Get ready to rock! 🎙️ In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are diving deep into one of the most exciting events of the school year: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆 We are joined by Ashley Rayback, the state chair for the program, and Wes Brehm, a local film and sound professional who helps capture the magic of these student performances. 🎥🎧

From local school gymnasiums to multi-region contests, bands and soloists from across the state have been working tirelessly for their chance to play on a professional stage. 🌟 This year, the stakes are higher than ever as the competition moves to an iconic Utah venue!

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Road to the State Battle: How the competition narrows down hundreds of acts into the final 18—featuring nine bands and nine solo/duet performers from the North, Central, and South regions. 🗺️🎶

A Professional Debut: The exciting announcement that this year’s state battle will be hosted at The Depot, giving student musicians the chance to perform with professional sound engineers on a world-class concert stage. 🏟️✨

Fast-Paced Talent: What to expect on the big day, from the two-song sets by full bands to the intimate original performances of soloists and duets. 🎤⚡

Behind the Lens: Wes Brehm shares his perspective on filming these rising stars and the energy that comes with capturing live student music. 📹🔥

Superhero Inspiration: A fun look into the hosts' and guests' "superhero" personas and how "graphic designer powers" might be the most needed skill in the PTA world. 🦸‍♀️💻

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, host Corey Fairholm and Director of Communications Mike Williams are thrilled to welcome a true Utah PTA legend, Patsy Chandler. Patsy joins us to share the incredible origin story of a program that has spent the last 24 years transforming the lives of students through music: the Utah PTA Battle of the Bands. 🏆🤘

From a "committee" of parents with no musical talent to a statewide tradition celebrating its upcoming 25th anniversary, this episode is a deep dive into how passion and a little bit of "bucking up" can create a lasting legacy for our youth. 🌟🙌

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The "One and a Half Page" Era: How the program started with simple rules—one original song for artistic expression and one cover song to test musical skill. 📝🎤
• Opening Night Chaos: Patsy recounts the hilarious and stressful first show at Cottonwood High School, complete with missing sound equipment and "fabulously amazing" dads stepping in to save the day. 🛠️👨‍👦
• The Power of Student Involvement: Why an original budget of just $500 turned into a mission to "up the commission" and provide a stage for every student to shine. 💰✨
• A Tradition Reborn: How a Monday morning filled with emails from supportive school administrators convinced Patsy that this "disastrous" first night was actually the start of something essential. 📧🏫

Whether you're a fan of local music, a PTA volunteer, or just love a good underdog story, this conversation celebrates the "Leaders of Tomorrow" and the adults who work tirelessly to give them a voice. 🌈🎸

Tune in and feel the pulse of Utah’s musical heritage! 🎧💃

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, the heartbeat of education and advocacy in Utah! 🌟 In this episode, host Corey Fairholm (Immediate Past President) is joined by Mike Williams (Director of Communications), filling in for Angelee Aedo, to welcome a longtime friend of the Utah PTA, Steve James.

Together, they discuss the importance of Resilient Utah Month, which begins every April 1st, and how community efforts have evolved to meet the changing needs of our students. From historical gatherings at the ballpark to modern digital resources, this episode highlights the tools available to help our children thrive.

In this episode, you’ll explore:

• Beyond Prevention: Discover the critical shift from traditional "prevention" models to a focus on "resilience." Steve explains how moving beyond just avoiding negative behaviors to actively building internal strength helps students navigate the complexities of life with confidence. 🛠️❤️
• Partnering for the Future: A look at the decades-long collaboration between Steve’s initiatives and the Utah PTA. From singing at the 1996 building dedication to today’s statewide programs, this partnership remains dedicated to supporting the "Leaders of Tomorrow." 🤝🏆
• The Virtual Pivot: How the 2020 pandemic transformed massive community events into a digital network that brings resilience resources directly into homes and classrooms. 💻🏫
• April is Resilient Utah Month: Learn about the upcoming initiatives designed to reach every child and educator in the state this spring. 🗓️🌈

Join us for an inspiring conversation about our shared history and our ongoing commitment to the well-being of every child in Utah.

The Utah PTA Pulse Podcast connects parents, teachers, and administrators to discuss the powerful impact of the National PTA School of Excellence program.

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! 🎙️ In this engaging episode, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo dive deep into the collaborative world of education and advocacy. This week, they are joined by two incredible leaders who are making a difference in the lives of Utah students:

• Melinda Tanner, Utah PTA School of Excellence Committee Chair
• Eric Woodhouse, Executive Director of Operations for Alpine School District

The conversation highlights the National PTA School of Excellence program, a recognition program that supports and celebrates partnerships between PTAs and schools to enrich the educational experience and overall school community. Eric shares his unique perspective as a district administrator who is "pro-PTA," discussing how essential the collaboration between district leadership and parent volunteers is for student success.

