Sunday Spark - October 26, 2025

Chris DeVona

Chris DeVona is the Assistant Director of Bands at James Madison University, where he conducts the Symphonic Band, directs the basketball Pep Band, and works with the Marching Royal Dukes. In addition to his ensemble responsibilities, Chris also teaches conducting and marching band procedures courses. Prior to joining the band team at JMU, Chris was on faculty at Eastern University (PA), and he taught high school and middle school band/orchestra in his home state of Connecticut. In addition to his teaching, Chris’s works as an author span from educational literature to research in the wind band field. His recent textbooks include Small Band, Big Sound, a resource guide for music educators, as well as Expanding the Canon, a conducting excerpt book that foregrounds music by living composers. Chris’s research primarily addresses score interpretation and connections with contemporary music analysis; his articles are published in the Journal of Band Research and the journal of the International Conductor’s Guild. When not working with the JMU bands, Chris travels frequently as a guest conductor, clinician, and adjudicator for concert and marching ensembles. During the summer and fall seasons, Chris stays actively involved with marching band and drum corps, most recently serving in leadership roles on the staffs at the Blue Knights and Jersey Surf Drum & Bugle Corps. Chris holds undergraduate degrees from the Hartt School and the University of Hartford in music theory and mathematics, and he completed his M.M. in conducting at West Chester University (PA).   Connect with Chris DeVona * Books * Small Band, Big Sound by Chris DeVona * https://giamusic.com/resource/small-band-big-sound-book-11191 [https://giamusic.com/resource/small-band-big-sound-book-11191] * Expanding the Canon by Andrew Yozviak and Chris DeVona * https://murphymusicpress.com/products/t-100 [https://murphymusicpress.com/products/t-100] *  Facebook * https://www.facebook.com/chris.devona.7 [https://www.facebook.com/chris.devona.7]

Behind the Baton - Micah Bolton

Micah Bolton is the Director of Bands at Goddard High School, currently in his third year, where he works with students across intermediate, middle school, and high school levels. An active percussionist, educator, and conductor, he is highly sought after as a private instructor and percussion coach for schools, camps, and honor bands. He also maintains an active performing schedule as a member of the Wichita Wind Symphony.  Micah is a graduate of Friends University, where he earned a Bachelor of Music Education and was recognized as a Kansas Teacher of Promise. He resides in Wichita with his wife, Madison, and their dog, Marilyn.   Connect with Micah Bolton * Email * micahboltonmusic@gmail.com [micahboltonmusic@gmail.com]

Sunday Spark - October 26, 2025

If you leave your growth to randomness, you’ll always live in the land of mediocrity. ~Brendon Burchard

Sunday Spark - October 19, 2025

Good decision-making comes down to two things: 1. Knowing how to get what you want 2. Knowing what’s worth wanting ~Shane Parrish in “Clear Thinking”

Sunday Spark - October 12, 2025

If you have a “to-do” list, do you also have a “stop doing” list? ~ Jim Collins in “Good to Great”