NCMEA Podcast

Podcast Episode 34: Billie Feather

In this episode of the NCMEA Podcast, host Howie Ledford sits down with Billie Feather. She is the Commercial Guitar Professor and the Popular Music Ensembles Coordinator at UNCG. She graduated from UNCSA with a bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar and a bachelor's degree from NC Central in Jazz Guitar.  Her master’s degree is in Guitar from UNCSA with a focus on both Jazz and Classical Guitar.  She also has a professional artist certificate in Audio Engineering from UNCSA.  And to top all that off, she has bilateral hearing loss.   We go into depth on how she manages her hearing loss in her classroom, gig life, and audio engineering. If you have ever been curious about how people who are hard of hearing, then this episode chronicles her challenges and successes as a hard-of-hearing musician.

Podcast Episode 33: Andrew Beach

Episode Description – NCMEA Podcast with Andrew Beach In this episode of the North Carolina Music Educators Association Podcast, host Howie Ledford sits down with Andrew Beach, Orchestra, Modern Band, and Piano teacher at Southwest Guilford High School and co-chair of the NCMEA Popular Music Committee. Andrew shares insights into the growing world of popular music education and the work of the NCMEA Popular Music Committee in supporting teachers across North Carolina. The conversation explores what a popular music program can look like in today’s classrooms, how educators can begin building programs at their own schools, and the importance of creativity, accessibility, and culturally responsive teaching in music education. Listeners will also learn about several exciting initiatives hosted by the committee, including SoundForge, the Singer-Songwriter and Music Producer Showcase, and professional development opportunities designed to help teachers bring modern band, songwriting, and music production into their curricula. Andrew also shares his own journey into popular music education, discusses the power of community among music educators, and describes one of his favorite classroom activities—“Terrible Solos,” a creative exercise designed to break down the fear of improvisation and encourage students to embrace musical risk-taking. Whether you’re a band, orchestra, chorus, or music technology teacher, this episode highlights ways that popular music education can expand opportunities for students and connect classrooms to the music students are already passionate about.

Podcast Episode 32: Carolina Perez - New President

🎙️ Podcast 32 — A Conversation with NCMEA President Carolina Perez Guerrero In this inspiring episode of the NCMEA Podcast, host Howie Ledford sits down with the newly elected NCMEA President, Carolina Perez Guerrero — a dynamic educator, conductor, performer, and leader whose journey spans continents, classrooms, and concert halls. Carolina shares her story, beginning with a childhood across Miami, Minneapolis, Tampa, and Chile before landing in North Carolina, where her love of music education took root. Today, she serves as Instructor of Music at NCSSM–Durham, directing multiple ensembles and shaping young musicians through vibrant, forward-thinking instruction. Together, Howie and Carolina dive into: * Her personal and musical journey from band rooms to Duke University to NCSSM * Why she pursued the NCMEA presidency — and the organization’s deep impact on her life * Her vision for NCMEA’s future, including: * Support for small, urban, and geographically isolated music programs * Strengthening the statewide mentoring program * Expanding modern music offerings like digital production, popular music, and technology * Increasing access, advocacy, and inclusive music practices * Leadership philosophy: collaboration, empowerment, and building community across all music disciplines * Representation and service: what it means to lead as a Latina music educator Filled with authenticity, humor, and a deep passion for music education, this episode highlights Carolina’s heart for teachers, students, and the future of NCMEA. Whether you’re a band director, choral educator, orchestra teacher, or music production specialist, this conversation will inspire and energize you for the work ahead.

Podcast Episode 31: Meet the Candidates: A Conversation with Demeka Kimpson and Ryan Ellefsen

Episode Title: Meet the Candidates: A Conversation with Demeka Kimpson and Ryan Ellefsen In this special election edition of the NCMEA Podcast, host Howell “Howie” Ledford sits down with Demeka Kimpson and Ryan Ellefsen, the candidates running for President-Elect of the North Carolina Music Educators Association. Join us for an engaging, honest, and inspiring conversation as both candidates share who they are, what drives them, and their visions for the future of NCMEA. You’ll hear their thoughts on leadership, collaboration across sections, and the role of music education in a changing world. And don’t miss the fun surprise question at the end — one that gives a glimpse of the personality behind the podium! Whether you’re a long-time NCMEA member or new to the organization, this episode offers a front-row seat to the ideas and energy shaping the next generation of music-education leadership in North Carolina. 🎧 Listen now — get to know the people ready to lead our state’s music education community forward!

Podcast Episode 30 Brandon Roeder III

In this episode, we have our final installment about the upcoming changes to the educational standards that the state has passed. You will want to go to the following website: ⁠http://go.ncdpi.gov/AE-Hub⁠ [http://go.ncdpi.gov/AE-Hub]. This is where you will find a wealth of information about the upcoming switch, webinars, information for principals, and the like. We both hope this podcast episode will make your transition easier.