Montoya

Welcome to the newest series on Sketchbook titled, Yearbook. Listen to Jameil Brown and me take a look back at shows, contests, schools, eras, highlights, records, or whatever marching arts-related topic we decide we want to talk about. In this episode, we discuss the Leander Independent School District. Yearbook, w/Jameil Brown: Leander ISD

In 2019, the Ronald Reagan High School Marching Band from San Antonio, TX won the Bands of America San Antonio Super Regional for the third time with a record score of 97.30 winning outstanding visual performance and outstanding general effect with their show, ‘Secret World.’ After bursting onto the scene in 2000, the Reagan Rattler Band has won countless contests & Bands of America Regionals and placed in finals 5 times at the BOA Grand Nationals Championships in Indianapolis, IN., including two second-place finishes and one class AAA championship. The Reagan marching band has also been a consistent UIL State Marching Band finalist since 2004 and was selected to march in the 2018 rose parade in Pasadena, CA, and the 2019 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. In 2005 the Reagan Band was the recipient of the prestigious International Sudler Shield. The wind ensemble has also been a consistent TMEA state honor band finalist and was invited to perform at the 2018 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. In 1999 Ronald Reagan High School opened, splitting from the nationally-known Winston Churchill High School in the North East Independent School District, and the Ronald Reagan marching band began competing in the year 2000. Their 2000 production featured Smetana Fanfare by Karel Husa, Molto Ritmico & Lento for Brass, from Dance Movements by Philip Sparke, & original music by Mark Higginbotham. On October 7th in San Antonio’s Alamodome, the band placed 3rd in prelims and 3rd in finals at their very first BOA regional. And on November 4th at Alief Stadium in Houston, TX, the Reagan band placed 2nd in prelims winning their first caption in school history, outstanding general effect, and finished in 5th place in finals. Joining me today is Mark Chambers who was the director of bands for Ronald Reagan HS from 1999-2006, where he and his team became arguably the single largest driving force in spearheading a change in sound, visual, aesthetic, flow, design, and theatrics within TX marching band. On this episode of Storybook, we discuss The Ronald Reagan High School's 2000 production, “Perpetual Motion.” Storybook | "Perpetual Motion" - Ronald Reagan High School (2000), with Mark Chambers (Director of Bands, 1999-2006)

In 2019, the Vandegrift High School Marching Band from Austin, TX won the Bands of America Grand National Class 4A Championship sweeping all captions and was named Grand National Champion with a score of 97.18 winning the award for Outstanding General Effect with their show, ‘Aria: Queen of the Night.’ After bursting onto the scene in 2010, the Vandegrift Viper Band has won countless contests & Bands of America Regionals and has also been a consistent UIL State Marching Band finalist winning bronze in 2018, silver in 2015, and gold in 2013. In 2019 the Vandegrift Band was the recipient of the prestigious International Sudler Shield. The wind ensemble has also been a consistent TMEA state honor band finalist culminating in being named the 2018 TMEA 6A Honor Band. The Vandegrift wind ensemble was also invited to perform at the 2020 Midwest Band & Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, IL. In 2009 Vandegrift High School opened, splitting from the nationally-known Cedar Park High School in the Leander Independent School District, and the Vandegrift marching band began competing in their first year as a school. Their 2009 production featured "Finale, The Promise of Living from The Tender Land," and "Third Symphony" by Aaron Copland. On October 24th at Hays High School, the band placed 5th in prelims and 5th in finals, earning State Alternate, at their very first Area D Marching Contest. Joining me today is Jeremy Spicer who was the director of bands for Vandegrift HS from 2009-2014 and prior to his appointment at Vandegrift, he spent eight years as a member of the staff at Cedar Park High School. On this episode of Storybook, we discuss the Vandegrift High School's 2009 production, “Remembered.” Storybook | "Remembered" - Vandegrift High School (2009), with Jeremy Spicer (Director of Bands, 2009-2014)

