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The Brass Junkies

The Brass Junkies, hosted by former Boston Brass tuba player Andrew Hitz and a rotating cast of characters, features interviews with the best and brightest brass players in the world. Subject matter includes everything from the serious to the ridiculous, just like the music business.
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Apr 28, 2023

Andrew is joined by three phenomenal euphonium players, Jamie Lipton, John Caputo and Betsy Hones, to talk all NABBA and the British-style brass band scene in the US.
Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Apr 13, 2023

Trumpet player Jeff Conner of Boston Brass joined Andrew for a session on building a world-class chamber ensemble at the Brass Career Intensive. Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Mar 30, 2023

Horn player and very-soon-to-be Doctor Kelly Langenberg joins Andrew and special guest co-host Jeff Nelsen of Canadian Brass to talk about horn and the challenges of being a female brass player.
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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Mar 16, 2023

Phenomenal trombonist Zenas Kim-Banther joins Andrew and special guest co-host Jim Nova to talk about trombone and horses.
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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Mar 3, 2023

Jazz trombone legend John Fedchock joins Andrew and guest co-host, former Brass Junkies guest, and John's wife Jennifer Wharton to talk about his amazing career that spans over four decades.

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.brassjunkies.com

Feb 17, 2023

International euphonium sensastion Glenn Van Looy joins Andrew and guest host Hiram Diaz from Switzerland to discuss his career as one of the most in-demand euphonium soloists in the world.

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.brassjunkies.com

Feb 2, 2023

Horn legend Marty Hackleman takes us behind the scenes for the Empire Brass recording session for their album Class Brass.

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media

https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Jan 19, 2023

A clip from each Brass Junkies interview of 2022 along with some brief thoughts on each.

  • TBJ180 Matt Neff of the North Carolina Symphony on getting incredibly nervous in auditions, even two decades into his professional career (2:51)
  • TBJ181 Kevin Newton of Imani Winds on his mental approach to auditions (7:44)
  • TBJ182 Jeff Curnow of The Philadelphia Orchestra on Rolf Smedvig setting the tone for Empire Brass concerts (9:45)
  • TBJ184 International tuba phenom Sergio Carolino on staying away from negative people (11:24)
  • TBJ185 Sylvia Alimena, formerly of the National Symphony Orchestra, on why it's never too early to talk about artistry with students (13:23)
  • TBJ186 Beth Wiese of Appalachian State University on how musicians don’t control much but do control how they approach a piece of music (14:40)
  • TBJ187 Jack Burt of the University of Maine on the concept of any performance being just a snapshot (17:28)
  • TBJ188 Joe Dollard, retired Navy Band, on making the case for strengthening the connection between your singing voice and your playing (19:36)
  • TBJ190 Kevin Gebo of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on the importance of listening (21:43)
  • TBJ191 Steve Lange of the Boston Symphony Orchestra on the breakthrough he had after experiencing a real low point early on in his career (23:31)
  • TBJ192 William Russell of Boston Brass on the intense moment in a lesson with Mike Roylance that really impacted him (27:01)
  • TBJ193 Billy Hunter of the Metropolitan Opera on using his imagination to help him perform at his best  (30:30)
  • TBJ194 Natalie Mannix of the University of North Texas on the benefits of using a Pomodoro timer when practicing (32:32)
  • TBJ195 Jasmine Pigott on overcoming a less than encouraging teacher early in her career and how she went about learning to improvise (35:41)
  • TBJ196 Christopher Davis on the mindset he brings to subbing with orchestras around the world (38:31)
  • TBJ197 Jonathan Fowler of West Chester University on the importance of regularly checking in with yourself to make sure your goals are still your goals (40:57)
  • TBJ198 Terry Bingham, formerly of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own", on his ability to morph to match any style or any musician and credits listening to lots of different music (43:00)
  • TBJ200 Lance LaDuke, formerly of a lot of things, on being too stupid to quit (45:11)
  • TBJ201 Joe Burgstaller or Arizona State University on teaching students improvisation using a theater technique (48:02)
  • TBJ202 Andrew Dougherty of the U.S. Army Band "Pershing's Own" on exactly how organized he has been for the three professional auditions he has won to date (52:13)
  • TBJ203 Bruce Faske of Arkansas State University on losing his father and how all we have is today (52:23)
  • TBJ204 Pete Sullivan of the Pittsburgh Symphony on the legendary Charles Dutoit messing with Pete's head in his first year with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra (58:02)
  • TBJ205 Kevin Harrison of Axiom Brass on his former teacher, Floyd Cooley, never quitting on him when he was at a difficult point in his life (1:05:10)

Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Jan 5, 2023

Trumpet superstar Rex Richardson joins the show to talk about his new book, 100 Days of Trumpet Practice, and to offer practicing tips for all brass players.

Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► http://www.brassjunkies.com

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/

Dec 22, 2022

The latest installment of the Brass Legacy Project celebrates the life of former Principal Tuba of the San Francisco Symphony Floyd Cooley.

