it’s FUN, and so much more.

The guys talk about seeing bands like Rush, Big Something, Dave Matthews, Tom Petty, the Black Crowes, Metallica, Megadeath, Blink 182, Tedeschi Trucks, Pat Metheny, the Yellowjackets, Tito Puente, Mark Whitfield, Mike Stern, Bon Jovi, Jeff Healey, Pearl Jam, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Hootie & The Blowfish, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Phish, Umphrey’s McGee, Jack White, Kanye West, Elton John, the Black Keys, Joe Bonamassa, Paul McCartney, Tori Amos, Iced Tea, Snoop Dog, Weezer, Stevie Nicks, Tool, Meshuggah, Yes, Gov’t Mule, Prince, Danzig, Suicidal Tendencies, Flaming Lips, Skrillix, John Butler Trio, Green Sky Bluegrass, Ween, Sublime, Incubus, Cake, and many more!!

When you see a live show you should keep in mind that the venue is going to dictate your experience. Often smaller venues provide a more intimate experience with the chance to really interact with the performers. Large arena concerts can be fun, but often the experience is dependent on your seats (pit vs. lawn, etc.) and the people you went with. The guys talk about specific venues from jazz clubs to warehouses to theaters to arenas.

Aaron talks about his experience at the Milwaukee Metal Fest. Joe talks about the differences between the music festivals he has attended, from Bonnaroo, Firefly, Lockn, All Points West, and many local festivals. Different vibes, different lineups, different camping situations, different experiences.

With so many different live music options available to us, there is no excuse to not get out there and see a show! Support your local musicians, experience a new genre of music, try camping out at a festival, or crowd surf for the first time (make sure your phone is in a secure pocket).

Classical Guitar (with Guest Host, Nick Lee) Ep023

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:09:11 — 47.7MB)

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In today’s episode we talk about the cross-over of jazz and classical guitar, Andrés Segovia’s role in the classical guitar, getting work as a classical guitarist, why classical guitar isn’t as popular, what to look for when buying a classical guitar(woods, strings), nail upkeep and angle, a funny nail story, calluses, where to start when interested in classical guitar, different exercises and books to consume, players to check out, and alternate tuning.

Thank you to Nick Lee…

 

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Art is What You Can Get Away With Ep009

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 57:36 — 39.8MB)

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On today’s episode of Fret Buzz, Aaron, Joe, and Tony delve into what it means to truly live and work as an artist in a modern world. They compare today’s expectations of artists to those of years past, and share their own experiences with learning about how to make art that resonates with people on a deep level. Stories and insights abound, so get on your smocks, open new project files, and ink your quills, as the guys chew on everything art.

Today’s episode of Fret Buzz was inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci, Jimi Hendrix, and the Muses of Ancient Greece.

Let’s Band Together Ep008

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 53:49 — 36.9MB)

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In this episode, Aaron, Joe, and Tony deliver their hard-earned insights into that crown jewel of musicianship: the band. They dig into best and worst band experiences, effective collaboration, proper preparation of material, best “etiquette”, and so much more. All comments in this episode were voted on and approved in a democratic manner by a committee of serious and dedicated rockers at Fret Buzz Headquarters.