From the drum corps field to the Rio Grande Valley, Andrea Davila’s journey is rooted in a belief that access matters. In this episode, she shares how she blends marketing expertise with mission-driven work—helping organizations like Bluecoats and Synergy Percussion communicate with clarity and care. You’ll leave this episode with a better understanding of both marketing strategy and advocacy in action.
Guest Bio:
Andrea Davila is the co-founder of Synergy Percussion and has led impactful marketing efforts for Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps, UTRGV School of Music, and Pageantry Innovations. She’s driven by a passion for providing equitable opportunities to students, especially those from underserved communities in the Rio Grande Valley.
Arielle Isaac Norman doesn’t just tell jokes—she challenges the entire system. In this episode, we dive into Arielle’s sharp, boundary-pushing comedy and how she weaves politics, gender, and identity into her work with fearless nuance. From her debut special Ellen DeGenderless to her take on language, labels, and cultural expectations, Arielle proves that satire can be a powerful—and hilarious—tool for disruption.
Arielle Isaac Norman is a politically fluid, gender-nonconforming lesbian comic whose dark humor tackles hot-button issues with fearless nuance. She’s performed across the U.S. at SXSW, Skankfest, and SF Sketchfest, and opened for comedy greats like Maria Bamford and Louie C.K. Her 2024 special Ellen DeGenderless is a raw, satirical dive into the politics of identity, language, and culture.
Julie Davila is a name you’ll find etched in the halls of WGI and PAS, but her story is far more than accolades. In this episode, Julie shares how her career was built on relationships, initiative, and the quiet power of follow-through. Whether you're a music educator or performer, Julie’s journey reminds us that steady growth and meaningful timing win the race.
Guest Bio:
Julie Davila is a celebrated percussionist, educator, and leader in the marching arts. She’s President of the Percussive Arts Society, a WGI Hall of Fame inductee, and a longtime judge for DCI. Julie is an adjunct professor at MTSU, author of multiple percussion method books, and a clinician who has performed around the world.
What happens when you finally give yourself permission to create what you want? Kelly Raaz answers that question through her story of starting a successful business built on punk nostalgia and self-expression. We talk about healing your younger self, staying true to your voice, and building something real from the ground up.
Guest Bio:
Kelly Raaz is the founder of All That Raaz, an apparel and accessories brand that celebrates emo and pop punk culture. From vending at When We Were Young Fest to opening her own retail space in Austin, she’s carved out a business rooted in authenticity, nostalgia, and DIY creativity.
Kate Warren is here to challenge every limiting belief about musicianship. In this episode, she talks about mental health in the arts, the science behind motivation, and how social media can be a platform for positive change. If you’ve ever felt stuck between your passion and practicality, this episode is your reminder that a thriving music career is possible—and personal.
Kate Warren is an internationally recognized hornist, music educator, and mental health advocate. She’s a featured soloist with Blast!, a lecturer at Ocean County College, and Social Media Coordinator for the International Horn Society. With degrees from Yale, the New School, and FSU, she uses her platform to create accessible, empowering resources for musicians.
From Mean Girls to Cirque du Soleil, Mackenna Tolfa has played it all—and played it well. In this episode, she reveals how staying curious led to world tours, composing original works, and becoming one of the first female drummers to be featured with Blue Man Group. We talk about initiative, identity, and what it means to discover who you are while staying in motion.
Mackenna Tolfa is a global performer, composer, and trailblazer in percussion. She’s toured over 20 countries and currently plays drum set for the Mean Girls National Tour. Previously, she made history as the first featured female drummer for the Blue Man Group World Tour. Her compositions and collaborative projects celebrate the power of music across cultures.
Mackenna's links:
Website: https://www.mackennatolfamusic.com/
What does it mean to direct without dominating? Allison Price (they/them) invites us into their world of intimate, immersive theater and queer performance. With accolades from the Kennedy Center and a deep commitment to inclusive environments, Allison shares how great directing is about releasing control, managing relationships with care, and using the stage as a tool for advocacy.
Allison Price (they/them) is a director and deviser focused on works that are intimate and have a bite. Specializing in new work development, opera, queer performance, and immersive audience experiences, they are a recipient of the Kennedy Center SDC Directing Fellowship, the WildWind New Play Development Residency, and the National Directing Award from the Kennedy Center.
