116 - More Than a Concert Piece: When Music Becomes an Experience, with Kyle Rinke

What if your next concert piece became the starting point for an unforgettable learning experience? In episode 116, Theresa and Kathryn welcome back middle school band director Kyle Rinke to explore how interdisciplinary projects can transform students' connections to music. From museum visits and collaborative art projects to poetry, mindfulness, and even performing in a natural rock amphitheater, Kyle shares how he builds meaningful experiences around concert repertoire that help students engage with music on a much deeper level. Kyle also offers practical advice for teachers who want to try something new without feeling like everything has to be perfectly planned. He discusses collaborating with colleagues across subject areas, balancing rehearsal time with creative exploration, embracing imperfection, and focusing on memorable experiences over flawless performances. Whether you're ready to plan an ambitious cross-curricular project or simply looking for a small way to help students connect more deeply with the music they play, this conversation is full of inspiring ideas and actionable takeaways. Connect with Kyle and learn more:  Email: [email protected] Video: Martino Band at Starved Rock Episode 108: Centering Students, Creating Community, with Jaime Escatel and Kyle Rinke A note from our Sponsor:  You Love Teaching. But Is the Job Taking Too Much From You? Nobody becomes a music educator because they want to spend their evenings answering emails, worrying about budgets, planning fundraisers, organizing trips, or lying awake thinking about everything they didn't get done. We do it because we love changing students' lives. But somewhere along the way, many of us begin sacrificing our own health, relationships, and well-being in the process. We convince ourselves that's just part of the job. It doesn't have to be. I'm Lesley Moffat, host of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, and after years of burnout that seriously impacted my own health, I discovered there was a better way. That's why I wrote I Love My Job, But It's Killing Me, a practical guide to helping educators reclaim their time, protect their well-being, and continue doing the work they love without sacrificing themselves. I'd love to send you a free copy. Visit mpowerededucator.com/freebook and take the first step toward amplifying your impact, not your workload. Support the show Learn more about Pass the Baton Pass the Baton website Join the Coffee Club Support Pass the Baton Amplify student voice with Exit Tickets for Self Reflection