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Commuters, buckle up. Phil celebrates Chris and Peter, which is awkward for everyone involved. Chris reveals the dangers of painting music stands without putting anything underneath them. Peter questions his own career choices. And apparently, Louisiana is a place you can leave but never truly escape. Our guest, Dr. Anthony Purcell, takes us on a musical journey from New Orleans to Illinois, Kansas, Texas, Missouri, and eventually back home to Louisiana, where he now leads the 300-member Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band. Along the way, we discuss the importance of trust, building thriving music programs, honoring traditions while creating new ones, and why regional universities might just be where the real magic happens. Anthony shares stories of Kmart cafeteria practice sessions, a near-career-ending music stand painting incident, and a marching band collision that makes us reconsider the value of marching backwards. He also introduces Assessment Sync, his innovative approach to bringing adjudicator feedback and performance video together. Stick around for a New Orleans speed round featuring beignets, gumbo, Bourbon Street, and a rather memorable description of a sousaphone. Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Show Links:
Learn More About Anthony Here
Assessment Sync
Reena Esmail

Recordings:
Reena Esmail: String Quartet - Salastina.  Salastina premieres an updated version of Reena Esmail's Hindustani-inspired string quartet, in which the composer herself sings the raag on which each movement is based. This performance took place on September 13, 2015 at the Colburn School. Kevin Kumar and Maia Jasper are joined by Robert Brophy (viola) and Peter Myers (cello).   https://youtu.be/CuryVFIg-h4?si=3geExRVlOrw_JoLn

Bernstein conducts Mahler 9th ending: Leonard Bernstein conducts Mahler 9th ending. Wiener Philharmoniker 1975. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8YUIG3YgxQ

REGISTER NOW:
2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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Commuter has weighed in and feels that middle school band instrument repair stories are far and away the best.  Greg Beckwith has worked at Minnesota State SE Technical - Instrument Repair in Red Wing, MN for decades.  His students work all over the country after matriculating.  This regional program is one of the world’s best for band instrument repair!  Greg also correctly identifies all of the most bizarre instrument repair "who-done-it’s" in a speed round favorite.  Peter, Chris and Phil correctly identify how to stumble through a podcast.

Learn More Here:

• https://mplspops.org/player-profile-greg-beckwith/
• https://www.southeastmn.edu/programs/band-instrument-repair/band-instrument-repair-aas/

Midwest 2026
Come visit us at booth #1335

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2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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Becca Arons has contracted ensembles for countless major musical stars – from the Eagles, the Who, Ed Sheeran, Snoop Dog, Cory Wong and Aerosmith to Andrea Bocelli, Stevie Wonder, Weird Al Yankovich, Bob Newhart, Hugh Jackman, Johnny Mathis, Regis Philbin and Prince.  She has contracted orchestras for these broadway shows in just the last few years: the Great Gatsby, Wicked, Suffs, Final Fantasy, Mrs. Doubtfire, the Lion King, MJ, Some Like It Hot, Back to the Future.  Becca has performed with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minnesota Orchestra, and is a long standing member of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra.  She teaches at St. Thomas University and has degrees from Oberlin and a doctorate in cello from UMN.  She is co-founder, owner of String Genius and founder of RDA Productions.  When she is not crazy busy with business, she is finding time to advocate and be an activist for musicians all over the twin cities.  Becca shares with us about her recent experience leading the negotiating committee for the Musicians of the Minnesota Opera Orchestra, including the most recent cancellation that has effectively led to the orchestra musicians being locked out.

Please join Becca, Phil, Allison Ostrander and many other friends of the podcast on Sunday, November 1 at 7 PM at Ted Mann Concert Hall on the campus of the University of Minnesota Campus.  The Minnesota Opera Orchestra will be there, along with members of the MNOP Chorus, soloists and friends.  JOIN US!!!!

• https://www.stringenius.com/
• https://linktr.ee/musicians_of_mnoperaorchestra?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=a72b0890-1ba9-4305-bf7c-6e540883e62b
• https://www.instagram.com/musicians_of_mnoperaorchestra/

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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What does it take to be a great leader? On this episode of Beyond ArtLess, Tobin Stewart, Symphony Orchestra Director and Assistant Professor of Music at Montana State University, joins us to talk about leadership, musicianship, and lifelong learning. Drawing from his book Leading as a Conductor, Tobin shares insights on building ensemble culture, developing student leaders, finding your own leadership style, and knowing when to lead, delegate, or simply get out of the way. We also explore the connections between music and athletics, the value of singing in instrumental ensembles, and how a mountain biking accident changed the way he conducts. Then it’s off to Montana for a speed round featuring cold smoke, skijoring, and a few questionable attempts at humor. Commuters, there’s plenty to learn—and a few reasons to shake your head—along the way!

Learn More About Tobin:
https://www.montana.edu/music/directory/1524642/tobin-stewart
https://www.tobinstewart.com/
https://giamusic.com/artists/tobin-stewart
https://www.nmeanebraska.org/2026-all-state-orchestra

REGISTER NOW:
2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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Step right up!  Test your knowledge about farming in LaCrosse, Wisconsin!  Whoever can answer all the questions will immediately be sent all remaining Beyond Artless Season 1 overstock t-shirts.  Shipping not included.  Our guest Angela Klinkner is an authority on dairy farming, but is also a superstar sixth year teacher in Holmen, WI.  Her years of middle school band teaching in Houston, Texas helped her develop a strong approach to teaching fundamentals to young musicians.  She might win the award for most organized teacher ever.  Peter, Phil and Chris win the collective award for aimless banter.  

Holmen High School Band Uniform Fundraiser 

Holmen High School Band Website

Uniform Fundraiser Article

SHOW CREDITS
Servant of Peace (Dorothy Gates) performed by Teddy Van Winkle - recorded on March 7th, 2022, in the University of North Texas Voertman Concert Hall. Accompanied by Dr. Joshua Vigran, piano. https://youtu.be/tcUfcwZ31Qw?si=Rntj8gVsFe9_4p6A

REGISTER NOW:
2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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What happens when deep commitment to music education, trailblazing pedagogy, and the pursuit of artistry come together in one remarkable career? You get Randy Swiggum, nationally recognized conductor, clinician, author, and leader in Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP). From Carnegie Hall to the Madison Metropolitan School District, where he currently serves as an Arts Teacher Leader, Randy has spent his career inspiring young musicians and challenging educators to rethink what great teaching can be. This week, we dig into relationships, emotional intelligence, music advocacy, and the neuroscience of music. We also explore 50 years of CMP as well as the upcoming State Music Conference featuring Dr. Anita Collins, Dr. Cecil Adderley, and Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser. Randy brings plenty of wisdom, perspective, and a reminder that three hosts still have a LOT to learn.

Learn More About Randy Here

• https://www.foxvalleyartshalloffame.org/inductees/swiggum
• https://www.carnegiehall.org/Education/Programs/Music-Educators-Workshop/Summer-Program

Wisconsin State Music Conference Register Below!

• https://wmeamusic.org/conference-main-preview/conference/

Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP)

https://wmeamusic.org/cmp/

Anita Collins Links

• https://youtu.be/R0JKCYZ8hng?si=_YtkAUPbh8iwXqX4
• https://www.ted.com/talks/anita_collins_the_benefits_of_music_education
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EMOhcsoLy0
• https://www.anitacollinsmusic.com.au/

Recording Credits

• https://youtu.be/eYV1sxt-QAs?si=gaNlhzPW3iba1PqK

Hey Coach- This Is A Show Note

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

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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Commuter, this week we’re talking about music education, change, and the seemingly radical idea that every kid deserves to see themselves in the music classroom. David Davis has gone from traditional music educator to change agent, working to make music education more inclusive, relevant, and equitable for all students. We talk about what needs to change, why literacy matters, and what happens when we stop treating the way we’ve always done things as the way we always have to do things. Peter, Chris and Phil also do their part to prove that systemic change is much easier to discuss than successfully executing a podcast.

Learn More about David:

https://educationminnesota.org/news/awards-and-honors/teacher-of-the-year/

https://nafme.org/member-profile/david-davis-2/

https://www.fox9.com/news/st-louis-park-music-teacher-named-minnesota-teacher-year

Resources Mentioned:

A Sound Approach to Teaching Instrumentalists: An Application of Content and Learning Sequences

Nurtured by Love: The Classic Approach to Talent Education by Shinichi Suzuki and Waltraud Suzuki | Jun 1, 1993

Teaching Rhythm: New Strategies and Techniques for Success by David Newell (Author)

Jump Right In: The Music Curriculum, Reference Handbook for Using Learning Sequence Activities by Edwin E. Gordon 

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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Finally, we have a guest that brings some no nonsense Boston sensibility to our upper Midwest goofball hosts.  Lisa Linde is long time music teaching wizard at Newton South High School in Massachusetts.  Her ensembles have won numerous awards and jazz ensemble has performed several times at Essentially Ellington.  She is also founder of jazzhers - a non profit founded to address the persistent gender disparity in jazz education and performance.

Our hosts struggle through meaningless banter, aimless questions and a speed round that seems anything but speedy.  Thankfully, there’s only about 30 more episodes this season left.  Send any complaints directly to the coach - Tim Gleason.

Learn More Here:

• https://www.jazzhers.com/home
• https://nafme.org/member-profile/lisa-linde/
• https://downbeat.com/news/detail/lisa-linde-downbeat-honor-for-achievement-in-jazz-education
• https://www.midwestclinic.org/jazzprecon.html

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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The Band Whisperer: John Greene

What do you get when you combine 37 years of teaching, thousands of rehearsals, a lifetime of listening, and a healthy appreciation for classic rock? You get John Greene—and one heck of a conversation.

This week on Beyond Artless, we sit down with retired music educator, clinician, adjudicator, arranger, guitarist, and all-around rehearsal junkie John Greene. John shares stories from a career that spans Wisconsin and Minnesota, from his unexpected transition from PE major to music education student (including a memorable two-and-a-half-hour Schoenberg violin recital) to his years working with middle school musicians, jazz ensembles, marching programs, and teachers across the country.

We talk about why high expectations and middle school musicians absolutely can coexist, the power of relationships and trust, why “be more expressive” might be one of the least helpful comments we can give a young musician, and how something as simple as a pencil and a “drill box” can transform a rehearsal.

John also shares what he has learned from a lifetime of mentors, why music teachers need to spend more time choosing music their students can actually be successful with, how to build meaningful relationships with administrators, and why music educators across disciplines need to stop looking at each other as competition and start recognizing that we all need each other.

And because this is Beyond Artless, we eventually abandon all of that wisdom for a rapid-fire trip through 1970s rock: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Terry Kath, Frampton Comes Alive, Fleetwood Mac, Shostakovich, Ives, and the proper use of a popsicle stick in an eight-track player.

It's a conversation full of great stories, practical rehearsal wisdom, and the kind of perspective that makes you want to get back into the band room and try something new on Monday.

Plus: Chris has rocks. You'll have to listen to understand.

Credits:
Arnold Schoenberg
Pierrot Lunaire
1. Moondrunk
Curtis Institute of Music
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8OMOhmfP9I

REGISTER NOW:
2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS
https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

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This week on Beyond Artless, we accidentally made an episode that is actually useful.

We’re talking copyright, music publishing, digital music, arrangements, AI, and a bunch of other things that music educators probably should know more about—but often don’t have time to figure out.

Our guest is Andrea Pelloquin, Executive Director of the Choristers Guild and an attorney specializing in copyright and trademark law. She brings a ton of experience from both the music industry and the legal world, and she helps us make sense of some of the copyright questions that come up in music education every day.

We also talk about public domain music, photocopying, e-print, AI, career changes, and why you might want to think twice before assuming that something you found online is fair game.

And because this is Beyond Artless, we somehow manage to work in bees, spelling bees, porch geese, and a few other things that have absolutely nothing to do with copyright.

Come for the useful information. Stay for the nonsense.

Helpful Links Regarding Copyright

• https://www.tresonamusic.com/
• https://www.bmi.com/
• https://www.arrangeme.com/
• https://www.easysong.com/
• https://schoolmusiclicense.com/
• https://www.choristersguild.org/index.html
• https://nafme.org/resource/united-states-copyright-law-a-guide-for-music-educators/
• https://www.mpa.org/

OPPORTUNITIES:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS - A few spots remain!!

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2027 W/ ADRIAN SIMS (Closes Sept 15)

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2028 W/ OMAR THOMAS

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission

FREE MUSIC (Ends Sept 15)

MAX JOY - ERIKA SVANOE

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

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