Behind the Baton
Candid conversations with today’s most influential band directors.
Candid conversations with today’s most influential band directors.
Episodes

Sep 21, 2025
Sunday Spark - September 21, 2025
Sep 21, 2025
Sep 21, 2025
3 min
People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures. ~Frederick M. Alexander
Sep 21, 2025
3 min

Sep 14, 2025
Sunday Spark - September 14, 2025
Sep 14, 2025
Sep 14, 2025
5 min
Bigger isn’t better. Better is better. ~Mike Goldman
Sep 14, 2025
5 min

Sep 1, 2025
Sunday Spark - September 1, 2025
Sep 1, 2025
Sep 1, 2025
4 min
Don't match the energy. Set the standard. ~Ryan Leak
Check out Ryan's podcast:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-ryan-leak-podcast/id1523090326?i=1000704276203
Sep 1, 2025
4 min

Aug 24, 2025
Sunday Spark - August 24, 2025
Aug 24, 2025
Aug 24, 2025
4 min
1. Show up on time.
2. Know the music.
3. Have an idea to share.
~adapted from Tom Hanks
Aug 24, 2025
4 min

Aug 17, 2025
Sunday Spark - August 17, 2025
Aug 17, 2025
Aug 17, 2025
3 min
The way we do one thing is how we do everything. ~Dr. Tim Laurzenhiser
Aug 17, 2025
3 min

Aug 12, 2025
Behind the Baton - Dr. Brad Persinger
Aug 12, 2025
Aug 12, 2025
31 min
Dr. Brad Persinger is the Director of Bands for the Decatur Community Schools in Oberlin, Kansas. He has taught in Kansas, Colorado, and Montana and in the fall of 2025 he will begin his 32nd year of teaching.In 2012, Brad was recognized as the Montana VFW Teacher of the Year and also received the Montana VFW Citizenship Education Award. In 2013, he was recognized as the VFW District 5 Teacher of the Year.
Connect with Dr. Persinger
Email
bpersinger@usd294.org
Aug 12, 2025
31 min

Aug 10, 2025
Sunday Spark - August 10, 2025
Aug 10, 2025
Aug 10, 2025
4 min
"Excellence is the culmination of thousands of details executed perfectly.” ~Will Guidara
Aug 10, 2025
4 min

Aug 5, 2025
Behind the Baton - Ethan Wagoner
Aug 5, 2025
Aug 5, 2025
32 min
Ethan Wagoner just completed his 10th year of teaching and serves as the Director of Bands at Derby Middle School, as well as an assistant band director at Derby High School in Derby, Kansas. In 2023, Ethan was selected as the Derby Public Schools secondary nominee for Kansas Teacher of the Year. He also was nominated and featured in School Band and Orchestra + Magazine as the Kansas representative for 50 Music Teachers who Make a Difference. In addition to teaching, Mr. Wagoner is an active composer and performer. Ethan is commissioned each year to compose and arrange works for marching bands throughout the state, and has composed numerous works for concert band and percussion ensemble. Ethan also performs regularly with the Wichita Wind Symphony.
Connect with Ethan Wagoner
Email
ethanwagonermusic@gmail.com
Website
https://www.ethanwagonermusic.com/
Aug 5, 2025
32 min

Candid Conversations
There is nothing quite like swapping stories with a fellow band director! As I have traveled around the midwest conducting honor bands, adjudicating festivals, and providing clinics for bands, I have had the good fortune to meet many amazing band directors and music educators.
These directors have inspired and encouraged me to be a better person, and because of that, I want you to hear their stories as well! I hope these interviews will add value to your life and capacity to your teaching endeavors.
Cheers!
~Shawn~



