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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.

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Season 1 - "Hope"

Season 2 - "Return of the Jackasses"

Season 3 - "The FCC Strikes Back"

Season 4 - "Still Unfunded, Still Unfunny"  - Episode one drops Saturday, Aug 30.

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You've heard the phrase, "needs no introduction." Well, our final guest of Season 3 truly fits the bill—Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser joins us for an inspiring conversation about leading through turbulent times, serving others, and making the most of every moment.

If you’re only tuning in for one episode this season (and we know that’s a real possibility), this is the one to catch.

Thank you, commuters, for an incredible season. We’ll see you in the fall!

Recording Credits

"Tock" - JaRod Hall, Performed by the Cape Elizabeth Middle School Band, Cape Elizabeth Maine on May 8, 2025 ​Caitlin Ramsey and Missy Shabo, music educators.

"Dune Aurora" by Jennifer Jolley (computer rendering)

"Bubbles Was A Cheerleader" performed by the 1995 Disney All-American College Band w/ the exceptional tuba section. Trombones were....ok. 

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What happens when you get three Gleasons who play tuba in the same ArtLess episode?
Chaos. Pure, brass-fueled chaos.

Fortunately, we’re joined by the ever-talented Matt Pivec, who brings not only his impressive musical accomplishments but also a touchdown story you truly have to hear to believe. Matt shares insights on balancing multiple interests, pushing back against the pressure to specialize too early, and how improvisation in education goes far beyond jazz solos.

The conversation weaves through student engagement, the power of storytelling in the classroom, and how music festivals are expanding opportunities for young performers.

Matt’s reverse speed round—and his razor-sharp wit—graciously offset the collective nonsense of this week’s five hosts (yes, five).

Brace yourself for an episode that’s as enlightening as it is unreasonably tuba-heavy.

Learn More about Matt Here:

https://www.butler.edu/jordan-arts/undergraduate-programs/music/faculty-staff/jazz-area-faculty/

Recording Credits:

Freddie Hubbard - You're My Everything [Alternate Take]

https://youtu.be/iXltPEj4VhQ?si=f3-SGf5SKWXIb49R

Hub-Tones (1963)

Personnel:

Freddie Hubbard (Trumpet)

James Spaulding (Alto saxophone)

Herbie Hancock (Piano)

Reggie Workman (Bass)

Clifford Jarvis (Drums)

--

Alfred Lion (Producer)

Rudy Van Gelder (Recording Engineer)

Polka Tune

Album - “Almost a Ton of Fat and Fun”

Ernie Reck Polka Band

Jerry Gleason on Tuba!

Salvation Is Created - arr. Brown

Rippling Watercolors - Balmages

Earthdance - Sweeney

Slow Burn - Svanoe

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Show Notes:
A week late, you say? So is our comedic and musical timing.

You know who does have great timing? Dr. John Lynch, Director of Bands at UW-Stevens Point. It was a real treat to hear about his musical journey—one that’s taken him all around the globe (literally).

In this episode, Dr. Lynch shares his perspective on cultural differences between Australia and the U.S., the importance of repertoire choices, the pursuit of quality in music, and the irreplaceable value of live performance.

Recording Credits:

"The Mooche" - Duke Ellington, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Winternacht (Conductor Cam) | Hans Abrahamsen

https://youtu.be/36t0GxwjOew?si=9M_Dh-potKEpa3Ao

Musica Nova Ensemble, Eastman School of Music

University of Wisconsin Marching Band

On Wisconsin & Varsity & Hot Time 

2010

Other Good Stuff:

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There are leaders and there are followers. Thankfully, Fran Kick joins us this week to lead us through a delightful conversation. Granted, Peter, Phil and Chris DO get lost multiple times but Fran gracefully get us back on track. Check out Fran's amazing videos, resources, and books including the "Have to, Get to, Want to" video and article in the show notes!

Show Notes:
Learn more about Fran here:

https://www.kickitin.com/

Have to, Get to, Want to [YouTube video]

https://youtu.be/KtaMBeCjF3A

Have to, Get to, Want to [Article]

https://www.kickitin.com/have-to-get-to-want-to/

Recording Credits:

Other Good Stuff:

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We saved the best for last. Enjoy our final interview from our Midwest 2024 booth. This interview features our good friend Owen. Where is he from? Don't know. What does he do? Not sure? What does he look like? Don't have a picture. Was he fun to interview? YES - in fact, he was amazing! Too bad you won't get to hear it. 

We know we continue to meet, and perhaps, surpass your expectations each and every week. You can look forward to five more episodes this season. Who knows what will happen. Thanks for listening and putting up with this awful podcast.

Chris will try to do better.

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This Beyond ArtLess Short was captured during our live recording sessions at the 2024 Midwest Clinic. A heartfelt thank you to Eric Songer and John Stewart for stepping in as guest hosts for several episodes. We’re especially grateful to everyone who willingly stopped by to participate in an interview—and to those who accidentally wandered down the wrong aisle and found themselves part of the action, our sincere apologies!

Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival or ComMission Possible Project? Click here to learn more.  

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

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Phil asked one truly insightful question—alongside a few not-so-great ones—but we’re incredibly proud of how much he’s grown. Peter made an impressive comeback in PPTD, while Chris continues to meet challenges head-on (bless his heart). This week’s guest is the complete opposite of your usual hosts—thoughtful, intelligent, kind, and wildly creative. What a joy it was to chat with Michael Markowski about his music, his mentorship, and the magic behind his creative process. 

Show Notes:
https://www.michaelmarkowski.com/

Recording Credits:

Songs that use Chromatic Mediant chords

David Bennett

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtISkOeSz08

VIGILANTE by Michael Markowski ~ High School Honor Band~ 2025 GCBDA All District Honor Band

ROBSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

306 views • Jan 29, 2025 • ROBSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Green Country Band Directors Association

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk0LiK5iP8I

City Trees

Michael Markowski, composer

Performed by the Brooklyn Wind Symphony

Brian Worsdale, conductor

https://youtu.be/rZtaznyS-cM?si=ZM48uDOIuGmlwNRF

"The Cave You Fear" by Michael Markowski

Performed by the Brooklyn Wind Symphony

Andy Pease, guest conductor

Jeff W. Ball, artistic director

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4pOswwQAxQ

Other Good Stuff:

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Maybe Chris should learn how to take notes.  Maybe Peter should learn how to arrange travel for guests.  Maybe Phil should learn how to interview.  Our guest Dr. Laura Dunbar can do all of these things better than our hosts and is also a world class educator!  Dr. Dunbar is head of music education studies at UW Eau Claire and also coordinates the Chippewa Valley Youth Choirs and directs the Very Young Composers of the Chippewa Valley Workshop.  Listen on as she describes her journey from small town Ohio through a PhD from University of Arizona.  Unlike our hosts, this guest knows how to ask the right questions!  Is it really ok to eat cereal without milk?

Show Notes:
https://www.uwec.edu/profiles/dunbarll

https://chippewavalleyyouthchoirs.weebly.com

https://veryyoungcomposersproject.org/very-young-composers-of-chippewa-valley

Other Good Stuff:

1. Join ComMission Possible 2026 with JoAnne Harris and Carol Brittin Chambers - Deadline April 15. Click here to learn more

2. ORDER BEYOND ARTLESS SHIRTS HERE!
https://bit.ly/ArtLessShirt

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

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