Special guests:

  • Kevin Harrison - Axiom Brass
  • Daryl Johnson - Louisville Symphony Orchestra
  • Pete Link - Kyoto Symphony Orchestra
  • Mike Roylance - Boston Symphony Orchestra
  • William Russell - Boston Brass
  • Jerome Stover - Sam Houston State University

Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/the-brass-junkies-podcast/

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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
#BrassJunkies #AndrewHitz #FloydCooley #Tuba #SanFranciscoSymphony #MikeRoylance #WilliamRussell #JeromeStover #PeteLink #DarylJohnson #KevinHarrison

Dec 8, 2022

Principal Trombone of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Pete Sullivan joins Andrew along with special guest co-host Jim Nova for Episode 204 of The Brass Junkies.

Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/the-brass-junkies-podcast/

Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jens/
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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
#BrassJunkies #AndrewHitz 

Nov 24, 2022
Andrew is joined by friends to share what they're grateful for!
 
For the annual episode giving thanks, Andrew is joined by five friends of the show:
 
► Shelagh Abate - The Horn Queen of Broadway
► Jack Burt - Professor of Trumpet at the University of Maine
► Bruce Faske - Professor of Trombone at Arkansas State University
► Kevin Gebo - Trumpet for The United States Army Brass Quintet
► Geoff Pilkington - Principal Horn of the Kennedy Center Opera Orchestra
 
 
The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
Nov 10, 2022

Andrew Dougherty joins TBJ for a special Winning the Audition!
Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/the-brass-junkies-podcast/

Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jens/
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The Brass Junkies is hosted and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
#BrassJunkies #AndrewHitz 

Oct 25, 2022

Joe Burgstaller joins special co-host Chris Martin to talk all things trumpet!
Become a Patron ► https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies/
Show Notes ► https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/the-brass-junkies-podcast/

Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/pray4jens/
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The Brass Junkies is hosted by and produced by Andrew Hitz for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
#BrassJunkies #AndrewHitz 

Sep 27, 2022

Andrew and Lance answer MORE listener questions | TBJ199
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The Brass Junkies is hosted by Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke and is produced by Will Houchin for Pedal Note Media
https://www.pedalnotemedia.com/
#BrassJunkies #AndrewHitz #LanceLaDuke

Dec 22, 2020

TBJ153: Dave Krehbiel on his new book, “Through the door: A Horn-Player’s Journey”, performance anxiety, dyslexia, and staying in the moment.

You can find show notes, links and this episode’s Easter eggs on the Pedal Note Media website: http://www.pedalnotemedia.com/tbj/blog/tbj153-dave-kriehbiel

For instant access to the complete back catalog of exclusive bonus content including extra interviews with guests, additional content from Lance and Andrew like the Music Practice Coach Show and the Jacobs Quotes Podcast, become a Patreon patron of the show today: https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies.

Dec 8, 2020

Chanell Crichlow on career diversity, musicians as artists, and how to develop production chops. 

You can find show notes, links and this episode’s Easter eggs on the Pedal Note Media website: http://www.pedalnotemedia.com/tbj/blog/tbj152-chanell-crichlow-2

For instant access to the complete back catalog of exclusive bonus content including extra interviews with guests, additional content from Lance and Andrew like the Music Practice Coach Show and the Jacobs Quotes Podcast, become a Patreon patron of the show today: https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies.

Jun 26, 2018

TBJ88: St. Louis Symphony trumpeter Jeff Strong on preparation, playing with the Marine Band and having an air blowing epiphany.

Jeffrey Strong of the St. Louis Symphony and formerly of the “President’s Own” US Marine Band, joined Andrew & Lance to detail his current gig, playing Taps in inclement weather and what he learned from Chris Martin.

In this fun and lively conversation, we cover:

  • Blitzstein opera, Regina
  • Finishing 3rd season with the SLSO
  • Played in The President’s Own Marine Band
  • Ficus tree story
  • Played in the Civic Orchestra while studying at Northwestern
  • Playing with Mike Martin and Thomas Siders
  • Other rockstars in the Northwestern trumpet studio while he was there
  • Festive Overture
  • Playing under Mallory Thompson
  • What it’s like to play Taps at Arlington Ceremony
  • Getting punched in the gut by The Bathroom Fairy
  • Playing ceremonies in various weather conditions
  • Preparing for high pressure situations
  • Jimmy Doolittle funeral
  • Preparing for the St. Louis Symphony audition
  • Chris Martin preparation style as a model
  • Being methodical, considering as many variables as possible
  • Mark Lawrence, “If its hard to do, you’re probably doing it wrong.”
  • Working on jazz as a young player
  • Being a musical chameleon/matching sound
  • The importance of being analytical
  • Air blowing epiphany
  • Keeping notes/journaling to help keep track of progress and problems
  • Problem is usually related to how something feels vs. how something sounds
  • Playing with (and sleeping on the floor of) Achilles Liarmakopoulos of the Canadian Brass
  • Quote board
  • Playing in the St. Louis Symphony
  • Open up the capillaries
  • Two goat theory

LINKS:

Want to help the show? Here are some ways:

  • Help others find the show by leaving a rating and review on iTunes.
  • Show us some love on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
  • Help us pay the bills (and get regular bonus episodes!) by becoming a Patreon patron.
  • Show some love to our sponsors: The brass program at The Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University and Parker Mouthpieces (including the Andrew Hitz and Lance LaDuke models.)
  • Tell your friends!

