Mark Scatterday is the Professor of Conducting at the Eastman School of Music and the esteemed conductor of the legendary Eastman Wind Ensemble. Since taking the baton in 2002 as only the fourth conductor in the ensemble’s storied history, Mark has continued the rich legacy of his predecessors, especially Frederick Fennell and Donald Hunsberger. Under his direction, the ensemble has toured the world, performing in Japan, China, Taiwan, Europe, Canada, and across the United States. As a passionate advocate for contemporary music, Mark has premiered numerous works, making his mark as a visionary leader. It was a real pleasure to sit down with Mark to talk about his unique approach to conducting, his philosophy on teaching, and how he keeps the Eastman tradition alive.

We start by diving into Mark's early training as a trombonist, where he studied under the great Ed Anderson and Dennis Smith. He shares how studying scores during rehearsal breaks helped shape his understanding of music. Mark also talks about his early steps into conducting and how a fateful meeting with Donald Hunsberger led him to pursue his doctorate at Eastman. As we wrap up Part 1, we explore his "three-pronged recipe for success" and the role of fate in his career.

In Part 2 (Exclusive Subscriber Content), we get into Mark's approach to rehearsals and auditions, especially for the Eastman Wind Ensemble’s tours and recordings. We also delve into the fascinating history of the ensemble, starting with its founder, Frederick Fennell, and continuing through the influence of Mark’s mentor, Donald Hunsberger. Finally, Mark reflects on his close friendship with renowned composer Karel Husa and their creative collaborations.

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

• Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
• Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
• Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
• The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
• Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
• Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.

Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!

On June 9, 1974, the legendary singer Frederica von Stade and the brilliant pianist Martin Katz performed their first concert together—a partnership that continues to captivate audiences to this day. Few musical collaborations have endured for so many years or produced such iconic work. It was an incredible honor to sit down with both of them to discuss their journey, their deep insights on music-making, and their lasting bond as friends and colleagues. Their love and affection for each other shine through every moment of this conversation, offering a window into the human side of their remarkable relationship. I personally learned so much from this discussion, and I hope you will too. And yes, we shared plenty of laughs along the way!

In Part 1 of our conversation, Frederica von Stade and Martin Katz share the story of how they first met and began their extraordinary musical partnership. They talk about how they choose repertoire, with "Jenny Rebecca" serving as a perfect example of a song that has matured and evolved over the years. We also explore the differences between recording and live performances, the importance of staying loyal to the text, and the fascinating contrast between how singers and instrumentalists approach breathing. To top it off, we discuss their experiences working with modern composers, offering insights into both collaboration and creativity.

In Part 2 (for Subscribers), we dive into more personal and professional aspects of their careers, including the role of agents and how those relationships have shaped their journeys. Martin shares his thoughts on the differences between working with instrumentalists and singers, and both of them reflect on the various stages of talent development. We also talk about their favorite composers, and Martin offers a thoughtful perspective on teaching, explaining that it's less about providing answers and more about asking the right questions. Throughout, Frederica and Martin’s deep connection shines through, with plenty of laughter sprinkled along the way.

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

• Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
• Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
• Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
• The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
• Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
• Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.

Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!

In this deeply insightful interview, host Tony Plog chats with Wes Nance, trumpet with the Rochester Philharmonic, about the often-overlooked artistry behind Sleigh Ride's iconic horse whinny. Wes reflects on his time at the Eastman School of Music, his unconventional teaching methods, and the annual Horse Whinny Challenge — a competition as fun as it is fierce. Along the way, they explore what really resonates with audiences, proving that a well-timed whinny can steal the show!

Would you like more inspirational stories, suggestions, insights, and a place to continue the conversations with other listeners? Visit anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com to learn more!

As a Contributing Listener of "Anthony Plog on Music," you'll have access to extra premium content and benefits including:

• Extra Audio Content: Only available to Contributing Listeners.
• Podcast Reflections: Tony's written recaps and thoughts on past interviews, including valuable tips and suggestions for students.
• Ask Me Anything: Both as written messages and occasional member-only Zoom sessions.
• The Show's Discord Server: Where conversations about interviews, show suggestions, and questions happen. It's a great place to meet other listeners and chat about all things music!
• Can I just donate instead of subscribing? Absolutely!
• Cancel at anytime and easily resubscribe when you want all that extra content again.

Learn more about becoming a Contributing Listener @ anthonyplog-on-music.supercast.com!