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This week on Beyond Artless, we welcome the dynamic and delightfully down-to-earth Alli Mottaz, an instrumental music educator, percussionist, and all-around creative powerhouse from Waconia, Minnesota.

Alli shares her journey from dreaming of playing for the WNBA to becoming an award-winning band director (with a soft spot for the Jonas Brothers and crocheting on the side). Now in her ninth year of teaching, Alli opens up about the realities of music education — the laughter, the learning curves, and the lessons that stick long after the bell rings.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Alli’s path to percussion began with a very blue inspiration (thank you, Blue Man Group)
• The importance of staying a performer while being a teacher
• How mentors shaped her approach to leading and learning
• Life lessons from maternity leave, team teaching, and middle school chaos
• How she broke a small Ostrander child
• And how Chris left her alone on her first day of teaching with him!

Alli’s warmth, humor, and honesty make this episode a love letter to the art of teaching — and a reminder that even the most organized band room runs on equal parts caffeine, compassion, and community.

 Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and great insights on teaching that are — beyond artless.

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Credits:

Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Activity Mat & Gym - Full Song Suite 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XD9iTf2Mbs

The entire song suite from the much loved Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Mat, including Purple Monkey In A Bubblegum Tree, and Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Enjoy the songs in the highest quality possible

The Cat’s Pajamas Rag - Pierre LaPlante

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Allison Mottzz, conducting

https://youtu.be/D-Xq6fel_5Y

Twittering Machine - Brian Balmages

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Brian Balamages, conducting

https://youtu.be/Af3ENiwEXN0

Try - Harrison Collins

Persistence Rules! - Dana Wilson

UWEC Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Concert

Oct 10, 2025 - Phil Ostrander, conducting

https://www.youtube.com/live/XEnOqhXdSCM?si=QTj1Y3GiYvXFEtJb

Blizzard Blues - François Dorion

Hal Leonard Publishing

https://youtu.be/QaeCEVpM0iU?si=1_F-0edrw_MrcXCU

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With over 300 compositions to his credit, Willie Owens is a common name in music education. We sit down with Willie to chat about his 30 years of teaching band in Texas, his approach to honor bands, influential mentors, his recent honorary doctorate from VanderCook, presidential history, and corvettes. Peter brought not one but two beverages, Phil looked confused, and Chris continued to struggle with creating complete sentences. Thank goodness for Eric Songer and his students for another installment of Rapping with Songer. 

Check Our NEW Website and claim your FREE copy of "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe on October 31, 2025. 

Credits:

Manilow, B. (1975). I Write the Songs [Song]. On Tryin’ to Get the Feeling. Arista Records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_tnxTKuaK4

Spielberg, S. (Director). (1977). Close encounters of the third kind [Film]. Columbia Pictures. https://youtu.be/wZj7gUIO-2k?si=n1TyRRH8yQAcO_d7

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Commuter – nearly every one of you has either conducted or played a chart written by the great Dean Sorenson.  We get a chance to chat with Dean about subpar bus driving, almost missing a gig with Rosemary Clooney (George’s mom) and more.  Phil was prepared (but you would never know it), Chris sets the bar low with his first question and Peter develops his jazz hands skill set.  Specialist/coach Tim Gleason offers pointed critique of hosts and praise for the guest.  Eric Songer and his students pose a great question to the hosts – definitely no great answers, though.

Show Notes: 

Dean Sorenson Links;

http://www.deansorensonmusic.com

https://kjos.com/person/view?id=324

https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/soren048

https://www.facebook.com/p/Dean-Sorenson-Music-100057340852890/

The theme song for All in the Family, "Those Were the Days," was written by Lee Adams (lyrics) and Charles Strouse (music). 

https://youtu.be/GI46_zBGv1A?si=ztA5cfm4YmO_nJoP

Mel Torme - Stardust

Stardust

Mel Torme, Frank Wess

https://youtu.be/3s1YVwGCgik?si=X2LtoV-a4kIXFsuY

Jim Gaffigan | Never Listen to Doctors

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7E2EFrZtk-8

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In this heartfelt episode of Beyond Artless, we shine a spotlight on Jennifer Rogholt — a dedicated band mom whose tireless support and advocacy for music education has made a lasting impact on students, directors, and entire school communities.

Jennifer shares her perspective on what it means to be a parent, volunteer, and champion for the arts. From late-night band trips to organizing fundraisers, she reflects on the joy, challenges, and profound rewards of supporting young musicians.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Jennifer’s journey as a proud band parent and volunteer
• How small acts of service create big change in music programs
• The power of community, connection, and showing up
• Why music education matters — for kids and for culture
• Tips for parents and supporters who want to get involved

This conversation is a celebration of the unsung heroes behind every concert, halftime show, and festival. Jennifer reminds us that when parents, educators, and students work together, music can transform lives.

 Tune in and honor the advocates who keep music alive beyond artless.

As a parent and fostering a love for music in those around you: 

1.  Music should be fun - always keep it light and fun.
2. Involve them in some way.  Attend events together.  Watch YouTube music together. 
3. Meet them where they are at. Celebrate what they love.
4. Time not minutes.  When practicing : time spent with an instrument is time spent.
5. Be playful, creative, no limits - can do no wrong.  Everything is progress and celebrate the first time something is played and the last.
6. When comfortable, look for ways to share music - practice videos, playing for grandparents, friends, church or even other venues.
7. Be Coachable : Teach being coachable by being coachable yourself.

Fostering Relationships With Music Educators

1. Show Up - walk in - ask what can I do or how can I help
2. Help whenever possible - actually move chairs, stands etc.  Actually walk in the space and say, I am here to help.
3. Express gratitude always - Thank them for things accomplished.
4. Notice the small things. - what changes or things are the directors incorporating that is moving things slowly in a new direction.  Tell them you notice that and that you are excited about it.  For example, having students share details about a piece at a concert before the piece is played.
5. Listen to them without judgment or feedback.  Be a safe place.
6. Be there for the program and events that will benefit all students
7. Be a resource to the other parents - the director can say, "I will have you talk with Momma Jen about that.  She can point you in the right direction."
8. Provide resources such as extra camp payments for a child that needs help, serve on Boards and volunteer opportunities, provide special rewards for fundraising efforts and sponsor when able.

Building Parent Involvement:

1. Personal invitation with no way out. Meet me here at this time and we will do this together.

2. Make it fun - no drama

3. Well organized - clear direction on what to do and how to help. Written directions are great because they give time for others to digest what they will do ahead of time. Sign up genius is a wonderful resource for this.

4. Get to know the kids with adults that could help, and maybe don't. Tell the kid, I would love to get to know your adult more. Can you give them my number and have them call me about ways we can work together? This works!

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We all know John McCallister for the incredible free resources he shares on his website—but there’s so much more to this remarkable human. Join us for an enlightening and joyful conversation with John, whose heart is even bigger than the treasure trove of materials he offers online.

John McCallister AMAZING Website: https://www.johnmcallistermusic.com/

Watch: The Last Repair Shop

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29118186/

Herb Alpert Donation Story

https://abc7.com/post/music-legend-herb-alpert-donates-1-million-lausds-last-repair-shop/17805086/

1980 · Herb Alpert  Rise
℗ 2015 Herb Alpert Presents
Released on: 1979-09-01
Composer, Writer: Herb Alpert

https://youtu.be/EJZ_Jb06Kuw?si=shTT82oUYqv_hlHj

I am your father Sound Effect! (DARTH VADER)

https://youtu.be/F_-2B4P2FeM?si=SIiFXanymk9Y5eCu

The Duck Song

Song by Bryant Oden. Video by Forrest Whaley.

https://youtu.be/MtN1YnoL46Q?si=fkSloVGMkPO9qhvN

Fred Wesley on "Pass the Peas" by James Brown | #ITF2025

Performers: Manuel Valera (piano), Alexander Ayala (bass), Marcos Torres (drums), Fred Wesley (trombone), Ariel Kasler (guitar), Tony Da Luca (tenor sax)

https://youtu.be/bBDyBBmRLxc?si=fyADC-VpB2ZhXrQg

A River Runs Through It · Mark Isham

A River Runs Through It (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

℗ PATHE FILMS

Released on: 1992-10-09

Composer: Mark Isham

https://youtu.be/j8jxGQJHQvg?si=Quz8pLnMTg_jHmRO

Roma (2010)

Valerie Coleman

University of the Pacific Wind Bands

Vu Nguyen, conductor

This is a live recording of Pacific Wind Bands' performance at CBDNA W/NW Division Conference

in Las Vegas at the Academy of the Arts on March 28, 2024. To learn more about University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music, visit Pacific.edu/Conservatory.

