Welcome to Fem Forte!

Episodes

May 17, 2024

Empowering Girls Through Music: Creating Athena Camp with Myra Rhoden

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Myra Rhoden, the Fine Arts Department Chairperson and Band Director at Fayette County High School in Georgia. Dr. Rhoden shares her inspiring journey into music education, highlighting th...

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March 23, 2024

Live Taping: Celebrating Women's History Month with Texas A&M Kingsvi…

Welcome back, listeners! As we celebrate Women’s History Month. In this special episode, we're taking it back to where it all began – my alma mater, Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Joined by fellow Javelinas on the panel, ...

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Dec. 15, 2023

Forging Your Own Path with Trish Cornett, Lauren Ryals, Jennifer Lese…

In this special live taping of Fem Forte, we had the privilege of addressing hundreds of students at the Incomparable Marching Workshop held at West Chester University. Our panel of remarkable women, Trish Cornett, Shirley Do...

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Dec. 8, 2023

The Road to the Blue Man Group World Tour with Kaylie Brooke and Jame…

Did you know the Blue Man Group actually doesn't include just men? Kaylie Brooke and Jamese Moses are trailblazers in the world of entertainment, making history as part of the first inaugural all-women cast of "The Musician" ...

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Dec. 1, 2023

Beyond the Sticks: Women in Percussion with Sandi Rennick, Lauren Tee…

We're bringing you a unique treat: our very first live taping at the Girls March camp in the vibrant heart of Houston, Texas.This episode holds a special place in our hearts because it allowed us to sit down with some …

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Nov. 24, 2023

Creating Girls March with Raychel Taylor

Imagine walking into a drumline or front ensemble audition and only seeing other girls there. It may be tough to picture. Raychel Taylor has become a visionary leader in the world of percussion and her deep passion for empowe...

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Nov. 17, 2023

Women in Brass with Amanda Petro

In this episode, we delve into two essential topics: the importance of representation, particularly for women in brass, and the role of inclusivity in the music world. Amanda Petro sheds light on the strides being made to cre...

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Nov. 10, 2023

Music Marketing 101: Utilizing TikTok for Creative Entrepreneurship w…

Get ready for one of our favorite episodes with Kirsten Haddox (@kirstenoboe), a Pittsburgh-based oboist, content creator, and marketing pro. Kirsten's online presence is a captivating blend of music career guidance, oboe cov...

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Nov. 3, 2023

The Art of Growth and Reimagining Artistry with Ellie Morrison

Today we dive into the world of utilizing passion for the arts in non-traditional and unconventional ways, exploring how Ellie Morrison has crafted her own unique path in the realm of creativity and content creation. We also ...

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Oct. 27, 2023

Developing Confidence as a First-Year Teacher with Sammi Rogers

This episode is a must-listen for everyone. Whether you're a music teacher, a band director, a devoted drum corps or indoor percussion fan, or a student considering a future in music education, there's something in this conve...

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Oct. 20, 2023

From Audiologist to World-Class Visual Designer with Lindsey Schueller

Lindsey Schueller is known for her talent and incredible impact of visual design in the world of the marching arts. In this episode, Lindsey shares her profound passion for visual design, exploring the driving forces and insp...

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Sept. 15, 2023

From Notes to Noteworthy: Navigating the Music Industry through Effec…

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of the music and arts industry, exploring the essential strategies for self-promotion that can take your career to the next level. Whether you're an aspiring student looking to bre...

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Aug. 25, 2023

Fem Forte Special Edition: 2023 UDB Tour Fee Giveaway Finalists

Ever wondered what it would be like to compete in an obstacle course on the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for a chance to win scholarship money for marching drum corps? On this episode, I talk with 2023 Ultimate Drill …

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Aug. 4, 2023

Embracing Vulnerability: Empowering Young Minds through Mistakes with…

Whether you're an educator, a musician, or simply someone seeking growth and connection, this episode will resonate deeply with you. Join us as we learn from Jennifer Hanford, Head Band Director at James Bowie HS, and her wisdom and passion …

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July 28, 2023

Beyond Labels: Equality in Excellence with Kendall Santos

Kendall Santos has established herself as a visionary leader in her band program, and during this episode, we delve into the significance of leadership in creating your band program. She shares her insights on fostering a pos...

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July 21, 2023

Leaving Your Legacy in Your Band Program with Cori Swan

Creating a safe and uplifting environment in any educational program is crucial, and Cori sheds light on the strategies she employs to foster collaboration, respect, and camaraderie among her students. We also discuss the sig...

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July 14, 2023

Work-Life Balance as a Band Director with Jana Harvey

Work-Life balance is one of the toughest things to navigate especially in the music education space. In this episode, I sit down with Jana Harvey from Flower Mound HS to discuss on how she has maintained a healthy mindset and...

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July 7, 2023

Women in Percussion with Brittany Baptista

Women representation in the drumming and percussion world is steadily growing year over year but there's still a lot of work that needs to be done. Brittany Baptista and I talk about our experiences being the only woman in ou...

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June 30, 2023

More than a Competition with Katie VanDoren

Regardless of fancy awards and high rankings, the impact left on students is the heart of a program's success. In this episode, I am joined by Katie VanDoren, Director of Bands at Vandegrift High School where we explore the t...

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June 29, 2023

Fem Forte Trailer

It's finally here! Welcome to Fem Forte--your new favorite source for inspiring interviews with female music educators and performers. If you're excited for what's to come, help us get the word out by sharing a screenshot of ...

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June 23, 2023

Finding Your Voice as a Teacher with Caitlin Wolf

Explore how learning from our own missteps and teaching with a distinctive voice shapes our exceptional journey. Tune in now for insights that inspire individuality and innovation in education.

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June 16, 2023

The Importance of Empowering Young Women in Music with Dr. Elizabeth …

We talk about the importance of creating a safe space in music for young women to feel empowered and thrive as individuals and how creating an all-women based camp can impact the future generation.

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June 9, 2023

What is Fem Forte?

It's finally here! Welcome to episode one of Fem Forte-- a podcast where we celebrate women in music and performing arts. Learn about the "why" behind Fem Forte as host Amanda DeFrees sits down with Luke and Josh Gall from …

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