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This Beyond ArtLess episode was captured during our live recording sessions at the 2025 Midwest Clinic. 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!

REGISTER NOW:

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

FREE MUSIC: 

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

THANKS TO:

Our sponsor Silent Stage Podiums. https://www.arcofrog.com/silentstagepodiums

We would love to partner with you too! Just head to our website to learn more! 

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/podcast#sponsor

Support the show

Send us a text

This Beyond ArtLess episode was captured during our live recording sessions at the 2025 Midwest Clinic. 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!

FREE MUSIC: 

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

Beyond The Notes Music Festival (Erika Svanoe “Fanfare on Joy To The World”)

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/. (UNTIL JAN 1 ONLY

THANKS TO:

Our sponsor Silent Stage Podiums. https://www.arcofrog.com/silentstagepodiums

We would love to partner with you too! Just head to our website to learn more! 

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/podcast#sponsor

Support the show

Send us a text

A first for the podcast – a brother and sister tandem.  Heidi and Dan (and their musician sister Sara) were destined for music from an early age – even though enrolling in college in unrelated fields.  Their parents, Beth and Mike Joosten have been music education fixtures in Wisconsin – now taking that approach to their woodworking business.  Heidi has been conducting multiple national tours of sound and screen shows, and also continues to compose, play piano and harp.  Dan is band director at Edgerton High School and also the Edgerton and Verona Community Bands.  Peter, Phil and Chris do their best to form complete sentences.  Be sure to hang in there until the end as we have a LIVE appearance from the Band Buzzler Creator and Architect – Paul Kile – dashing in before heading to Midwest with the Edina High School Band and Tim Mahr.

Credits:

"Boomba" For Wind Ensemble. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm5V1-JZH4Y

Composed By Michael Barry, Conducted by Anthony Panther , Recorded by Adam Michalak , With the Hollywood Scoring Wind Ensemble 

Score and Parts Available for Purchase:

https://murphymusicpress.com/products...,  https://michaelbarrycomposer.com/store/

Respighi - Huntingtower (Ballad for Band) United States Air Force Band / Lt. Col. Lowell E Graham. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRxWbW0RheU

Carmina Burana - Were du werlt alle min Richard Cooke, Carl Orff, Carmina Burana.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rBaCp3t5v4

FREE MUSIC: 

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

Beyond The Notes Music Festival (Erika Svanoe “Fanfare on Joy To The World”)

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

THANKS TO:

Our sponsor Silent Stage Podiums. https://www.arcofrog.com/silentstagepodiums

We would love to partner with you too! Just head to our website to learn more! 

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/podcast#sponsor

Support the show

Send us a text

Beyond Artless: Featuring Composer Jodie Blackshaw

In this episode of Beyond Artless, we are honored to welcome Jodie Blackshaw, internationally performed composer, educator, and creative voice whose music speaks with honesty, courage, and deep emotional resonance.

Jodie shares her journey into composition and the stories behind writing music that asks conductors and performers to truly create. From embracing vulnerability in the creative process to navigating the responsibilities of writing meaningful, inclusive repertoire, she reflects on what it means to compose with purpose in today’s musical world.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Jodie’s path to becoming a composer and educator
• How storytelling, emotion, and lived experience shape her music
• The balance between craft and courage in the compositional and performance process
• Writing with empathy, intention, and social awareness
• Advice for young composers and performers finding their artistic voice

This conversation is a powerful reminder that music is more than sound on a page—it is connection, reflection, and invitation. Jodie’s insight challenges us to listen more deeply, create more bravely, and engage more fully with the stories we tell through music.

 Tune in for a conversation that is thoughtful, inspiring, and deeply human—beyond artless.

Credits:

Percy Grainger's Colonial Song

Percy Grainger (1882–1961) Colonial Song, edited by Timothy Topolowski and Larry Clark

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band

Recorded on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center in Alexandria, Va.

Capt. Darren Y. Lin, conducting

https://youtu.be/9LgwGfK-K7s?si=upWWiN6wt40pJoTl

Whirlwind 

Provided to YouTube by NAXOS of America

Whirlwind (Australia, Winner 1st Prize - Category 1) · University of North Texas Symphonic Band

The Winners & the Finalists: The 1st Frank Ticheli Composition Contest

℗ 2012 Mark Records

Released on: 2012-08-07

Conductor: Dennis Fisher

Ensemble: University of North Texas Symphonic Band

Composer: Jodie Blackshaw

https://youtu.be/RpXRdvNjZ_8?si=wNiS3FR_s9jEQG33

FREE MUSIC: 

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

Beyond The Notes Music Festival (Erika Svanoe “Fanfare on Joy To The World”)

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

Midwest Step Up Contest
Big thanks to our sponsor, Silent Stage Podiums! If you're heading to the Midwest Clinic, swing by Booth #748 before Friday at noon and snap a creative pic on the Silent Stage podium. Follow + tag Beyond The Notes (FB) to enter.  Winners announced on the BTN FB page at NOON on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

Prizes:
 • Best “Style” Photo: $20 Starbucks gift card + ArtLess shirt
 • Random Winner: 30 seconds of airtime on the Beyond Artless Podcast (PSA, story, advice, joke… or roast Peter)

See you at Midwest!

