050 - Hits, Flops, and The Essential Questions: A 50-Episode Retrospective
🎙️ Episode SynopsisIn this milestone 50th episode, Jen, Eric, and CJ celebrate four years of the Take A Cue podcast with a candid state of the union. The trio takes a break from their usual deep dives to check in on their own lives—covering everything from Eric’s transition away from marching band to CJ’s adventures as a first-year teacher with a 13-year-old polydactyl cat. They pull back the curtain on the podcast’s history, discussing which episodes struck a chord with listeners and which ideas floundered. The conversation also serves as a mid-year check-in on their current ensembles, featuring stories of classroom management blunders, sigma memes, and the repertoire currently on their music stands. The episode concludes with a series of Essential Questions designed to help music educators reflect on their own teaching practice and personal well-being.🎯 What You’ll Learn From This EpisodeThe Reality of the First Year: CJ shares the honest challenges of being a new teacher, from dealing with unhinged student lingo to navigating classroom management in a large beginner clarinet class. The Art of Moving On: Erik discusses the difficult but necessary decision to step away from a 22-year marching band career to find a better life balance. Repertoire in Action: Hear what the hosts are currently teaching, including pieces by Randall Standridge, Laura Estes, and Peter Sciaino.Podcast Post-Mortem: Insights into what makes a successful podcast episode and the value of learning from the segments that didn't quite land.Professional Self-Reflection: A guide to the Essential Questions every music teacher should ask themselves regarding student service, personal growth, and identity outside of school. 🔗 Resources & MentionsRepertoire Mentioned:Groovy 8 by Randall Standridge Binary 0101 by Laura Estes After Dark (Swing arrangement) Cold Duck Time (Funk head) Playground Parade (Recommended for elementary groups) CJam Blues (Jazz improvisation) Max Aura Lee (An "Accents on Achievement" adaptation) Educational Tools:Essential Elements Method Books Accents on Achievement Method Books Takadimi Rhythm System People & Other Mentions:Peter Sciaino: Composer (featured in Episode 49) Michelle Matten: Retiring colleague at Harrison School The "67 Meme": A social media trend utilized for rhythm training Livingston Symphony Orchestra South Orange Performing Arts Center (SOPAC)Find Take A CueHome: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...Support: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/sh...Instagram: / Facebook:
