Redefining the Musician

Amanda has experienced it all: being in a youth orchestra, going through music school, leaving the field completely and pursuing a fulfilling career in social work, and coming back full circle to start her own youth orchestra (The Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony). Hear how Amanda has navigated all of this through life, and how she brings the love of music and resources to students who might not otherwise have them.

Donation link for Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony: https://greaterrockwallyouthsymphony.org/donate

Google form: https://forms.gle/G4jorZfNRze3QGAaA

Amanda's Bio: Amanda Casper is the Founder and Executive Director of the Greater Rockwall Youth Symphony, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching, educating, and serving communities through classical music while inspiring the next generation of musicians and arts advocates. Since founding GRYS in 2022, Amanda has helped expand access to high-quality music education for students across seven North Texas counties, with a strong focus on accessibility, scholarships, and opportunities for at-risk youth and families facing financial barriers.A trained French horn performer, Amanda received her musical training through programs at The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music before earning degrees from Cleveland Institute of Music, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and Southern Methodist University. Her background uniquely blends music performance, psychology, and social work, shaping her human-centered approach to arts leadership.Under Amanda’s leadership, GRYS has become known not only for musical excellence, but for “serving through music” through performances for seniors, veterans, nonprofits, and community events. She is passionate about creating spaces where students gain confidence, belonging, leadership skills, and meaningful connections through the arts.

Listen along in this episode to Lydia's story. As someone who loved music and found a happiness in it, her music career began to cause a decline in her mental health. Lydia has now found a way into another field, Environmental Planning, where she can work to help the world be another place. But don't worry, she has found plenty of ways to involve music in her life in a much calmer way!

Google Form: https://forms.gle/uEsqqVQ4yzFoVEa18

Lydia's Bio: Lydia has a Master's degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Missouri Kansas City, and Bachelor's degrees in Trombone Performance and Environmental Policy and Planning from the University of Iowa. Currently she is finishing up her Master's degree in Sustainable Development at the University of Iowa, with the aims of working in the environmental planning field after graduation.

In this episode, James takes us through his experiences of being in music school, transitioning to law school, and all of the factors that influenced that decision. We discuss how these issues in the music world can be improved, and we also discuss how the skills we gain as musicians can directly translate to law school.

Google Form to be on the show: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103514879413514765577

James' Bio: James Bargar is a Juris Doctor candidate at the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law.Prior to beginning his legal studies, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University ofCentral Arkansas in 2023, where he spent most of his time studying music education. Aftergraduation, James transitioned from music to law, gaining valuable experience as a paralegal anddeveloping a strong foundation in the legal field.When he is not working or studying, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Alex, andcontinuing his passion for music. An avid guitarist, he still practices daily and remains active inthe local music scene, occasionally performing at shows around Arkansas on guitar, drums,trombone, and even vocals.

Take a listen to Serayah's story where she details how she used her music education degree in an untraditional way. She details her story of keeping doors open and getting a variety of opportunities that have built her career to what it is today.

Google Form to be on the show: https://forms.gle/zjs85wmMuRgpLk276

Serayah's Bio: Serayah Peters is a crossover artist, voice teacher, and arts leader based in Abilene, Texas. A summa cum laude graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in choral music education, she has built a dynamic career spanning performance, nonprofit leadership, and teaching. She previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Abilene Philharmonic and now serves as Director of Annual Giving at McMurry University. Serayah is also a music director with Chorus Abilene, where she founded two ensembles. Most recently, she was selected to present at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, one of the largest music education conferences in the country. She continues to pursue a well-rounded career in the arts while encouraging others to explore paths that align with their own passions and purpose.  

Serayah's Social Media:Website - 

serayahpeterssoprano.com

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/serayahpeters_soprano

Facebook - 

https://www.facebook.com/serayahp.music

Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@serayahpeters_soprano

Email - 

[email protected]

Have you wondered what it would be like to switch to another career? What qualifications you would need, what the job is like, if you might be a good fit for that job?

This episode is for you! This is Part 1 in a series of interviews detailing all of these things about specific career paths. Each episode will feature 10-20 minute interviews compiled together of different careers.

This episode features:

Music Retail (Guest: Kody Hartman) - 1:19

Arts Administration: Development (Guest Jordan Parks) - 18:39

Environmental Politics: Schooling (Guest Lydia Rose) - 43:15

Environmental Politics: Workforce (Guest Keith Curl-Dove)- 53:17

Law School (Guest James Bargar) - 1:05:40

Insurance Claims (Guest Adam Hollenbeck) - 1:21:37

Throughout this episode, Tyler takes us through his mental health struggles as a student and performer. We hear his story not only of his struggles, but also how he was able to overcome them, and become a successful band director. He has some fantastic takes on how we can improve mental health for ourselves and our students, and you won't want to miss this one!

If you're interested in sharing your story on the show, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/AAWCePqFBVHwaetp7

Tyler Lee's Bio

Tyler is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tyler earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Kansas State University (2019), his Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance as well as a Graduate Certificate in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Central Arkansas (2021,2022).

While at K-State, Tyler participated in the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Pride of Wildcat Land, Cat Band, CJE, KSU Symphony Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Trombone Choir, as well as the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity.

During his time at the University of Central Arkansas, he served as a graduate assistant with the band area. He assisted with the day-to-day operation of the UCA band program and was on staff for the Bear Marching and the Purple Rage Basketball Band. He was also heavily involved in the trombone studio at UCA, performing with the Natural Slides trombone choir, the top trombone ensemble at UCA.

