Ask Mike | Lessons for Music Educators
Ask Mike is the go‑to podcast for music educators, band directors, and music program leaders seeking real answers rooted in real‑world experience. Hosted by veteran Texas Band Director Mike Lunney and co‑host Derrick Killam, a long-time leader in supporting Texas Music Education programs, the show focuses on learning from hard‑earned lessons, so you don’t make the same mistakes yourself.
🎵 No fluff. No guesswork. Just experience.
👉 Don’t reinvent the wheel — just Ask Mike!
About the Hosts
Mike Lunney
With 31 successful years as a head band director in Texas, Mike’s bands were consistently recognized as superior, and his insights come straight from the podium, not a textbook. Today, Mike remains active as a clinician, mentor, and adjudicator, continuing to shape the next generation of music educators.
Derrick Killam
A lifelong supporter of school music programs across Texas since 1990. Derrick brings a unique industry perspective from decades in music retail, having served as a Repair Tech, Repair Shop Foreman, Education Specialist, and now as a key member of Tarpley Music, a NAMM Top 100 Dealer and industry leading Musical Instrument Retailer in the United States.
Ask Mike | Lessons for Music Educators
Latest Episodes
Resistance is Futile...but Resistance Bands Are Revolutionary!
It's awesome when we at Ask Mike get to share a new or innovative idea. And we think this week's episode is both! Michael Munoz, head director at Denver City High School in Denver City, TX has integrated resistance bands into his marching ensem...
Marching: Horn Position Guidelines
What a great episode for those of us who might be newer to creating a uniform look with our marching ensembles. And a great review for the veterans! Detailed thoughts on what creates a uniform look for your group at set position, for horns up, ...
Marching: Points of Procedure
In previous episodes, Mike Lunney has discussed fundamentals and techniques. This week he discusses his thoughts on creating a working vocabulary for your ensemble to reduce instruction time, and different procedural aspects of introducing fund...
Marching: Success Starts With The Fundamentals
As our friend Mike Lunney is fond of saying, "I teach fundamental skills because there are no advanced skills, just advanced situations requiring strong fundamentals." In this episode, Mike discusses the fundamentals for marching, whether it's ...
Marching: Defining the 8 Core Principles of Technique and Movement
In this episode, Mike Lunney breaks down the eight core or fundamental principles for marching techniques and movement. These are borrowed from the book "Beyond the Basics" by Nick Benson, Adam Oswald, and Dylan Thomson. Mike introduced these p...