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast! Join your hosts Corey Fairholm, Media Past President, and Angelee Aedo, VP of Advocacy, for an insightful and lively conversation with our special guest, Cammy Whitchurch, the Utah PTA President-elect and Convention Chair.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• The Utah PTA Convention: Kami shares an inside look at the planning process and the excitement surrounding this year's event.
• The Importance of Community: We talk about the supportive culture of the PTA, where seasoned members welcome newcomers and make them feel like part of the family—especially at the convention.

In this episode of the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, hosts Corey Fairholm and Angelee Aedo are joined by Carol Rednour, the current Utah PTA Secretary. After a lighthearted icebreaker about video game nostalgia and the struggles of mastering Mario Kart, the conversation dives into the heart of PTA leadership.

Carol, now in her third year of service, shares her passion for volunteering and explains why the Secretary is a cornerstone of any board. From the legal necessity of taking accurate minutes to the old adage that "if it wasn't recorded, it didn't happen," Carol highlights how this role protects the integrity of a board’s votes and actions.

The episode takes a personal turn as Carol shares her unique "Why PTA" story, offering a glimpse into the motivations that lead parents to step up and serve their school communities. Whether you are a local leader looking for tips on minute-taking or a parent curious about getting involved, this episode offers both practical advice and heartfelt inspiration. 🌟🤝

Highlights include:

The "Invisible" Essential: Why the Secretary is the backbone of every good President. ✍️

The Power of Documentation: How minutes serve as the official record for every vote and decision. 📋

Personal Journeys: Carol’s path to the state board and her commitment to the Utah PTA. ❤️

Tune in to learn more about the people behind the "Pulse" of Utah’s schools! 🎧🍎

Welcome back to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, where we bridge the gap between policy and the people it affects! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" and "Angelee Aedo", this episode continues our deep dive into the world of education leadership and advocacy.

In this installment, our hosts are joined once again by Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to untangle the "hierarchy of decision-making" in Utah's schools. If you’ve ever wondered who actually has the power to change things in your child's classroom, this conversation is for you. 🍎👪

Amber explains the critical relationship between the state legislature—which passes the laws—and the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), which has jurisdiction over every school receiving public dollars, including district and charter schools. With 15 elected members serving the entire state, understanding how this board operates is key to effective advocacy.

This episode covers:

• The difference between state law and board rules. ⚖️
• How to navigate the USBE hierarchy and identify which of the 15 board members represents you.
• Why the state board is unique as the "school board" for the Utah School for the Deaf and Blind.
• Insights into the upcoming election cycles and how leadership shifts impact our schools. 🗳️

Amber also shares a powerful reminder for every listener: you don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference. Whether you are speaking to a local principal or a state official, you are the ultimate expert on your own experience and your child’s needs. 🌟

We wrap up the show with our usual fun—discussing the behind-the-scenes magic provided by our director of communications, Mike Williams, and ending with our signature celebratory dance! 💃✨

Tune in to empower yourself with the knowledge to be a better advocate for Utah’s students! 🎧🏔️

Welcome to the Utah PTA Pulse Podcast, your go-to source for everything happening in the world of Utah education and advocacy! 📢 Hosted by "Corey Fairholm" (Immediate Past President of Utah PTA) and "Angelee Aedo" (Vice President of Advocacy), this podcast brings you insightful, lighthearted, and essential conversations about how we can better support our children and schools. 🍎👪

In this episode, our hosts sit down with special guest Amber Bonner, the Utah PTA Education Commissioner, to pull back the curtain on what it truly means to be involved in education leadership. Whether you've wondered what an Education Commissioner actually does all day or how to navigate the complex world of legislative bills, this discussion covers it all with a focus on making advocacy accessible for everyone.

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Amber shares her personal journey and professional expertise, highlighting the importance of knowing who the right people are to talk to so your voice isn't "useless" in the system. From watching countless board meetings to understanding the nuances of the Utah State Board of Education (USBE), Amber provides a roadmap for parents who want to move from the sidelines to the front lines of change.

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But it’s not all policy and procedures! Get to know the team behind the titles as they share their favorite winter traditions—from Amber’s love of cozying up with a book in the snow to Corey’s memories of skiing in California. You’ll even hear about the "Redheaded Oreo" and the podcast's signature ending: a celebratory dance! 💃❄️

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Tune in to discover:

• How to effectively engage with the USBE and local officials.
• The reality of serving as an Education Commissioner.+1
• Practical tips to overcome the frustrations of getting involved.
• Why your unique perspective as a parent makes you the ultimate expert on your child.