Welcome to Fem Forte!

Season 1

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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