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

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. 





-- REFERRAL LINKS --


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