beyond ArtLess

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! REGISTER NOW: BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23): https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22): https://www.btnmusicfesti...

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! REGISTER NOW: BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23): https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22): https://www.btnmusicfesti...

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! REGISTER NOW: BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23): https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22): https://www.btnmusicfesti...

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...

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 an...

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 responsibilit...

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, ...

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 referenc...

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,...

Send us a text 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 mu...

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 st...

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, ...

Send us a text With over 300 compositions to his credit, Willie Owens is a common name in music education. We sit down with Willie to chat about his 30 years of teaching band in Texas, his approach to honor bands, influential mentors, his recent honorary doctorate from VanderCook, presidential history, and corvettes. Peter brought not one but two beverages, Phil looked confused, and Chris continued to struggle with creating complete sentences. Thank goodness for Eric Songer and his students f...

Send us a text Commuter – nearly every one of you has either conducted or played a chart written by the great Dean Sorenson. We get a chance to chat with Dean about subpar bus driving, almost missing a gig with Rosemary Clooney (George’s mom) and more. Phil was prepared (but you would never know it), Chris sets the bar low with his first question and Peter develops his jazz hands skill set. Specialist/coach Tim Gleason offers pointed critique of hosts and praise for the gues...

Send us a text In this heartfelt episode of Beyond Artless, we shine a spotlight on Jennifer Rogholt — a dedicated band mom whose tireless support and advocacy for music education has made a lasting impact on students, directors, and entire school communities. Jennifer shares her perspective on what it means to be a parent, volunteer, and champion for the arts. From late-night band trips to organizing fundraisers, she reflects on the joy, challenges, and profound rewards of supporting young m...

Send us a text We all know John McCallister for the incredible free resources he shares on his website—but there’s so much more to this remarkable human. Join us for an enlightening and joyful conversation with John, whose heart is even bigger than the treasure trove of materials he offers online. John McCallister AMAZING Website: https://www.johnmcallistermusic.com/ Watch: The Last Repair Shop https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29118186/ Herb Alpert Donation Story https://abc7.com/post/music-l...

Send us a text In mid-season stride, our guest Reid Wixson shares with us on arts advocacy, affording opportunities to all students and Mumbai, India. Peter shares chewing ice cubes, Chris still distracted by the Packer game and Phil continues his quest for an articulate question (or really any coherent question). See if you can guess Paul Kile's Band Buzzler! Don’t forget - Beyond Artless LIVE at the WMEA conference. Thursday, October 30 at 2:45 PM, Monona Terrace Bal...

Send us a text In this episode of Beyond Artless, we welcome Jason Caslor, conductor, educator, and Director of Bands at Arizona State University. Known for his innovative programming and collaborative spirit, Jason brings a unique perspective to the world of wind band conducting and music-making. Jason opens up about the art of leading ensembles, the importance of creating meaningful musical experiences, and how conductors can foster creativity, trust, and connection within a group. He also ...

Send us a text What happens when a music teacher decides to meet students where they are and to develop new ways to engage all learners through music? You get Bob Habersat, owner and author of Shed The Music, who is part teacher, part tech wizard, and potentially a hand model. In this episode, Bob dives into: His relentless drive to find new ways to support and connect with his studentsHis amazing suite of videos and curricula available on his website: Shedthemusic.netHow technology can rescu...

Send us a text This day is a long time coming. After one year teaching, our guest Lauren Buss speaks more intelligently and inspirationally than our hosts combined. Lauren enlightens us on how to play a piano with a sledgehammer, the fine art of crochet and the puzzle of “jeans on” hot-tubbing. Peter, Phil and Chris are blessedly quiet in this episode that introduces all of us to a fabulous first year band director. Tim Gleason attempts to clearly define his role as “c...