Support the show

Send us a text

Once again, this podcast manages to leave our guest feeling both uncomfortable and slightly disoriented. Today’s show features the incredible trombonist, educator, and all-around human gem Tony Baker, Professor of Trombone at the University of North Texas. Tony came prepared to talk about his education, experiences, and mentors—what he didn’t expect was a surprise visit from the 1996 Valleyfair Beach Band (of which he was a proud member). Add in a Band Buzzler, a Band Boozler, and the Coach, and you’ve got one unforgettable episode guaranteed to leave you just as uncomfortable and slightly disoriented.

Learn More About Tony:

https://music.unt.edu/people/tony-baker.html

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fab22e730a5be1f90f837cd/t/604f878f301a5c6460259a5d/1615824812196/Tony+Baker+-+An+Artist%27s+Corner.pdf

Credits:

The Planets by Trouvère: The Earth

Conductor: Larry H. Lang

Orchestra: United States Air Force Band

Composer: Jun Nagao

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEwLM6P7wIA

FREE MUSIC: 

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

Beyond The Notes Music Festival (Erika Svanoe “Fanfare on Joy To The World”)

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

Midwest Step Up Contest
Big thanks to our sponsor, Silent Stage Podiums! If you're heading to the Midwest Clinic, swing by Booth #748 before Friday at noon and snap a creative pic on the Silent Stage podium. Follow + tag Beyond The Notes (FB) and Silent Stage Podiums (IG) to enter.  Winners announced on these platforms at NOON on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

Prizes:
 • Best “Style” Photo: $20 Starbucks gift card + ArtLess shirt
 • Random Winner: 30 seconds of airtime on the Beyond Artless Podcast (PSA, story, advice, joke… or roast Peter)

See you at Midwest!

Beach Band

Many Thanks to the 1996 Valleyfair Beach Band for making an appearance on the show! To book us for gigs, just reach out to Chris! 

Want to watch the show?  Here you go: https://youtu.be/uXKxpVZbzNs

Want to see the hole we dug? Here you go: Beach Band Photos

1996 Beach Band Members

Kelley Lima

Gus Lindquist

Lee Peterson

Eric Songer

Gavin Wigg

Todd Schendel

Tony Baker

Chris Gleason

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Send us a text

A giant leap across the pond to Germany for the podcast today with our guest, Matt Turek.  Matt has taught in just about every capacity one can - from elementary general and high school band in an urban environment to middle school suburban to now Grade 1-10 Music at an International School on the outskirts of Hamburg, Germany.  Matt is not afraid of teaching at any level!  Sadly, Peter should be afraid of endless prattle, Chris should be afraid of dated references in the classroom and Phil should be afraid of stumbling into actual work.

Listen all the way to the end for an answer to the band buzzer and a musical challenge request from Michael Kasper.  And - a heartfelt answer to the question “What are you most proud of?”

Learn More About Matt Here:

https://wabeinternationalschool.de/about-us/our-team-old/

https://files-backend.assets.thrillshare.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/2649/Bsd/99541e94-118c-491e-96d8-0c4af381b743/Spring_2018_District_Newsletter.pdf?disposition=inline

Credits:

Messiaen: Quartet for the End of Time

Richard Nunemaker, Clarinet

St. Thomas University, Houston, November 15, 2011

https://youtu.be/zYpBHc8px_U?si=J_Rkk-yEnIMs8_Wy

Engelbert Humperdinck - Hansel and Gretel (Overture) (1893)

Georg Solti conducting the Wiener Philharmoniker

https://youtu.be/Z7xQL6ob4QU?si=u4zGJ_QowGz-Br3A

UW Wind Ensemble Performance "Yellow Birds" by Marie Douglas

Scott Teeple, conductor

https://youtu.be/Kczcs84icAQ?list=PLambIxavELha3Z8rIV0C_gC60MuwjUUhe

FREE MUSIC: 

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

Beyond The Notes Music Festival (Erika Svanoe “Fanfare on Joy To The World”)

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

Support the show

Send us a text

In this episode of Beyond Artless, we sit down with Tony Boldt, a passionate educator and musician from Kasson-Mantorville Schools, whose leadership and creativity continue to shape the musical experiences of young performers in his community.

Tony shares his journey as both a teacher and a performer—reflecting on how music shaped his life, what fuels his work in education, and the joys (and occasional chaos) that come with directing student musicians. With authenticity, humor, and heart, Tony blends musicianship with mentorship in a way that reminds us why music education matters.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Tony’s path to becoming a music educator and performer
• The realities of teaching band in a growing and evolving program
• Why continuing to perform keeps him grounded as an educator
• Thoughts on building culture, connection, and student confidence
• Lessons learned from the classroom, podium, and community stage
• The meaningful—and often hilarious—moments that define a music career

This conversation celebrates the teachers who show up, lift others up, and inspire students to chase possibility. Tony’s perspective is a reminder that music education isn’t just about notes and technique—it’s about people, purpose, and lifelong artistry.

