90. Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration Between Band and Orchestra Directors with Susan Abell & Nick Blue

The Orchestra Teacher Podcast

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Building Bridges: Fostering Collaboration Between Band and Orchestra Directors

In this special episode of The Orchestra Teacher Podcast, we welcome two outstanding music educators, Susan Abell and Nick Blue, to discuss the importance of building a collaborative and supportive relationship between band and orchestra directors.

Far too often, band and orchestra programs operate in isolation—or even in competition with each other. But what if we shifted that mindset to one of partnership and mutual support? Susan and Nick will share real-world success stories and tangible strategies for fostering a culture of teamwork that benefits all students and strengthens the entire school music program.

Topics will include:

🎵 How to establish open communication and a shared vision

🎵 Strategies for coordinating schedules and sharing resources

🎵 The educational and logistical benefits of collaboration

🎵 Ideas for joint performances, cross-program events, and team teaching

🎵 Overcoming challenges and shifting mindsets

Whether you’re a middle or high school band or orchestra director, this episode will provide actionable steps to help you break down barriers, build strong connections with your instrumental counterpart, and create a thriving, unified music program.

Tune in for an inspiring and practical discussion on how working together can elevate music education for everyone! 🎻🎺🎶

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Susan Abell, a Bowling Green, KY native, earned her BME and MAE at Western Kentucky University, where she was active in CNAfME, ASTA, Delta Omicron, and served as Orchestra Graduate Assistant under Dr. Bill Scott. She began orchestra programs at Grassland and Brentwood Middle Schools in Tennessee, growing Grassland's program to achieve consistent Superior ratings and numerous Mid-State selections. In 2023, Ms. Abell expanded her role to include teaching at Franklin High School while continuing her work at Grassland Middle School. In 2022, she joined the Vanderbilt Youth Orchestra Program, where she significantly increased student enrollment in the three string orchestras. Ms. Abell now serves as Assistant Orchestra Director at Simpson Middle School in Marietta, Georgia. In her free time, Ms. Abell enjoys being outdoors, playing with her dogs and going to concerts.

Nicholas Blue is the Assistant Director of Bands at Franklin High School in Franklin, TN. Originally from Indiana, Mr. Blue is a graduate of the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music. Prior to his time at Franklin High School, Mr. Blue was the Director of Bands at Grassland Middle School in Franklin, TN. Ensembles under Mr. Blue’s direction have earned superior ratings at MTSBOA Concert Performance Assessment and other festivals, recently performing at the Belmont University Regional Wind Band Festival sponsored by Music for All. Throughout Mr. Blue’s time with the Franklin Marching Band, the group has been a perennial Bands of America Regional finalist and Grand Nationals Semi Finalist, and was named Grand Champion at the MTSU Contest of Champions in 2024. The band has been invited to perform in the 2026 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Blue has presented professional development clinics for the Midwest Clinic, the American String Teachers Association, and the Tennessee Music Education Association, and in 2025 was named a Yamaha “40 Under 40” Music Educator.

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