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/
Allison Price: https://allisonpricedirector.com/
Simply Sapphic Podcast: https://www.simplysapphic.com
In this episode of Fem Forte, I am joined by Paulette Tomlinson, the Director of Fine Arts at Tomball ISD. Paulette shares her inspiring journey from band director to fine arts director, highlighting the pivotal moments and challenges she faced along the way. We delve into the crucial role of arts advocacy in the Texas state legislature and discuss how it directly impacts the future of fine arts education in public schools. Join us for an insightful conversation about the power of arts in education and the importance of legislative support for the arts.
On this episode, I am joined by the incredible Courtney Allyson Mills. With over 25 years of experience in dance education, freelance choreography, and consulting, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table. Her impressive career spans notable drum corps, marching bands, and winter guard/percussion/winds programs.
Courtney's unique approach focuses on creating a safe and inclusive space for students to explore choreography, movement, and performance. Her work with marching bands, color guards, drill teams, and dance programs as a choreographer, clinician, performance consultant, production specialist, and instructional coach has transformed the landscape of performing arts.
Together, we delve into her journey, discussing her innovative pathways in the arts and the powerful impact of neurodiversity. Courtney shares her insights on fostering creativity and inclusivity, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about dance and performance.
Join us as we sit down with Aubrey Bergauer, dubbed “the Steve Jobs of classical music” and “the Sheryl Sandberg of the symphony.” Known for her data-driven, customer-centric approach, Aubrey has transformed major institutions like the Seattle Symphony and California Symphony. We discuss her passion for arts management, her innovative strategies for growth, and insights from her new book, “Run It Like a Business.” Don’t miss this inspiring conversation on driving success in the performing arts!
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/
In this exciting episode of Fem Forte, we sit down with the incredibly talented Samia Vanderkolff, the current Movement Caption Head for the Bluecoats. Samia has a rich history of choreographing for top performing ensembles worldwide, bringing her unique vision and expertise to the marching arts and drum corps community.
Join us as we delve into the critical role of movement in marching band and drum corps, exploring how it enhances performance and connects audiences to the story. Samia also shares behind-the-scenes highlights from her time starring in the feature film On the Starting Line, offering a glimpse into her experiences and the impact the film has had on her career.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that celebrates the art of movement and the dedication to pageantry arts. Whether you're a marching arts enthusiast or simply curious about the world of choreography and dance, this episode is for you!
In this enlightening episode of Fem Forte, we are joined by the talented Nicole Pacent, an actress and producer celebrated for her roles in Westworld, Criminal Minds Evolution, Call Me Kat, and the groundbreaking web series Anyone But Me. Nicole also has experience behind the microphone as the former co-host of The Coming Out Pod.
Nicole shares her inspiring journey from the theatre stage to the bright lights of Hollywood, offering an intimate look at the dedication and resilience required to become a full-time actor. Beyond her acting career, Nicole is a passionate advocate for activism and representation in queer media, topics she dives into with heartfelt enthusiasm.
Join us as Nicole reflects on her personal and professional growth, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and adaptability in the entertainment industry.
Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, authenticity, and a behind-the-scenes look at the intersection of art and activism in queer media.
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Genevieve Geisler, an absolute powerhouse in the drum corps community. Starting her journey as a food truck volunteer, Genevieve's passion and dedication have propelled her to the role of CFO for one of the top world-class drum corps in our space. Her story is a true testament to perseverance, hard work, and excellence.
Join us as Genevieve shares her incredible journey, the challenges she faced, and the significant impact she has made in the drum corps world. From humble beginnings to becoming a key leader, her insights and experiences are sure to inspire and motivate anyone involved in the activity.
In this episode, we talk with Los Angeles based composer Amanda Muse. Amanda shares the pivotal moments that ignited her passion for music and led her from being a percussionist/drummer to a renowned composer. We dive deep into her creative process, exploring how she moves from conceptualization to orchestration, and how her percussive background uniquely influences her compositions. Amanda's ability to create breathtaking musical landscapes is nothing short of captivating, and her story is sure to inspire.
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/
On today’s episode, we have the pleasure of chatting with Dr. Heidi Kay Begay, a dynamic serial entrepreneur who is revolutionizing the world of music and podcasting. With her diverse expertise as an educator, flutist, podcaster, and consultant, Dr. Begay is a true trailblazer in the industry.
Join us as we explore Dr. Begay's journey and her remarkable entrepreneurial ventures, including The Pivoting Musician, Red House Productions, J&K Productions, and Flute 360. Through her companies, Dr. Begay empowers musicians to discover and amplify their unique voices both on and off the stage, opening up new pathways for financial and creative opportunities.
