Ask Mike | Lessons for Music Educators

Ask Mike is the go‑to podcast for music educators, band directors, and music program leaders seeking real answers rooted in real‑world experience. Hosted by veteran Texas Band Director Mike Lunney and co‑host Derrick Killam, a long-time leader in supporting Texas Music Education programs, the show focuses on learning from hard‑earned lessons, so you don’t make the same mistakes yourself.

🎵 No fluff. No guesswork. Just experience.

👉 Don’t reinvent the wheel — just Ask Mike!

About the Hosts

Mike Lunney

With 31 successful years as a head band director in Texas, Mike’s bands were consistently recognized as superior, and his insights come straight from the podium, not a textbook. Today, Mike remains active as a clinician, mentor, and adjudicator, continuing to shape the next generation of music educators.

Derrick Killam

A lifelong supporter of school music programs across Texas since 1990. Derrick brings a unique industry perspective from decades in music retail, having served as a Repair Tech, Repair Shop Foreman, Education Specialist, and now as a key member of Tarpley Music, a NAMM Top 100 Dealer and industry leading Musical Instrument Retailer in the United States.

Guest

Jim Bode

Jim Bode retired from Irion County High School in 2010. He previously taught at San Angelo Central High School and Fredericksburg High School, as well as Angelo State University. He currently teaches at Howard Payne University as Instructor of Percussion, and Artist in Residence.

Mr. Bode is the director and drummer for both the West Texas Jazz Orchestra, based in San Angelo, Texas, and the newly formed Cactus Jazz Orchestra in Lubbock, Texas, and is principal timpanist in the San Angelo Symphony Orchestra. He holds degrees from The University Of North Texas and The University of Texas at Austin. .

Mr. Bode is also an arranger and composer of marching, jazz and concert band music, he has over forty arrangements for bands and percussion groups, as well as the author of “The Smart Drummer”, a class percussion method. He is a member of the Texas Music Adjudicators Association, Texas Music Educators Association and the Texas Bandmasters Association.

Guest appearance on:

Ask Mike Roundtable: Your Program and Your Music Store