beyond ArtLess

The Season 2 Finale is here! As you will hear, we end the season with more of a whimper than a bang. Regardless, thank you for sticking with us through another season. We are tremendously grateful to all of our guests this past season as well as our six listeners. Have a great summer! We look forward to subjecting you to more mind numbing banter next fall. Support the Show.

Our final guest of season 2 is Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, the 29th Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band! Our conversation covers Ryan's career path from public school music teacher to staff arranger and now Director of "The President's Own." We learn more about his work in this role as well as collaborations with Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and John Williams to name a few. As you will hear in this episode, Ryan is one of the most humble and kind individuals you will ever meet. His passion for music education and our country is uplifting. We are incredibly grateful that he chose to spend an hour with us. Ryan Nowlin Bio (and more) Change of Command Video "Let Freedom Ring" - Ryan Nowlin (as heard in the introduction) Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Support the Show.

In this episode, we talk to Peter about his trip to Panama. No, it is not part of the witness protection program...well, not this time. Our guests, Tim and Christine Baumann share with us their amazing journey in music education (and the planet). They talk about their experiences teaching music in Hong Kong and their roles as co-directors of the International Music Camp in North Dakota. Tim and Christine discuss the different programs offered at the camp and how their travels have changed their perspective on music education in America. The conversation covers various topics including the importance of finding similarities and building connections across cultures, the value of travel and exploration, the significance of environmental engagement, and the role of arts education in creating safe and inclusive spaces. Show Notes: Cascade Canyon International Music Camp "Panama" by Van Halen Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com Support the Show.

In this episode, Phil turns 50. Don’t worry, his status with AARP doesn’t affect his podcasting ability. Thankfully, Jeff Ball stops by for a chat. Jeff is the Director of Bands and Coordinator of Performing Arts at the Grand Street Campus (GSC) High Schools in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. He is also the Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, established in 2008 as the Grand Street Community Band. From its original thirty members, the organization has grown into the seventy-piece Brooklyn Wind Symphony and allowed for the formation of two additional ensembles, the ninety-piece Grand Street Community Band and the seventy-five piece Kings County Concert Band. The Brooklyn Wind Symphony is the first-ever New York City-based ensemble to be invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference. In this conversation, Jeff Ball discusses his experiences teaching music in New York City and the importance of creating inclusive and engaging music programs. He emphasizes the need for teachers to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse student populations and shares insights on effective teaching practices. Jeff also highlights the value of collaboration with composers and the impact of commissioning new works for his ensembles. The conversation concludes with a speed round of New York-themed questions. Unfortunately, our post-interview rambling ends on a low note. Read More about Jeff Here Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Support the Show.

Dr. Josh Becker, a trombone player and elementary school teacher, shares his experiences and insights. He teaches fifth grade and coordinates the elementary band program in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District in Minnesota. He also runs an instrument donation program, providing instruments to students who cannot afford them. Dr. Becker emphasizes the importance of variety in his teaching career, working with students of different ages and skill levels. He discusses the challenges of balancing his busy schedule and prioritizing time with his family. Dr. Becker discusses the key to retention in music education, which is building connections with students and meeting them where they are. He emphasizes the importance of being positive, funny, and helping students feel successful in their musical journey. He talks about the influence of his music educator father and the teachers who have shaped his career. The conversation also touches on the importance of caring for students, the need for strong relationships in teaching, the pitfalls of moving ahead too quickly in instruction, and the value of mastery-based learning. Support the Show.

This week's guest is John Mackey. It is worth the listen even with the three hosts still involved. Yet, it is important to note an interesting development - the software we use to produce this podcast now offers AI episode summary and "takeaways". This week's takeaways were too good not to share: Takeaways Not bad AI....not bad. Show Links: John's Website: https://www.johnmackey.com/ World Premiere of "Lightning Field" by 2015 Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the Show.

If you can make it through today's banter which covers hockey skate sharpening, lawn care, tea parties, and changing a tires, you are in for a treat. Today we welcome the "Mandan Dynasty" Jon & Sara Baumann. John and Sarah Bauman, are music educators from Mandan, North Dakota, known for their contributions to the All State Band Program and their successful music programs at the high school and middle school levels. Sarah and John discuss their middle school and high school band programs, including the opportunities and challenges they face. They emphasize the importance of alignment between the two programs and the benefits of joint concerts and collaborations. They also talk about their commitment to service, organizing band festivals and providing opportunities for students from other schools. And yes, we find time to talk about the TV show Dynasty as well as Dallas, Air Wolf, and Knight Rider. Support the Show.

Shortest Show Ever!! You are welcome! See you next week with TWO fabulous guests! Support the Show.

Well they said it would never happen --Erin Gleason, fabulous music educator, flautist, and spouse of Chris, in a moment of weakness or sympathy, joins us on the show. In an episode that could be subtitled, "tell us what you really think", Erin gives us her honest opinion of the show, grills, clutter, bad banter, and band-o-ramas. In what some might call a "revealing" episode you will learn more about this great teacher, parent, and human. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 CLOSES TOMORROW (APRIL 15) Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com Clips: Rocket's Called a Trash Panda in Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017) Support the Show.

After a well-deserved break from us, we are back to interrupt your life with more mind-numbing banter. This week, we have no guests……but wait….before you hit the delete button consider listening to this episode featuring some of our favorite moments over the past two years. As you will hear in our pre-banter banter, we hesitate to call this a “best of” episode as the term "best" doesn’t apply to this podcast. Instead, think of this as a "choose your own adventure" without any choice. Enjoy? Support the Show.

Here to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is our favorite Irish loving composer, Michael Sweeney! Even our below average banter session didn't sway Michael from sharing a wonderful hour looking back at his start as a musician and composer. We get his perspective on what has changed in composition over the course of his career and learn more about the Hal Leonard Corporation. A St. Patty's Day Episode wouldn't be complete without Michael Sweeney playing some tin whistles as well! In this episode we also make a BIG announcement regarding our plans for the next Midwest Clinic. Also, our tshirt campaign ends soon on March 30. Get your Beyond ArtLess shirts now and help keep Peter from falling off more stages. hereClick here to learn more.Click here to register & learn more. BTN WebsiteSubmit it here Support the Show.

In this episode of Beyond Artless, we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Shauna Pickens, an esteemed educator/conductor, trombonist, and Professor at Texas Tech University. Once we get the trombone jokes out of the way, we learn a lot from Dr. Pickens about her later journey through music education, teaching in a low SES school, mentors, and her support for a music education for ALL! We even have a rare interruption from Grandma Juli and Erika who want to say hello to Peter’s former colleague. Tune in for captivating conversations from Shauna Pickens full of profound insights into the transformative power of music education for all ages of teachers, as well as long-winded questions and generally unprofessional behavior from Peter and Phil. Shauna Pickens Bio History of Pflugerville Peter Ugly Sweater Picts "Mosaic" by Michael Tippett performed by Cincinnati Wind Symphony: In Concert Symphony #2 by Jim Stephenson performed by the United States "President's Own" Marine Band PURCHASE YOUR BEYOND ARTLESS SWAG HERE - Available until March 30 only Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com Support the Show.

The competition for dullest pre-guest banter continues on. Following closely behind pre-guest banter is dull post-guest banter. Thankfully, we’re able to steal Peter away from his tour for a few minutes. Chris and Phil have nothing important to be stolen away from. Our guest this week is clearly the most comfortable commentator we have ever had on the podcast. Pete Winslow’s sports broadcasting skills are impressive and his trombone playing is excellent despite his college teacher (Phil). He is a member of the US Power Soccer National Team and recently medaled at the 2023 world cup in Australia. In fact, Pete was the assist leader for the entire world cup tourney, earning him the nickname “The Mailman.” We have correlating suggestions for nicknames for Peter “The Muppet Man,” Phil “The Malodorous Man,” and Chris “The Mediocre Man.” Join us as we listen to Pete’s story growing up in a musical household, early days playing power soccer and college road trip memories. https://www.powersoccerteamusa.org/roster/pete-winslow/https://www.fox9.com/news/minnesotans-to-represent-us-at-power-soccer-world-cup-in-australiahttps://www.spectatornews.com/top-stories/2014/11/powering-through-life-one-goal-at-a-time/https://youtu.be/mTaANY9YrLw?si=QypsTfM_0sOhyeuUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxvFha9JzswWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newBUY ARTLESS SWAG HERESupport the Show.

Ever wonder who organizes that big get-together during the holidays? No, I’m not talking about your family’s holiday bash at your Uncle Louie’s house. I’m talking about the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Kelly Bell is the Executive Director of the Midwest Clinic. She joins us for a wonderful chat about the inner workings of the Clinic, her time at Conn Selmer, mentors like Dr. Tim, and our request for a booth and a t-shirt canon at next year’s Midwest (this also involves a race between John Mackey and Brian Balmages.) Throw in some original music by Paul Budde, and you have a fantastic show (well…fantastic might not be the exact word). Learn More About Kelly Learn More About The Midwest Clinic Learn More About The Conn Selmer Institute Clips Used: Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment present a Brian Grazer production ; a Tom Shadyac film ; written by Paul Guay & Stephen Mazur ; produced by Brian Grazer ; directed by Tom Shadyac. Liar Liar. Universal City, CA :Universal, 1999. “Kings Row: Finale” by Erich Wolfgang Korngold performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra on the “Big Screen Sound” Album, 1984. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com NEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/new Support the Show.

In celebration of the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference this past week, we are pleased to have the fantastic Minnesota music educator Paul Kile with us. Paul shares his upbringing, including the LaCrosse Boys Choir, cymbals, and a skiff (you'll just have to listen). We talk about his amazing work teaching high school band at Edina High School as well as his leadership roles in multiple organizations including the Minnesota Music Listening Contest, National Band Association (NBA-MN), American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA-MN), and the Servant Leadership for Music (SLAM) to name a few. His contagious curiosity and genuine passion for learning are models for us all - as is his ability to answer ridiculous speed-round questions! Minnesota Winds Music Teacher Feature Edina High School SLAM Music Listening Contest Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comWant Less Banter? https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the Show.