In this episode, we delve into the intersection of podcasting and the arts, discussing how this medium can be a game-changer for creative artists and musicians. Dr. Begay shares invaluable insights into harnessing the power of podcasting to build a thriving career and community, offering practical advice for aspiring podcasters and creative entrepreneurs.
Tune in as we uncover the transformative potential of podcasting with Dr. Heidi Kay Begay and learn how to navigate the digital landscape to elevate your craft and connect with audiences worldwide.
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Myra Rhoden, the Fine Arts Department Chairperson and Band Director at Fayette County High School in Georgia. Dr. Rhoden shares her inspiring journey into music education, highlighting the pivotal moments that shaped her career and passion for empowering young musicians.
We delve into the genesis of the Athena Music and Leadership Camp, an innovative initiative founded by Dr. Rhoden. Designed exclusively for girls, this camp goes beyond musical instruction; it fosters a supportive environment where young women can develop essential life and leadership skills. Dr. Rhoden shares the vision behind Athena Camp, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing confidence, communication abilities, and self-awareness alongside musical excellence.
Join us as we explore the transformative impact of Athena Camp and Dr. Myra Rhoden's dedication to empowering the next generation of female musicians and leaders.
Welcome back, listeners! As we celebrate Women’s History Month. In this special episode, we're taking it back to where it all began – my alma mater, Texas A&M University - Kingsville. Joined by fellow Javelinas: Dr. Medlina Brou, Liz Ortga-Ruiz, and Yasmin Cantu on the panel, we delve into the inspiring realm of empowering women in music education.
From sharing personal journeys to discussing the challenges and triumphs of women in the field, this live-recorded episode is packed with insights and heartfelt exchanges. We explore the importance of paving the way forward for women in music education, breaking barriers, and amplifying voices.
Join us for a dynamic conversation filled with laughter, wisdom, and a shared passion for empowering women in the music industry. I had an incredible time connecting with these remarkable women, and I can't wait for you to tune in and be a part of this empowering experience!
In this special live taping of Fem Forte, we had the privilege of addressing hundreds of students at the Incomparable Marching Workshop held at West Chester University. Our panel of remarkable women, Trish Cornett, Shirley Dorittie, Lauren Ryals, and Jennifer Leseth, are true powerhouses, each having immense impact in the music industry. In this live episode, we embarked on a journey to discover how to find your passions and forge a successful path, especially when taking non-traditional routes in your career. The stories and wisdom shared by these exceptional women are a testament to the power of determination, perseverance, and breaking through barriers. If you're seeking inspiration, guidance, or simply a dose of empowerment, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the journeys of women who have defied conventions, carved their unique paths, and continue to inspire the next generation of trailblazers.
Did you know the Blue Man Group actually doesn't include just men? Kaylie Brooke and Jamese Moses are trailblazers in the world of entertainment, making history as part of the first inaugural all-women cast of "The Musician" on the Blue Man Group World Tour. Their achievements extend far and wide, from captivating audiences in NFL stadiums to dazzling performances at nationally recognized theme parks, and so much more. We dive deep into their remarkable journeys as touring musicians, uncovering the steps they took to secure these incredible opportunities. From the auditions to the rigorous schedules and life on the road, Kaylie and Jamese share the real stories behind their careers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aspiring to embark on a performing career, or for those who are simply looking for insights into breaking into the world of live entertainment. The wisdom, experiences, and friendship of Kaylie Brooke and Jamese Moses are sure to inspire and guide you on your own path to success.
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/
We're bringing you a unique treat: our very first live taping at the Girls March camp in the vibrant heart of Houston, Texas. This episode holds a special place in our hearts because it allowed us to sit down with some of our personal heroes, women who have not only conquered but redefined the percussion world: Lauren Teel, Sandi Rennick, and Adrian Bond. These incredible women have made their mark in the world of percussion through their contributions to drum corps, global performance opportunities, artist endorsements, and so much more. Their journeys are nothing short of awe-inspiring, and this episode is a rare opportunity to tap into their collective wisdom and experiences.
Join us as we dive into a world where women in percussion takes center stage. This episode is a tribute to the power of mentorship, camaraderie, and the unstoppable spirit of women in music. Whether you're a percussion enthusiast, a fellow artist, or simply someone who appreciates the women in music, this episode is bound to leave you inspired and in awe of the incredible women who make the world of percussion a truly captivating place.
Learn more about our guests and sponsors, and get more resources at: https://www.femfortepodcast.com/