Small Town Sound is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the power, passion, and impact of music programs in small schools and rural communities. Each episode features conversations with successful band directors who are proving that big achievements can come from small places. Through honest and inspiring interview, we explore their stories, challenges, and the creative strategies that have helped them build thriving programs. From innovative teaching methods to cultivating strong community support, Small Town Sound shines a spotlight on how these educators are doing big things in small schools and inspiring the next generation along the way.
NCHS Music has a lot to look forward to this year. The Jazz Band and Steel Pan Ensemble will have the opportunity to perform and present a clinic. The entire music program will present Frozen the Musical. and the Marching band will play in the Pearl Harbor parade in 2027
3 Aug 2026
Gerardo Loya
GerHead Band Director for Kaufman ISD. His career has taken him from the small town of Muleshoe to Monahans, Ferris, Castleberry, and now Kaufman, where he's continuing a tradition of excellence while shaping the next generation of musicians and leaders.
27 Jul 2026
Matt Martindale
Matt Martindale is the sole Director of Bands at Columbiana Middle School and Shelby County High School in rural Alabama. Since taking over the program in 2018, Matt has transformed it through innovative recruiting, community advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to making music education accessible to every student
20 Jul 2026
Zach Smith
Zach Smith is currently the band director at Waterloo High School in Waterloo, Illinois. He has experience teaching all ages of music students and brings a tremendous amount of energy to everything he does.
15 May 2026
Richard Crain
Richard Crain shares his infinite wisdom through 70+ years of music education. The passion that he speaks with and the love he has for teaches music is simply inspiring.
30 Apr 2026
Stan Mauldin
Stan Mauldin is a highly accomplished Texas band director and educator who retired from Seguin High School in 2020 after a distinguished career. He is known for building championship-caliber bands, notably transforming the Pecos High School band from "Worst to First Division" in 52 days. He was named executive director of the Phantom Regiment drum and bugle corps in 2020.
20 Apr 2026
Hannah Drake - Harrisburg High School
Hannah Drake share her experience at Harrisburg High School where she has built an outstanding concert band and theater program. Hannah shares what it was like being chosen to perform at Super State at the University of Illinois and Theatre Fest.
13 Apr 2026
Rodney Washburn-Retired band director from Wesclin Jr/Sr High School
A wonderful look into the long and successful career of Rodney Washburn. Longtime band director at Wesclin Jr/Sr High School in Trenton, Illinois. Rodney is an influence to many and a wealth of knowlede
6 Apr 2026
Murphysboro High School
Mr. Nick Williams talks about the Crimson Express and their path to success
1 Apr 2026
Okawville High School - Mr. Reed Recker talks about how he has led the Okawville Rockets to Success
Small Town Sound is a podcast dedicated to celebrating the power, passion, and impact of music programs in small schools and rural communities. Each episode features conversations with successful band directors who are proving that big achievements can come from small places. Through honest and inspiring interview, we explore their stories, challenges, and the creative strategies that have helped them build thriving programs. From innovative teaching methods to cultivating strong community support, Small Town Sound shines a spotlight on how these educators are doing big things in small schools and inspiring the next generation along the way.
26 Mar 2026
Nashville Community High School w/Steve Browne and Lea Hoock
Nashville Community High School has 350 students in a town of 3200 people. The music program has had about 20% of the student body enrolled in music for the last 25 years. They offer Band, Choir, Jazz Band, Jazz Choir, Steel Pan, Musical, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Marching Band, drumline, and various small ensembles throughout the year. The program has been taught by Steve Browne for the last 20 years but has recently added Ms. Lea Hoock as an assistant music director. During marching band they bring on one more person to help with color guard and other things. Her name is Mrs. Michele Goostree. The program has been featured at the Illinois Music Educator Convention three times and has played at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.
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