Expertly produced by Will Houchin with love, care, and enthusiasm.

Aug 2, 2016

Andy Balio, Principal Trumpet of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra join Andrew & Lance in a fascinating and far reaching conversation. From his time with some of the greatest orchestra on the planet to the four years he spent at an ashram, Andy's story is endlessly fascinating. We also cover his role at the Future Symphony Institute and talk about many of the issues facing professional orchestras today. Oh, and there are sheep. Like, a lot of sheep. 

 

Links:

Website

BSO Bio

Future Symphony Institute

 

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass.

Apr 26, 2016

Matt Vaughn, Co-Principal Trombone with the Philadelphia Orchestra sits down with Andrew & Lance in a fun and wide-ranging conversation. Matt talks not only about his highly successful career, but about what it is like being a twin, what he listens for in auditions and what it was like to take on the role of Mother Teresa in Air Force Basic Training.

Oh, and he once played a gig at Cedar Point with his pants down. Allegedly.

Links:

Matt's Website

Philadelphia Orchestra bio

Book: No More Mr. Nice Guy

Book: The New Toughness Training for Sports

Book: The Inner Game of Tennis

TED Talk: Power Posing

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass

Apr 12, 2016

Chad Winkler, fourth/utility trumpet with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra joins Andrew & Lance in person in front of an audience at Duquesne University.

From an early start as an award-winning pianist, to studies with his father, Chad explains what it took to win the gig of his dreams. Chad explains what it was like to study with his father at West Virginia University and (of course) gets into a lively hockey debate with Andrew. The term “puck the face” may or may not have been used repeatedly. You have been warned.

Links:

PSO Biography

Personal Website

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass.

Mar 29, 2016

Chris Castellanos, horn player from Boston Brass joins Andrew & Lance from Flower Mound, Texas, and explains that he (unlike Andrew & Lance) is not a quitter! From growing up in Las Vegas, to playing in the pit of “Phantom” well over 1,000 times and witnessing a flying trombone, Chris unpacks his versatile career.

He also details his time in three of the most popular brass quintets on the scene today, Boston Brass, Dallas Brass and (most importantly) the Orange Chicken Quintet. 

 

 

Links:

www.chriscastellanos.com

www.bostonbrass.com

YouTube Channel

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass.

Mar 15, 2016

Brass legend Dan Perantoni, Provost Professor of Tuba at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, joins Andrew & Lance to discuss how he initially dreamed of being a jazz pianist. Thankfully for all of us, he ended up participating in nearly every important milestone in the development of nearly every important milestone in tuba-dom in the last 50 years. Dan shares stories about Harvey Phillips, Rich Matteson, Don Knaub and the St. Louis Brass Quintet. He explains how he got into Eastman on sousaphone, details his approach to playing and teaching and how he makes meatballs by the hundred and tomato sauce by the gallon.

This episode was “Stolen from Dan Perantoni.”

 

Links:

Indiana University bio

www.danielperantoni.com

St. Louis Brass

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass.

Mar 1, 2016

JD Shaw, Associate Professor of Horn at the University of South Carolina and former colleague (inmate) of Andrew & Lance in Boston Brass, becomes the first repeat guest. In March and April of 2016, JD, Andrew, Lance and pianist/composer/moonbat David Cutler will be joining forces for a series of concerts under the name "Cones and Tones." JD explains the genesis of the group, talks about the upcoming program and what it is like to write for the group.

Additionally, he talks about how the market for chamber music is changing, lists his favorite chamber groups and shares his take on the state of music training at the college level. There may or may not also be references to some infamous Boston Brass incidents.

 

Links:

JD's bio at the University of South Carolina

Buy some of JD's arrangements at Potenza Music

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass.

Feb 16, 2016

Colin Williams, newly tenured Associate Principal Trombone with the New York Philharmonic joins Andrew & Lance in a very frank and honest discussion about recovering from chop injury. Colin also sets Andrew's heart aflame, describing his experience playing w/Trey Anastasio from Phish, talks about what it is like working w/Joe Alessi (spoiler alert, it's pretty good), and his thoughts on what makes for effective orchestral management. 

Oh, and he hates wearing tails. Like a lot.

Links:

Colin's Page at NY Phil 

You can help offset the costs of producing the show by making a small donation at https://www.patreon.com/thebrassjunkies. Your support is greatly appreciated!

Produced by Austin Boyer of FredBrass.

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