Why does popular music belong in the classroom?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Steve Holley (President of APME) and Dr. Chris Burns, two nationally respected voices in music education. Together, we explore the deeper reasons behind integrating popular music into school programs.

We discuss:
How PME creates access and equity for students often left out of traditional ensembles
The role of identity, self-expression, and musical relevance
Why student voice must be central to our teaching
How reframing rigor can open doors—not lower expectations

This episode is about more than music—it’s about who we teach, how we reach them, and why expanding our definition of music education matters now more than ever.

In Part 2 of my conversation with Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry and Joel Denton, we shift from the philosophy behind popular music in the classroom to the real-world support teachers need to implement it well.

We talk about:
The professional development gap for teachers new to Modern Band
What school leaders can do to support innovation
How to expand your program without losing your roots
Encouragement for teachers feeling uncertain about the shift

Whether you're just beginning to explore popular music education or leading a full-fledged program, this episode offers insight, empathy, and next steps from two experienced voices in the field.

In this premiere episode of Beyond the Stand, host Jeremy Bryant speaks with Alexis Yatuzis-Derryberry and Joel Denton, two past and current leaders of the Tennessee Music Education Association, about the evolving role of popular music in today’s classrooms.

Together, they explore: Why popular music deserves a seat at the table, how it can complement, not replace, traditional programs, what challenges and opportunities emerge when teachers try something new. If you’re a music educator wondering how to expand your curriculum without abandoning your roots, this episode offers a thoughtful, balanced starting point.

In this short introduction, host Jeremy Bryant shares the heart behind Beyond the Stand. A traditional band director turned commercial music educator, Jeremy explains how this podcast began as his capstone project and evolved into a search for how to deliver excellent, student-centered music education through popular music. This is a journey of learning, questioning, and conversation with voices from across the field.

If you’ve ever wondered how to start, how to grow, or whether popular music belongs in the classroom, this show is for you.