Tyler was part of featured performances with the Natural Slides trombone choir that have been with world-renowned trombonists at the International Trombone Festival in Columbus, Georgia in 2021 as well as being a staff member/performer at the International Trombone Festival that was hosted at UCA in 2022.

Tyler’s professional associations include the Arkansas Music Educators Association, Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Kansas Music Educators Association, College Band Director’s National Association, International Trombone Association, the Conductor’s Guild, and Kappa Kappa Psi – National Honorary Band Fraternity.

Tyler is currently an assistant band director at USD 443 Dodge City High School.

Tune in with us to listen to the amazing career of Dr. Natalie Mannix. Dr. Mannix has had a career that has traveled from being a performer in the United States Navy Band, to being a college professor, and now to retiring to spend more time with her family. Even in her retirement, Dr. Mannix is an avid performer, teacher, activist, and mother, who's words are inspiring for all. Her work in promoting women in music has been prolific, and you won't want to miss hearing it all!

If you would like to share your story on the podcast, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/FhzQPGZQVRYpxUhN7

Natalie's Bio:Natalie Mannix is an accomplished trombone soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and educator. She is currently trombonist with the Stiletto Brass Quintet and Lantana Trio. Previously, she was Professor of Trombone at the University of North Texas, Principal Trombone in the Delaware Symphony for 14 years, and a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, DC for over nine years where she performed with the brass quintet, concert and ceremonial bands. Dr. Mannix has appeared as guest artist and clinician at colleges and conferences throughout North America, including the 2023, 2022, 2018, 2016 and 2013 International Trombone Festival, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the American Trombone Workshop. She has performed with the Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera, Baltimore Symphony, National Symphony, the Washington National Opera and Kennedy Center Orchestras, the Washington Trombone Ensemble, the Monarch Brass, and several regional orchestras and brass ensembles. A new music advocate, she has commissioned several works for trombone, maintains an online database of trombone music written by women composers, and continues to perform and promote music by emerging composers.Her recordings include a solo album, Breaking Ground: A Celebration of Women Composers, and chamber music CDs: Crossing Barriers with Lantana Trio, Scarpe! with the Stiletto Brass Quintet, And If All Were Dark with Dave Taylor and the Washington Trombone Ensemble, Mozart’s Requiem with the Dallas Chamber Choir and Orchestra, and Shadowcatcher: Music for Winds, Brass and Percussion. An avid brass pedagogue, Natalie has adjudicated international solo and ensemble competitions, serves on the Executive Board and as chair of the Advisory Council for Diversity for the International Trombone Association and on the Executive Board as Treasurer for the International Women’s Brass Conference. Natalie received her degrees from the University of Michigan, The Juilliard School, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Catholic University, and an MBA in Strategic Management from University of North Texas. She is a performing artist for Greg Black mouthpieces.

Take a listen to this fascinating episode where Suzanne talks about her experiences of being a freelance musician, venturing into the world of holistic wellness for musicians, and preparing for her retirement from her freelance career.

If you would like to share your story on the podcast, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/P8gfpELhKqGa1Um8A

Suzanne's Bio:

Suzanne Chasalow has been 3rd horn with the Santa Rosa, CA Symphony since the 1997-98 season, was a former member of the Bay Area Women’s Philharmonic, plays chamber music and has played with many of the orchestras in the San Francisco Bay Area and in New England. A graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory with an MM from the Cincinnati Conservatory, Suzanne freelanced in Boston for 11 years, including being a founding member of Boston Brass from 1984-94.

In addition to performing and teaching, Suzanne has certifications in holistic nutrition, NIA, and Music Together, and is currently getting accreditation as a leadership coach as well. She created and leads a transformational workshop entitled “It’s Time to Step Into the Limelight” to help women musicians reignite unbridled passion, joy and freedom in their playing and their lives.

In her free time she finds joy in dancing, practicing yoga, being in nature, cooking, and spending time with her 23 year old twins.

In this episode, Allison tells us the story of how she began her college career in accounting, and found her path to become a college professor and freelance performer. Her approach to her students is a refreshing view, and a big step in helping solve the toxicity in the music world.

If you would like to share your story on the show, fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/tLp7LB43mxKK87M56

Allison's BioAllison McSwain is an active performer and educator in the upstate of South Carolina, where she serves as Applied Lecturer of Trumpet at Clemson University and Trumpet Instructor for Spartanburg School District 5. She is principal solo cornet with the Foothills Brass Band and 2nd trumpet with the South Carolina Ballet Orchestra; she also regularly substitutes with area orchestras. After earning degrees in accounting, Allison went on to earn her MM and DMA degrees. Prior to becoming a full-time musician, she built a 12-year career in higher education recruitment, admissions, advising, and learning support. Allison's favorite activities (besides playing trumpet) are trying new restaurants, reading, visiting friends, and hanging out with her spouse and three rowdy dogs.

Mary Pat has some amazing takes on how we can live our lives for our own happiness. Listen as she takes us through her experience of being a burnt out music educator, and finding her place in the corporate travel world.

If you would like to be on the show, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/PaYozmDK2sbC5s3P8

Mary Pat's Bio:

Mary Pat Robey is a corporate travel and events specialist based in the Chicago area. Before transitioning into a corporate job, she taught middle school general music and guitar. Mary Pat earned a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Illinois State University, where she studied voice and horn. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, practicing yoga, reading, and hanging out with her cats.