Commuters who have been with us since the beginning have grown to appreciate the “homespun” nature of the podcast. Well, maybe not appreciate, but gently tolerate? Phil learns the value of restarting his laptop and pays the price by offering very little for the first half of the episode (shut out). We learn about Ferryville, Wisconsin and surrounding suburbs. Who knew that a dairy farmers kid could go on to great success as a trumpet player, teacher, band director and currently Director of Bands at the Ohio State University. Dr. Mikkelson shares with us about the value of great teaching and performing to students of all ages and ability levels. Dave Mueller (former band director at Eleva-Strum) gets multiple shout-outs and so does Kickapoo, Wisconsin. Free throw shooting, anyone? We have time to appreciate Russ’ favorite morning beverage, sports teams and moments with former student Erika Svanoe. Listen on and let this inspire your February commute! https://music.osu.edu/people/mikkelson.1 https://education.musicforall.org/clinician/dr-russel-c-mikkelson/ https://heiseywindensemble.org/Conductors.php https://www.ngsymphony.org/music-director https://www.uwec.edu/news/news/nine-to-receive-uw-eau-claire-alumni-association-awards-5116/ Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comWant less banter? Donate here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the Show.

Mike George is a legendary figure in the arts education community in Wisconsin and beyond. His leadership has impacted thousands of people over his highly successful career. What an honor to spend an hour with Mike as he shares his childhood experiences and passion for music, discussing his teaching career, involvement in polka bands, and fine arts administration. Emphasizing relationship-building and mentoring, he highlights the importance of creating a culture of sharing. He discusses establishing the Wisconsin Center for Music Education and the Comprehensive Musicianship Project. Reflecting on influential figures, he underscores the transformative power of music, collaboration, and leadership in the field of music education. And yes....we also listen to Paul Budde's new Packer song. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Stole of Excellence 03:33 Discussion about Paul Budde 04:19 Phil's Honor Band Experience 05:11 Siren, Wisconsin and Other Music Programs 08:07 WWPPD: What Would You Do If You Woke Up Six Years Old? 09:02 Reflections on Childhood and Wasted Time 11:20 Introduction of Mike George 12:12 Mike George's Childhood and Passion for Music 14:24 First Teaching Jobs and Changes in Teaching 20:32 Involvement in Polka Bands 21:52 Administrative Career and Establishing the Wisconsin Center for Music Education 27:39 Importance of Philanthropy and Mentoring Young Teachers 34:37 Mike George's Work in Fine Arts Administration 41:12 Importance of Building Relationships in Teaching 41:34 Facilitating Groups and Creating Visions 42:03 Encouraging Participation in Group Settings 44:10 Creating a Culture of Sharing 45:26 Teaching and Mentoring Nonprofits 49:15 The Impact of the Arts 52:43 Remembering Influential Figures 57:37 Speed Round Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com NEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/new Thanks Cookie Monster for the audio: Sesame Street: Cookie Monster Sings C is for Cookie Support the Show.

This man is Non-Stop! The podcast continues this week by exploring the stories and journey of an extraordinary individual in the world of arts and music - Buddy Deshler. A former Dallas Brass musician, Professor at Furman University, and all-around crazy trumpeter. We dive into Buddy’s early experiences with music, his time with the Dallas Brass, his non-profit “Brass Institutes of America”, and some of those memorable experiences one has when they have toured the world as a performing musician (both good and bad). How can someone so young have so many high profile plates spinning as an educator, performer, and entrepreneur at the same time? Because he is NON-STOP! Learn More About Buddy! https://www.furman.edu/people/buddy-deshler/https://www.brass-usa.com/buddydeshlerArtists - Buddy DeshlerShow Clips: Jack Black & Will Ferrell sing "Get Off the Stage" Oscars Acceptance Speech PSAOverture 'Egmont', op.84, Georg Solti; CSO - BeethovenGet It Here! BTN: Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/new Support the Show.

On this week's show is a man with many skills - from writing drills to building decks; Mark Davison can do it all. He is a gentle giant whose passion continues to nurture all those who get the privilege of working with him. In our conversation, Mark talks about his experience as a private instructor and band director. He shares his experiences with the Essential Ellington Jazz Festival, his approach to teaching private lessons, and the importance of tailoring lessons to fit each student's needs. The conversation goes well until we get off track, envisioning a future Beyond The Notes booth at Midwest and attacking gongs by using t-shirt cannons. Everything you would expect from this quality podcast. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com NEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/new Support the Show.

There is a great quote that states, “Older siblings: the only people who will pick on you for their own entertainment and beat up anyone else who tries.” This week’s guest is none other than Chris’s big brother, Tim Gleason. Our discussion explores Tim’s amazing teaching and coaching career, mentors, and great books. Learn more than you want to know about growing up in the Gleason household, poor youth decision making, professional wrestling moves, and tips on how to improve this podcast. Ernie Reck Polka Band Feature on WEAU Channel 13 Register for Chris's VanderCook Class "Beyond Measure: Ungrading Your Classroom" here: https://www.vandercook.edu/course/beyond-measure-ungrading-your-music-classroom-sp24/ Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com NEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/new Support the Show.