“Proud, Loud, and Pleasing the Crowd.” This is the mantra of the Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle corps. And it’s safe to say that since 1938, the Scouts have consistently brought audiences to their feet with their entertainment-focused programs. And while the corps had won two DCI world championships, in 1975 & 1988, for some, it was the shows of the 1990s that really solidified the Madison Explorer Scouts as one of, if not the favorite corps in all of DCI. Whether you were an alum of the corps, had a friend or family member that marched the corps, or just a normal fan with or without ties to other drum corps, the Scouts of Madison, Wisconsin was the corps you were always excited to see. Fans didn’t leave their seats to get a hot dog or go to the restroom when the Green & White took the field. The Madison Scouts have had many crowd-pleasing shows throughout their history; we could fill an entire season of episodes focusing on each and every one of these shows. But perhaps no Scouts’ production is more loved than the 1995 production. This show has widely been considered one of the most entertaining drum corps shows of all time and for some, is the hands-down favorite. This opinion was in fact proven scientifically accurate with fans and alums voting the 1995 show as the winner of the 2020 Virtual Drums Along the Parade, with the 1998 championship show coming in 2nd. Joining me today is composer and arranger Scott Boerma, who was the brass composer & arranger for 20+ shows over a span of 4 decades! And who without a doubt I consider to be one of the "Four Horseman of DCI Arrangers.” If there was a Mount Rushmore for DCI Music Arrangers, his face would be one of the first 3 carved. Hey, I can’t seem too biased on these episodes! On this episode of Musicbook, we discuss the Madison Scouts’ 1995 production, “A Drum Corps Fan’s Dream: A Day in the Life of a Bullfighter.” https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/episodes/Musicbook--A-Drum-Corps-Fans-Dream-A-Day-in-the-Life-of-a-Bullfighter---Madison-Scouts-Drum--Bugle-Corps-1995--with-Scott-Boerma-Brass-Composer--Arranger-ekk4js

For almost a year now I've had a lot of fun interviewing designers, educators, & artists for my podcast, Sketchbook Podcast. Throughout that time there have been 40 guest interviews and two additional series; 'Matchbook' with Jen Barton & 'Sound Advice' with Erik Kosman. Over the last two weeks, I debuted two series; 'Musicbook,' which focused on The Cavaliers 2002 production, "Frameworks," with brass composer & arranger Richard Saucedo and 'Storybook,' which focused on The Cavaliers 2004 production, "007," with program coordinator Scott Koter. Today we continue the '-book' series with 'Dotbook.' My goal with this series is to discuss a show, production, or work and focus on the programming, design, and/or coordination aspect. I would talk with the programmer/coordinator and we could discuss the inspiration, process, edits, cuts, or any other behind the scenes aspects to the show. The first episode of 'Dotbook' focuses on The Cavaliers 2003 production, "Spin Cycle" and my guest is drill designer and visual coordinator Michael Gaines. For anyone out there wanting a more "inside baseball" look at the creative process behind that 2003 championship-worthy show, as well as some insight into Michael's process, you won't want to miss this! https://anchor.fm/sketchbookpodcast/episodes/Dotbook--Spin-Cycle---The-Cavaliers-Drum--Bugle-Corps-2003--with-Michael-Gaines-Drill-Designer--Visual-Coordinator-eju81u

For almost a year now I've had a lot of fun interviewing designers, educators, & artists for my podcast, Sketchbook Podcast. Throughout that time there have been 40 guest interviews and two additional series; 'Matchbook' with Jen Barton & 'Sound Advice' with Erik Kosman. Last week a third series debuted, 'Musicbook,' which focused on The Cavaliers 2002 production, "Frameworks," and featured brass composer & arranger Richard Saucedo. Today we continue the '-book' series with 'Storybook.' My goal with this series is to discuss a show, production, or work and focus on the programming, design, and/or coordination aspect. I would talk with the programmer/coordinator and we could discuss the inspiration, process, edits, cuts, or any other behind the scenes aspects to the show. The first episode of 'Storybook' focuses on The Cavaliers 2004 production, "007" and my guest is program coordinator Scott Koter. For anyone out there wanting a more "inside baseball" look at the creative process behind that 2004 championship show, as well as some insight into Scott's process, you won't want to miss this! Oh, and there is one more series that will be debuting later this month. If you are a creative, you won't want to miss any of these! Storybook | "007" - The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2004), with Scott Koter (Program Coordinator)

For almost a year now I've had a lot of fun interviewing designers, educators, & artists for my podcast, Sketchbook Podcast. Throughout that time there have been 40 guest interviews and two additional series; 'Matchbook' with Jen Barton & 'Sound Advice' with Erik Kosman. Today I am excited to debut a third series, 'Musicbook.' My goal with this series is to discuss a show, production, or work and focus on the music aspect. I would talk with the composer/arranger and we could discuss the music theory, inspiration, process, edits, cuts, or any other behind the scenes aspects to the music. The first episode of 'Musicbook' focuses on the 2002 The Cavaliers production, "Frameworks" and my guest is brass composer & arranger Richard Saucedo. For anyone out there wanting a more "inside baseball" look at the creative process behind that 2002 masterpiece, as well as some insight into Richard's process, you won't want to miss this! There are two more series that will be debuting later this month. If you are a creative, you won't want to miss any of these! Musicbook | "Frameworks" - The Cavaliers Drum & Bugle Corps (2002), with Richard Saucedo (Brass Composer & Arranger)