Learn More About Tony Here:

http://www.rochestercommunityband.org/dbpage.php?pg=director

https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/40-under-40/2024/boldt-tony/

Credits

• Blue Parrot Rag, Martha Mier.  https://youtu.be/LpJ3lINGCDA?si=SdWxM10UEpOcacPy
• Sunbloom - Gavin Lendt (Concert Band, Grade 3). Gavin Lendt captures the energy and optimism of a new day in Sunbloom, a fast-paced and uplifting Grade 3 work inspired by the motion and momentum of a runner’s journey.  https://youtu.be/o0ZcvAWc_TQ?si=nY2clFACYCKXs2x8
• Hope Ahead, by Brian Balmages – Score & Sound https://youtu.be/SArtqsSQcxQ?si=DBNhriEYaB2i7wB7 Learn more about this ComMission Possible work here: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission/archive

CHECK IT OUT!

Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe.  PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR MOST DEDICATED COMMUTERS WHO ACTUALLY READ THE SHOW NOTES: https://youtu.be/yncdWVj31_A

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Fresh off the heels of our first — and let’s be honest, probably our only — live episode recording at the Wisconsin State Music Conference, we’re back and better than ever with an incredible guest: dynamic tuba artist and educator Deanna Swoboda. From her early inspirations to her innovative “Band Blast Off” program, Deanna takes us on a journey of how she’s brought the mighty tuba into the global spotlight. We dive into her entrepreneurial spirit, her mentorship of women in music, and how she manages to juggle artistry, education, and business without dropping the (brass) ball. It’s an episode full of laughter, insight, and a reminder that music really can move mountains — or at least shake the floorboards.

Sound bites

"The tuba is my voice to the world." "Mentorship shaped my musical journey." "Band Blast Off ignites young musicians' passion." "Women are redefining the music industry." "Artistry and entrepreneurship go hand in hand." "Daily wins lead to big successes." "Performing with Dallas Brass was transformative." "Music education is evolving rapidly." "Create your own opportunities in music." "Inspiring the next generation is my mission."

Learn More About Deanna Here

http://deannaswoboda.com/

https://search.asu.edu/profile/335939

https://www.eastmanwinds.com/deanna_swoboda

Credits

Grøndahl - Concerto for Trombone - Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Dustin Nguyen, winner of the Bienen School of Music’s Concerto Competition, performs Launy Grøndahl’s Concerto for Trombone, arranged by Poul Ivan Møller. Doctoral assistant conductor Sheldon Frazier leads the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Dustin is a master's student of Michael Mulcahy, R. Douglas Wright, Randall Hawes, Reed Capshaw, and Timothy Higgins.

https://youtu.be/ToMaCj2ijdY?si=iT3e72XhvBOLAUqv

CHECK IT OUT!

Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe.  PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR MOST DEDICATED COMMUTERS WHO ACTUALLY READ THE SHOW NOTES: https://youtu.be/yncdWVj31_A

Support the show

Send us a text

The losing battle for interesting banter continues this week.  Phil’s most interesting question is about fish fry.  Chris inches closer to a podcast sponsorship.  Peter details the finer points of Bismarck nightlife.  Kristen Kirch saves our hosts from themselves to talk about a life in music education and restaurant ownership.  Now director of both the middle and high school bands at Chequamegon, Kristen loves small town teaching.  Clearly, her students, parents, administrators, custodial staff, school board and everyone else loves her back.  Step back and learn why it is great to teach in a small town and how to do it successfully.

About Kristen Links: 

https://chs.csdk12.net/teacher-webpages/~const-id/2873

https://csdk12kirch.weebly.com/about-mrs-kirch.html

https://vietcuongmusic.com/inland-ocean/

Credits:

Berlioz: Harold in Italy - Antoine Tamestit, Klaus Mäkelä, Oslo Philharmonic.          Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Klaus Mäkelä, Antoine Tamestit: Berlioz              Harold in Italy                                                                                                                    Oslo Konserthus, 2023 https://youtu.be/KfgORkfduCM?si=nUFHU_sGTOYtrDtP

Berlioz: "Symphonie Fantastique" - 5th Mvt. - Leonard Bernstein                        Leonard Bernstein conducts the "Orchestre National de France" in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique 5th Movement:Larghetto, Allegro (Songe d'une nuit de Sabbat) Paris, 1976. https://youtu.be/cao6WyF-61s?si=6c31L69pzLBxr9oJ

Downtown Diversions by Adam Gorb.   https://adamgorb.co.uk/wind-ensemble/
Commissioned by a consortium of university bands in the USA
Picc, 2, 2, E flat Cl. 3, Bcl. 2, Cbsn, 4 sax,
4, 3, 3, 1, Pno, DB, 3 perc.
18 mins. (pub. Maecenas). Performed by UWEC Wind Symphony 2004. Phil Ostrander Soloist

CHECK IT OUT!

Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe.  PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

Support the show

Send us a text

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.

Check out our NEW Website and claim your FREE copy of "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe!

Find us at the Midwest Clinic - Booth #1335

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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