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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

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It’s hard to mess up a podcast when you have a guest like Omar Thomas. In this episode, we talk with Omar about his incredibly busy and creative schedule, the release of his new album Griot Songs, and the behind-the-scenes process of recording it with the Omar Thomas Large Ensemble.

Omar reflects on his compositional approach, the art of crossing genres, and the importance of teaching and fostering artistic growth in students. He also shares insights into his latest commissioned work for the International Trumpet Guild’s 50th Anniversary, which features trumpet soloist Sean Jones.

And just wait until you hear about the third movement—Seraphim et Ophanim. You won’t want to miss it.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Omar Thomas here!

Recording Credits

GRIOT SONGS  - purchase on Omar's website! 

GRIOT SONGS is a bold and heartfelt exploration of the power of storytelling through music, a vibrant reflection of Omar Thomas ’unique voice and vision.

• The Sun in September. 09:15.
• Sail to the Moon. 13:19.
• Obeah Woman. 12:07.
• Nothing There. 10:10.
• Episode d'Azur. 09:00.
• The Path. 17:10.
• A Touch of Obsidian, A Flash of Scarlet. 12:07.

REEDS: Mark Zaleski – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet; Lihi Harum – Alto, Soprano Saxophone, Flute; Kenny Pexton – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute; Jon Bean – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet; Brian Landrus – Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute TRUMPETS:  Bijon Watson – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Josh Reed – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Dan Rosenthal – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Jason Palmer – Trumpet, Flugelhorn TROMBONES Will Ford – Trombone; Evan Amoroso – Trombone; Randy Pingrey – Trombone; Chris Beaudry – Bass Trombone RHYTHM: Mark Cocheo – Electric & Acoustic Guitar; Alex Brown – Piano, Rhodes; James Heazlewood-Dale – Electric & Acoustic Bass; Mark Walker – Drums, Percussion Jacob Means – Mandolin (track 7); Reese Maultsby – Prepared Vibraphone (track 2)

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March Madness is in full swing and our guest is providing us all the knowledge our commuter will ever need about Gonzaga basketball.  Bill Drury shares with us about his career as Associate Director of Wind Ensembles at New England Conservatory.  And also his journey to NEC by way of the railroad, parking valet attendant and more.  Not to forget his parallel career as a military servant in the Air National Guard.  Peter, Phil and Chris provide the typical useless banter and pickleball trivia.  Who could ask for more?  How could our commuter be provided any less?

Show Notes:
Learn more about Bill Drury Here!

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Join us this week as we learn from a young teacher who is much brighter than we are! Mickaela Pasch is a recent Concordia grad changing lives all around the state of Minnesota. Intentional, passionate, a volunteer, and visionary in music education (all the things we are not), Mickaela has so many gifts to share with our audience about the real ways to be a successful music teacher. Join us as Phil actually asks quality questions and Chris simply sits and draws pictures. When the podcast is finished you’ll be asking for Mickaela to host the next one instead of us!

Show Notes:
Learn more about Mickaela Here

Recording Credits

Shostakovich (Composer), Mendelssohn (Composer), Solti (Conductor), Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra) 

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This week, Eric Songer steps in for Phil, delivering a strong performance as co-host. After helping Peter tackle a minor wardrobe noise issue, we dive into a fantastic conversation with Dr. Mary Land, Associate Professor of Music Education at Western Michigan University. We explore her journey in music education, the power of community in teaching, the impact of mentorship, and the opportunities ahead for future educators.

Plus, we introduce two new segments: "Leave it to Bever" with Adam and Julie Bever, and PPTD (Phil and Peter Throw Down)—all adding up to an award-winning episode. Okay, that might be an overstatement.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Mary Land Here

Recording Credits

Leave It To Beaver: The Complete Series - DVD Trailer

DVD trailer for Leave It To Beaver: The Complete Series.

https://youtu.be/sgtiPOk83Ek?si=OnDsUwU0lofWovs2

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It's a BIG week for this below-average podcast! We wrap up our "Inquiring Teens Want to Know" segment (big thanks to Edina HS) and finally put the "What Would Phil and Peter Do" (WWPPD) segment to rest. As if that wasn't enough, our guest Michael Kasper knocks it out of the park, answering poorly conceived questions with brilliance. Tune in to hear Michael, an exceptional music educator, dive deep into artistry, score preparation, comprehensive musicianship, and—yes—even breakfast cereal.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Michael here

Learn more about Illinois CMP here and consider attending their summer workshop, June 16-18 at Rotolo MS in Batavia, IL!!

