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WHAT IS THE BAND ROOM?

In 2017, founder and host Dylan Maddix, found himself overwhelmed with unemployment and decided to put his “extra” time to good use. Through his yearning to share his love of band music and its people, he started The Band Room Podcast.
 

Alas...something, or someone was missing! In 2021, composer Cait Nishimura joined the BRP team as co-host and the two have been changing the world one episode at a time ever since!
 

Each week they host conductors, composers, music educators and performers who are forging a way forward in our band world. Dylan and Cait also go solo exploring topics of music education, conducting, composition, entrepreneurship and more. 

MEET THE TEAM

DYLAN ROOK MADDIX
 FOUNDER & HOST

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Originally from Summerside, Prince Edward Island, Dr. Dylan Rook Maddix is Assistant Professor of Instrumental Conducting and Community Engagement at Memorial University in St. John’s, NL, where he conducts the Memorial University Wind Ensemble and teaches undergraduate and graduate conducting. Prior to this appointment, he served as Professor of Music and head of wind and brass studies at Cambrian College in Sudbury, Ontario, where he conducted the wind ensemble, taught music theory, wind/brass methods, and pedagogy courses. He also served on the conducting faculty of Laurentian University.

 

Maddix received his Bachelor of Music from Mount Allison University, a Master of Music (Trumpet Performance) from the University of Toronto, and completed his Doctorate of Musical Arts (Conducting) from Arizona State University.

 

Maddix enjoys a diverse career as a dynamic and engaging musician, performing with artists such as Sarah McLachlan, Roger Hodgson of Supertramp, The Video Games Live Orchestra, Johnny Reid, The Broadway Tenors, Hannaford Street Silver Band, Toronto Concert Orchestra, Hogtown Brass Quintet and Vox Aeris Trio.

 

He has given masterclasses at the University of Toronto, Western University, Acadia University, Mount Allison University, and McMaster University. He also has served as the conducting/music consultant for Netflix’s Umbrella Academy and Global TV’s Private Eyes.
 

 

 

CAIT NISHIMURA
HOST

CAIT NISHIMURA (she/her) is a Canadian composer, songwriter, and music educator based in Toronto. Known for writing melody-driven, programmatic music, Cait has quickly established herself as a prominent voice in the concert band community. With influences from minimalism and pop music, her work is full of simple yet lush harmonies, and themes that linger in listeners’ minds. A lifelong nature-lover, she draws inspiration from the beauty of the natural world and aims to transport listeners to the landscapes she writes about.

 

Cait’s music has become increasingly popular among middle and high school music programs, and new works are regularly commissioned by ensembles and individuals around the world. Her music has been presented at The Midwest Clinic, MusicFest Canada, and numerous other conferences and festivals across North America. In 2019, the Ontario Band Association commissioned her work Intrinsic Light in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Ontario Music Educators Association. Her best-selling piece Chasing Sunlight was the winner of the 2017 Canadian Band Association’s composition competition. 

Cait is committed to presenting contemporary concert music that is approachable, relevant, and enjoyable for all. Before transitioning to a full-time career as a composer, she taught instrumental music and continues to prioritize and advocate for the value of music education.

Cait is equally comfortable behind the pencil and on the podium, and actively seeks opportunities to connect personally with the communities for whom she writes. Her charismatic, personable nature makes her a highly sought-after guest artist in the classroom, on stage, and on screen. She is passionate about setting a positive example for future generations of musicians through her creative work, her social media presence, and her dedication to increasing awareness about mental health and environmentalism.

 

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Cait holds undergraduate degrees in music and education from the University of Toronto, but is an advocate of people pursuing their passions regardless of their field of study. Outside of her work in the “classical” realm, Cait enjoys pushing her creative boundaries through writing and performing original pop songs, and is recording her first album. All of Cait’s concert works are self-published under Cait Nishimura Music and are distributed by Murphy Music Press, LLC

WANT TO HELP? DONATE TO BRP!

Want to help support BRP? You can donate and become a patron on our Patreon page. Your contributions will help me travel (after the pandemic) for more interviews, purchase better equipment, and allow me the time and resources to do the work I love to do. My goal is to expand my output, developing resources for music students and music teachers, ensuring that the podcast has a future. Thank you so much for listening to BRP and for your support into the future!

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THANKS TO OUR PATREON SUPPORTERS

($10 a month and above) 

Arquin Abaya

Dr. Ellen Lockhart

Dr. Gillian MacKay

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY THE
CANADIAN BAND ASSOCIATION

We are excited to partner with the Canadian Band Association, welcoming them as a sponsor of The Band Room Podcast! Both Dylan and Cait have benefitted from the programming of the CBA/provincial chapters and are looking forward to sharing these resources and events with our listeners, even if you're not Canadian! From participating in the National Youth Band of Canada, to conducting symposia, the Canadian Winds Journal, Howard Cable Memorial Prize in Composition and much more! 
 

Learn more about the CBA by visiting: https://www.canadianband.org/

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INTERPROVINCIAL MUSIC CAMP

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We are excited to welcome the Interprovincial Music Camp (IMC), as a sponsor of The Band Room Podcast!
 

As Canada’s most comprehensive music camp IMC offers specialized camps for all levels of Band, Orchestra, Musical Theatre, Rock, Jazz and Songwriting.
 

Founded in 1961, IMC has provided generations of young musicians with the exceptional musical training and unforgettable summer camp experiences that last a lifetime. Faculty include members of major symphony orchestras, Juno and Grammy winners, touring musicians and music educators.

IMC prides themselves on developing the whole person through the learning and performing of music. The blend of music, camp life, and the scenic Lake Manitouwabing make IMC the perfect way to end the summer holidays.
 

Learn more about IMC by visiting: https://www.campimc.ca/

KALEIDOSCOPE ADVENTURES

We are excited to welcome Kaleidoscope Adventures, as a sponsor and partner of The Band Room Podcast! Since 1993, Kaleidoscope Adventures has specialized in delivering thousands of unforgettable educational tours and fun adventures to student groups throughout North America, including Orlando, New York City, Washington D.C. and more. A full-service student tour operator, theft work with music performance groups, educational travel, sports travel, senior classes, festival trips and cruises.

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Each Kaleidoscope Adventures group itinerary is custom designed to meet your educational and performance objectives. They will guide you every step of the way, providing you with your trip, your way!
 

Learn more about Kaleidoscope Adventures by visiting: https://www.kaleidoscopeadventures.com
 

CONTACT

For General Inquiries or Advertising Questions email us. 

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