https://youtu.be/ZtrAGX93ggA?si=ZN6Y0rW5aoUQw8EC

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In mid-season stride, our guest Reid Wixson shares with us on arts advocacy, affording opportunities to all students and Mumbai, India.  Peter shares chewing ice cubes, Chris still distracted by the Packer game and Phil continues his quest for an articulate question (or really any coherent question).  See if you can guess Paul Kile's Band Buzzler!  Don’t forget - Beyond Artless LIVE at the WMEA conference.  Thursday, October 30 at 2:45 PM, Monona Terrace Ballroom A.  Bring your friends, enemies and frenemies.

https://swhs-instrumental-music.weebly.com/meet-mr-wixson.html

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/04/01/minneapolis-public-schools-music-director-responds-to-potential-cuts

Credits

La Fiesta Mexicana : H. Owen Reed

United States Marine Band / John R. Bourgeois Conducting

Bicentennial Collection Vol 6 • Jack T. Kline, John R. Bourgeois Conducting

Little Mexican Suite for Winds Nubia Jaime Donjuan (b. 1984)

World Premiere

Spring 2022 • Spaulding Auditorium • Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth

​​https://youtu.be/JT3Hu0C6tq0?si=YfSLJC-L74WjwypI

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In this episode of Beyond Artless, we welcome Jason Caslor, conductor, educator, and Director of Bands at Arizona State University. Known for his innovative programming and collaborative spirit, Jason brings a unique perspective to the world of wind band conducting and music-making.

Jason opens up about the art of leading ensembles, the importance of creating meaningful musical experiences, and how conductors can foster creativity, trust, and connection within a group. He also shares personal stories about his journey from Canada to the U.S., lessons learned from mentors, and the evolving role of wind bands in today’s musical landscape. And, of course, he talks about hockey with Phil.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Jason’s journey to becoming a leading conductor and educator
• The balance between tradition and innovation in programming
• How conductors build community and inspire creativity
• Thoughts on mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning
• Why wind bands matter more than ever

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the podium—or how a conductor turns notes on a page into a living, breathing performance—this conversation will inspire and enlighten you.

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What happens when a music teacher decides to meet students where they are and to develop new ways to engage all learners through music? You get Bob Habersat, owner and author of Shed The Music, who is part teacher, part tech wizard, and potentially a hand model.

In this episode, Bob dives into:

• His relentless drive to find new ways to support and connect with his students
• His amazing suite of videos and curricula available on his website: Shedthemusic.net
• How technology can rescue teachers from explaining bass clef until retirement
• What it takes to pull off a full-blown commercial music festival in your own school

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more creativity, collaboration, and authenticity into music education, this conversation is your backstage pass.

Show Notes:

Link to join the free workshop PD

https://emusicelements.com/pd 

Link to check out the free guitar course

https://www.shedthemusic.net/fretboard-fundamentals-overview

The looper I was using (its part of Elements)

https://www.shedthemusic.net/looper

The fretboard thing I talked about

https://www.shedthemusic.net/fret-finder

The solfege reading tool

https://www.shedthemusic.net/solfege-reader

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This day is a long time coming.  After one year teaching, our guest Lauren Buss speaks more intelligently and inspirationally than our hosts combined.  Lauren enlightens us on how to play a piano with a sledgehammer, the fine art of crochet and the puzzle of “jeans on” hot-tubbing.  Peter, Phil and Chris are blessedly quiet in this episode that introduces all of us to a fabulous first year band director.  Tim Gleason attempts to clearly define his role as “coach” on Beyond Artless.  Of course, you will have to listen to find out what mystery vegetable is sometimes used as a garnish for a supper-club Old-Fashioned.

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In this episode of Beyond Artless, Peter brings us the extraordinary saxophonist, composer, and educator Russell Peterson, professor of saxophone, bassoon, and jazz at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Russell shares his journey as a multifaceted musician—spanning classical, jazz, and contemporary performance—while offering insights into the art of balancing tradition with innovation. From the practice room to the stage, he reflects on the challenges and joys of being a performer and teacher, and the role of music as a bridge between genres, people, and communities.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Russell’s path to performer and professor
• How he approaches artistry across many different musical traditions
• Stories from his career as a musician and teacher
• The value of improvisation, interests, and creativity in teaching and performance
• His teaching philosophy rooted in following the child’s interests

Whether you’re a musician, music lover, or simply curious about the creative process, Russell’s reflections will leave you inspired to listen deeper and live Beyond ArtLess-ly.

Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at [email protected]

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