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This episode features Mike Kamphuis, whose remarkable path to leadership in Conn-Selmer is anything but conventional. From working sprint-car pit crews and running a DJ business to announcing early ultimate fighting events and competing at a high level in bowling, Mike shares how an unusual series of opportunities shaped the mindset that now drives his work in music education.

What makes the conversation compelling is how those seemingly unrelated experiences connect through one consistent theme: a willingness to say yes, figure things out, and build solutions where none yet exist. That same mindset later fueled his work developing new systems inside Conn-Selmer—from modernizing parts access and product support to helping create educational tools and services that directly support teachers and school music programs across the country.

The episode also explores how Mike’s original goal of becoming a band director evolved into a broader mission of serving music educators at scale. Through stories about mentorship, industry change, advocacy, and the future of school music, the conversation becomes a larger reflection on leadership, adaptability, and why innovation in education often begins with listening first and acting second.

Learn More About Michael Here:

https://artists.ludwig-drums.com/en-us/education/clinician/profile/michael-kamphuis

https://connselmer.com/news/changes-to-leadership

Watch Tim Gleason Dance Here:

https://youtu.be/PH8dv-yDT1U?si=eBA4YlLvKKrC2Und

Credits:

Why There Is No Trumpet Christmas - YouTube Video https://youtu.be/kfodl1g_ibY?si=mJiXNP6ZF9TbqETu

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS

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

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

COMMISSION POSSIBLE 2027 W/ ADRIAN SIMS

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

FREE MUSIC: 

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

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

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Everything about Chris, Phil and Peter screams antiquated (anti-modern).  The jokes, the tech struggles, the slow motion wheezing when attempting to sit or stand.  However, our guest is the living definition of the modern music educator and performer.  Mary Claxton is the director of Teaching and Learning at Music Will - the largest non-profit music program in the United States.  Hundreds educators are using their forward thinking curriculum that champions Modern Band.  Mary shares with us about gigging on Motown music at night and truly creative classroom experiences by day.  And more information than you ever thought possible about the ukulele.

Learn More Here:

https://musicwill.org/the-team/mary-claxton/

https://www.theburroughssoul.com/

https://www.instagram.com/claxtogram/?hl=en

https://nafme.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Mary-Claxton-Headshot-Bio-1.pdf

https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/40-under-40/2026/claxton-mary/

https://www.instagram.com/trashcattunes/?hl=en

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS

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

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

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In this episode of Beyond Artless, we sit down with Isaac McMahon, band director at Brookings High School in South Dakota—a musician, educator, and all-around interesting human whose journey to the podium includes farms, baseball no-hitters, homemade hot sauce, and at least one extremely loud tractor tire incident.

Now in his seventh year of teaching, Isaac leads a thriving program that includes concert band, competitive marching band, pep band, jazz ensembles, music theory, and music exploration. His passion for students and teaching has earned him multiple district “BEST” awards for leadership, as well as the 2025 Dennis Hegg Outstanding Young Band Director Award for the state of South Dakota. His program was also selected to perform at the 2026 South Dakota Bandmasters Conference—a testament to the culture of excellence he’s built with his students.

But Isaac’s story is about far more than accolades. Growing up on a farm in South Dakota (where he once accidentally popped an 8-foot tractor tire… loudly), he developed the work ethic and humor that now define his classroom. From dressing up as Beethoven for a fourth-grade biography fair to throwing a high school baseball no-hitter—and briefly attempting a golf career that ended after exactly one away meet—Isaac’s path to music education has been anything but boring.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Isaac’s journey from South Dakota farm kid to award-winning band director
• How Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) shapes his teaching philosophy
• The joy and responsibility of mentoring future educators as a cooperating teacher
• Lessons learned from teaching in both Breckenridge, Minnesota and Brookings, South Dakota
• Why continuing to perform (he’s a semi-professional bassoonist and saxophonist) keeps him connected to the art
• The realities—and occasional chaos—of running a modern band program

And along the way you’ll discover that Isaac is also a self-proclaimed coffee snob who roasts his own beans, a home hot-sauce creator with a fridge shelf dedicated to spice, a former homecoming king, and a proud dad of two daughters who somehow balances family life with marching band rehearsals and jazz charts.

This conversation is funny, thoughtful, and full of the kind of real-life stories that remind us why music educators are some of the most creative and resilient people around.

 Tune in for laughter, teaching wisdom, and possibly a new appreciation for both bassoons and properly roasted coffee—beyond artless.

Credits

Heritage Music Press

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS

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

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

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Tune in for a masterclass in mastering, mountain climbing, and music making. Buzz’s stories take you from Devil’s Tower to small-town pharmacy to collaborating with Yo-Yo Ma. So whether you’re a budding sound god, a mountain enthusiast, or just someone who loves hilarious stories from someone who’s done it all—this episode will leave you inspired, amused, and maybe a little more willing to climb those metaphorical—and literal—mountains yourself.

Learn More About Buzz Here:

https://buzzkemper.com/

https://www.instagram.com/buzzkemper/

Credits:

Enchantment by Jodie Blackshaw. Performed by the Hobart Wind Symphony conducted by Simon Reade. https://youtu.be/3e8OrSg8h6M?si=jojRar36SnWf0Spt

Badger Talks with Buzz Kemper. https://youtu.be/YRC--RZI4ac?si=NydNVIhnwbHPJV0r

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALS

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

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://dp

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Will Chris find a way to expand Beyond the Notes to include kazoo choirs?  Will Peter make it through the entire podcast on 1 hour of sleep?  Will Phil win an award for longest question ever?  All of these questions will be answered - sadly testing the patience of our exasperated commuters.  Oh well.  The Buzzler and Bandboozler shall provide a short moment of sanity.  Our guest has taught successfully in high schools and colleges throughout the country and is now director of bands at Florida State University.  He is a great advocate for students, a renowned conductor, board member of the Midwest Clinic and an all around wonderful person!  Rodney Dorsey is simply the best.

Show Links

U.S. Marine Band forced to cancel concert with students of color after Trump DEI order. Watch the episode here:  https://youtu.be/lhwS06U1SnA?si=z5RutPTfPy-tKzoM

REGISTER NOW:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTES MUSIC FESTIVAL REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 9 AT 8:00 PM

Learn more at: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

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://dp

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In this episode of Beyond Artless, we welcome Dr. Sarah McKoin, educator, conductor, and scholar at Texas Tech University, for a conversation that blends musicianship, mentorship, and corndogs.

Dr. McKoin shares her path into higher education and conducting, reflecting on the moments and mentors that shaped her voice as a teacher and musician. From leading ensembles to preparing future musicians, she speaks candidly about the responsibility—and joy—of guiding students toward artistry, confidence, and curiosity. 

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Dr. McKoin’s journey to Texas Tech and the collegiate podium
• The role of mentorship in shaping meaningful musical careers
• Building ensemble culture rooted in trust and excellence
• Balancing artistry, scholarship, and leadership
• How to meet famous musicians while eating corndogs
• How to make a great free-throw under pressure!

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply encouraging—reminding us that great teaching is as much about listening and learning as it is about leading.

CREDITS:

DAHL Sinfonietta: Introduction and Rondo - "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo2nBmPQXPo

Hindemith's Symphony in B-flat | The U.S. Army Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpgXXcAcNQ4

Inland Ocean - Viet Cuong (for Grade 2.5 Concert Band) Reading by the West Chester University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Andrew Yozviak, conductor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaB6dSEtS8A

Patiala Pulse by Shruthi Rajasekar. Concert band Grade 4  Murphy Music Presshttps://murphymusicpress.com/products/cb3-1,045

OPENING SOON:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTES MUSIC FESTIVAL REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 9 AT 8:00 PM. Learn more at: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

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://dp

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Commuter, you are in for a treat! In this episode, we welcome the extraordinary Patricia Brumbaugh—a trailblazing conductor, educator, mentor, and lifelong advocate for musical excellence.

From her early days studying under legendary music educator John Whitwell to leading high school, collegiate, youth, and community ensembles across the country, Pat’s career reflects resilience, high standards, and deep humanity. Named Outstanding Young Band Conductor in the Nation (1984), she has built programs, conducted at major conferences, and shaped generations of musicians—many of whom are still playing today.

CREDITS

Prelude and Fugue in Bb Major - J.S. Bach arr. Moehlmann. All Illinois Junior Band Send your students to this IL friends! Amazing!  https://www.aijb.org/

Canzona - Peter Mennin.  Lowell Graham. United States Air Force Band https://youtu.be/jictlsGlEks?si=M36F93GlAcKzr-o6

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band presents Warren Benson's "The Solitary Dancer." Conducted by Col. John R. Bourgeois. From the album "Showcase, Volume Two," recorded in 1990. http://www.marineband.marines.mil/

"Ricky" by The Wolves of Glendale. https://youtu.be/3O1WgS-vd1Q?si=KmJCNOr62oU_Wv8K

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://dp

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In this episode of the Beyond ArtLess Podcast, we dig into Common Time Pathways, a smarter, saner way to connect music students and colleges. Born from one band director’s “why is this so hard?” moment, the platform organizes recruiting data and levels the playing field for programs of all sizes—no dusty spreadsheets required.

Founder Eytan Wurman joins us to explain how their matching algorithm pairs students with colleges based on majors, interests, and financial fit, all while keeping data more secure than the locked percussion room. We also look ahead as Common Time Pathways expands into theater, dance, and visual art, and talk about why early, intentional connections help create lifelong musicians—and keep students in the right schools.

Smart ideas, real impact, and just enough ArtLess banter to keep things interesting.

Learn more about Eytan here:

https://www.convergenceensemble.org/eytan-wurman-board-member

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eytanwurman/

Check out CommonTime Pathways Here:

https://www.ctpathways.com/

CREDITS:

Samara Joy - You Stepped Out Of A Dream (Studio Version) https://youtu.be/vVKbeUs0a_A?si=yLNZeCjWJ6x5k9xh Watch the official music video for “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” by Samara Joy.  Listen to the new single ‘You Stepped Out Of A Dream’: https://SamaraJoy.lnk.to/PortraitID

The Sun in September · Omar Thomas Large Ensemble https://youtu.be/qCwSOqUZ0Vk?si=ELq6B1HVhnBU4WlY Griot Songs  ℗ 2025 Omar Thomas Music  Released on: 2025-02-07 Main  Artist: Omar Thomas Large Ensemble  Composer: Omar Thomas

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://dp

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In this episode of Beyond Artless, we’re thrilled to welcome Steve Campbell, tubist with the Minnesota Orchestra, for a conversation that goes well beyond the low notes.

Steve shares what it’s really like to build a career in one of the world’s great orchestras—from the discipline and dedication behind orchestral excellence to the humor, humility, and humanity that keep music-making joyful. Along the way, he reflects on practice, preparation, and the often-unsung role of the tuba in shaping the sound and soul of an ensemble.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Steve’s path to the Minnesota Orchestra
• The realities of orchestral life and long-term musicianship
• Lessons learned from decades of performing at the highest level
• Advice for young musicians dreaming of orchestral careers
• Stories from the stage that are thoughtful, funny, and deeply musical

This episode is a celebration of craft, curiosity, and commitment—and a reminder that every great ensemble is built on musicians who listen deeply and lead from wherever they sit.

Tune in for wisdom, wit, and world-class musicianship—beyond artless.

CREDITS

Reflections of the Mississippi  The Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Steve Campbell, tuba, and Mark Russell Smith, conductor, perform Michael Daugherty's Reflections of the Mississippi, mvts. 3 and 4, on Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Centennial Hall, Rock Island, IL. https://youtu.be/kinQB_ZLAHw?si=J4IRmAdRG_8AomOJ

Marsalis' Tuba Concerto The rarely spotlighted tuba takes center stage in a recent concerto by the eminent composer, jazz trumpeter and bandleader Wynton Marsalis—fusing traditions ranging from classical to bebop to boogaloo. Of note are a passage in which the soloist plays the tuba and sings simultaneously, and a blistering finale that nods to bebop saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker. https://youtu.be/a6OEDekFJlw?si=_Se-uGpe4-T1rV70 Conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush led Principal Tuba Steven Campbell with the Minnesota Orchestra in this performance on May 19, 2023.

Esa-Pekka Salonen: Nyx  Esa-Pekka Salonen: Nyx (2010) Hannu Lintu, conductor Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra Helsinki Music Centre, 25 January 2013 The FRSO recorded this piece in 2011 in Helsinki. This is the Finnish concert premiere. The world premiere was performed in Paris. https://youtu.be/jm4wlf7VkCk?si=iISqCM4VY4E45a8z

Tango Corazon, Hanna Lehtonen For Grade 2-3 Trombone and Grade 3 Band: https://www.leadingtonesmusic.com/sto...  https://youtu.be/CSd2iwsYKe0?si=_nYdHwVjL6DAf_ec

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

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Welcome to this week’s super spreader episode compliments of Phil Ostrander. After recovering from our Midwest illnesses your hosts welcome Andy Mast, Associate Dean of the Conservatory at Lawrence University. Andy shares his journey from a high school tuba player to a recognized educator and administrator, providing insights into effective mentorship, navigating career transitions, and fostering collaboration across music communities. Whether you're an aspiring teacher, seasoned conductor, or music administrator, Andy’s stories and advice offer valuable guidance for growth and success. PLUS a fun Rappin’ with Songer and a Band Boozler that might actually be helpful. 

Links:

• Lawrence University - Music Department
• Vincent Persichetti Society
• Andy Mast - Bio & Profile

CREDITS:

Echoes Of The Inner Prophet- Melissa Aldana

Echoes Of The Inner Prophet- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxS8wrlqJow

Cyrille Aimée with the Emmet Cohen Trio | La Vie En Rose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81viyOKgx0w

Percy Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy - Lawrence University Wind Ensemble 

Andrew Mast, conductor; Sonu., rapper/artist  Wednesday, November 16, 2022 

Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Hans Zimmer - "Time" from the album 'Inception (Music From the Motion Picture)'. Hans Zimmer composed the score of 'Inception', a film directed by Christopher Nolan.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c56t7upa8Bk

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

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