Sketchbook Podcast welcomes Daniel "Danpod" Valdez for the 1st annual Sketchie Awards where together they present nominations and winners for the 2019 marching band season. The Sketchies are awarded for performance, production, and design in marching band. For this first year, a small group of marching band fans, designers, commentators, & bloggers from all over geographically voted for and nominated bands from all over the country. This is NOT a Bands of America Grand Nationals only award show. If your band performed and one of our voters saw you live or on video, you were eligible to be nominated. The First Annual Sketchie Awards, w/Dan Valdez

Greetings all! For those that don't know, I started a podcast last year called Sketchbook. It's described as "A discussion about inspiration and process, with artists, creators, and designers." I have had band directors, designers, audio engineers, and others on the podcast up till this point. But I wanted to let everyone know that Dr. Brad Kent came on the podcast and Part 1 of his episode released today! Ep. 16, Part 1: Dr. Brad Kent As is custom on the podcast, the first third is a personal profile. We talk about food, sports, life, etc. and we discuss Dr. Kent's education and teaching experience. And we dive into his role as State Director of Music at the UIL. Then we really dig into Concert & Sight-Reading and the Prescribed Music List! Dr. Kent was very forthcoming with all the questions and he shed lots of light on the process, committees, and how changes are made. If you haven't listened to the podcast before, I assure you that Dr. Kent's episodes are not to be missed! Next week Part 2 releases which focuses entirely on marching band. This is a great warm-up for his presentation at TMEA on the new State Marching Band Contest sheets. Sketchbook Podcast can be found on Apple Podcast, Spotify, and wherever you download your podcasts. Thanks and happy listening!

2019 was a great year for Mike Howard and the Vandegrift HS Band program. In February the Vandegrift HS Wind Ensemble performed their 6a State Honor Band Concert in San Antonio, TX at TMEA. In the summer, Howard and Paul Pape won their division in the Texas Water Safari. In November the Vandegrift marching band won the Bands of America Class 4A championship and is the Grand National Champion. Finally, in December the Vandegrift Band was awarded the 2019 Sudler Shield, an international award recognizing high school, you, and international marching bands of world class excellence. Listen to Mike talk about all of this and more in his episode of Sketchbook Podcast! Ep. 14: Mike Howard (Vandegrift HS)

Welcome to the newest series on Sketchbook titled, Sound Advice. Listen to Erik Kosman and I discuss all things related to audio as it pertains to music, pageantry, and production. In this episode, Erik and I break down the ins and the outs of this past weekend's 2020 DCI Rules Congress! Sound Advice, w/Erik Kosman - 2020 DCI Rules Congress

Welcome to the newest series on Sketchbook titled, Sound Advice. Listen to Erik Kosman and I discuss all things related to audio as it pertains to music, pageantry, and production. In this episode, we discuss the 2020 DCI Rules Change Proposals that are audio related. Sound Advice, w/Erik Kosman: 2020 DCI Audio Rules Change Proposals

My Christmas gift to every(one) is the newest episode of Sketchbook Podcast featuring Dan Morrison! Be sure to loop this insight into the secret world of the Ronald Reagan Band and learn that’s it not always us vs them, but more often than not, it’s one love. Sketchbook, Ep. 11: Dan Morrison (Ronald Reagan HS)

Welcome to another segment of Sketchbook called Matchbook where Jen Barton and I set the band world on fire with our hot takes! You may remember Jen Barton and me from the highest-rated drum corps & fashion related show on FloMarching, Taking the Field. Or the wonderfully entertaining 4th episode of Sketchbook found here on Anchor & wherever you listen to your podcasts. Today we are rethinking the Bands of America Grand National Championship experience! Matchbook, w/Jen Barton: Rethinking the Grand Nationals Experience

Welcome to another segment of Sketchbook called Matchbook where Jen Barton and I set the band world on fire with our hot takes! You may remember Jen Barton and me from the highest-rated drum corps & fashion related show on FloMarching, Taking the Field. Or the wonderfully entertaining 5th episode of Sketchbook found on Anchor & wherever you listen to your podcasts. Today we are talking about the 2019 Bands of America Grand National Championship! Part 1 (Overview & Non-Finalists) Part 2 (9th-12th place) Part 3 (5th-8th place) Part 4 (1st-4th place)