Recording Credits

Appalachian Spring, by American composer Aaron Copland. In this part of the ballet, a hopeful young Pioneer couple prepare for their wedding day. It's conducted by Santtu-Matias Rouvali, the Philharmonia's Principal Conductor. In our 2021/22 season, he presented Human / Nature: music for a precious planet, a series exploring how composers have addressed humanity's relationship with the natural world. Listen Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TXV8yO1FucA

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The Lutheran Mafia has strong representation in this week’s episode! We visit with Dr. Henry Dorn from St. Olaf College and get to hear his southern flare mixed with Midwest appreciation for the cold weather. As usual, Haberman talks too much, Gleason adds in sound effects, and Ostrander sputters sentence fragments.

Listen in as we talk about balancing time between family and music, being both a composer and a conductor, and the joy of teaching at a liberal arts college with a strong music program.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Henry here:

https://www.henryldorn.com/

Recording Credits

Covington Square - James Swearingen

Shostakovich: Symphony No. 5 / Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 ~ Solti - Vienna Philharmonic

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That’s it. We’re officially done… with WWPPD. But wait—there’s more good news!

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Rachel Maxwell, a renowned middle school music educator and band director from Traughber Junior High in Oswego, IL. We dive into her journey from budding musician to leading her band at the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Along the way, we cover everything from advice for new educators and tuba player mishaps to tips for improving your young band’s sound—and, of course, a little Drum Corps International talk.

Trust us, this is one episode you actually don’t want to miss.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Rachel here:

Instrumentalist Article

Rachel's Website

10 Lessons from Texas

Recording Credits

"Let My Love Be Heard" by Jake Runestad. Performed by the Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir. Dr. Jonathan Talberg, conductor. Presented in memory of Nohemi Gonzalez.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh5uH5ojFto

Top 8 Phantom Regiment Closers - 1989 New World Symphony

https://youtu.be/np8px5FqGQc?si=SOxiaSW-4IpvyWnP

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Clip - “Don't Call Me A Raccoon!” (2017)

https://youtu.be/KiD_pPFiaW0?si=Pft0FPZ8ITNImwbx

1. NEW - Rising Music Educator Project (RMEP) - Deadline to Apply Feb 28

Are you ready to take your music education journey to the next level? The Rising Music Educator Program (RMEP) is your chance to grow, learn, and connect in ways that will inspire and transform your teaching career. Designed to combat the challenges young music educators face, RMEP invites up to 50 collegiate music education majors and early-career music educators (within their first five years of teaching) in the band area to join an exclusive day of growth and discovery at no cost to the participant. The event takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  REGISTER and LEARN MORE HERE

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Show Notes:
Learn more about our guests here:

JoAnne Harris

Alex Tedrow

Audio Credits:

Flickers by Alex Tedrow, JMU Symphonic Band - Oct. 24, 2023
JMU Symphonic Band
Chris DeVona, conductor
Audio Recording by Tom Carr
https://youtu.be/Xtwweofwo6I?si=2STuOwqyhPJkdl3A

1. NEW - Rising Music Educator Project (RMEP) - Deadline to Apply Feb 28

Are you ready to take your music education journey to the next level? The Rising Music Educator Program (RMEP) is your chance to grow, learn, and connect in ways that will inspire and transform your teaching career. Designed to combat the challenges young music educators face, RMEP invites up to 50 collegiate music education majors and early-career music educators (within their first five years of teaching) in the band area to join an exclusive day of growth and discovery at no cost to the participant. The event takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  REGISTER and LEARN MORE HERE

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

3. ORDER BEYOND ARTLESS SHIRTS HERE!
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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!

Show Notes:
Learn more about Jack here!

1. NEW - Rising Music Educator Project (RMEP) - Deadline to Apply Feb 28

Are you ready to take your music education journey to the next level? The Rising Music Educator Program (RMEP) is your chance to grow, learn, and connect in ways that will inspire and transform your teaching career. Designed to combat the challenges young music educators face, RMEP invites up to 50 collegiate music education majors and early-career music educators (within their first five years of teaching) in the band area to join an exclusive day of growth and discovery at no cost to the participant. The event takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells.  REGISTER and LEARN MORE HERE

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

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

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

Support the show