Band Director, Percussion Instructor, and Drumset Performer Bernard Long, Jr. stops by to talk about band directing in Illinois and Missouri, working at Lindenwood University (MO) and starting band programs in urban high schools (02:55), his extensive job responsibilities at Normandy High School (MO) (18:25), his work with the PAS Diversity Alliance, the importance of HBCU drumlines, and the physical challenges of show-style drumming (30:00), growing up just outside of St. Louis and making connections to folks at an early age (42:30), going to Northern Illinois University of undergrad (51:45), going to Michigan State University for grad school (01:06:40), teaching at Stillman College (AL) for a year (01:15:30), and settles in for the Random Ass Questions, including segments on equity, the Drumline movies, Magic Johnson, horseback riding, and the genius of Stevie Wonder (01:24:00).
Finishing with a Rave on the 2022 film Everything Everywhere All At Once (01:50:30).
Links:
Bernard Long, Jr.’s Linked In account
Bernard Long Elementary School
Skyview Drive-In (Belleville, IL)
Stillman College (AL) Marching Band
Normandy High School playing at the 2015 Liberty Bowl
Northern Illinois University Jazz Camp
Marvin Sparks, Jr. on the podcast
Teddy Hall, Jr. on the podcast
Songs in the Key of Life documentary
“Superstition” - Stevie Wonder
“Higher Ground” - Stevie Wonder
“Signed Sealed Delivered” - Stevie Wonder
“You Haven’t Done Nothing” - Stevie Wonder
Raves: