beyond ArtLess

Well they said it would never happen --Erin Gleason, fabulous music educator, flautist, and spouse of Chris, in a moment of weakness or sympathy, joins us on the show. In an episode that could be subtitled, "tell us what you really think", Erin gives us her honest opinion of the show, grills, clutter, bad banter, and band-o-ramas.  In what some might call a "revealing" episode you will learn more about this great teacher, parent, and human. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 CLOSES TOMORROW (APRIL 15) Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comClips:Rocket's Called a Trash Panda in Marvel's 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2' (2017)Support the show

After a well-deserved break from us, we are back to interrupt your life with more mind-numbing banter. This week, we have no guests……but wait….before you hit the delete button consider listening to this episode featuring some of our favorite moments over the past two years. As you will hear in our pre-banter banter, we hesitate to call this a “best of” episode as the term "best" doesn’t apply to this podcast. Instead, think of this as a "choose your own adventure" without any choice. Enjoy?Support the show

Here to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is our favorite Irish loving composer, Michael Sweeney! Even our below average banter session didn't sway Michael from sharing a wonderful hour looking back at his start as a musician and composer. We get his perspective on what has changed in composition over the course of his career and learn more about the Hal Leonard Corporation. A St. Patty's Day Episode wouldn't be complete without Michael Sweeney playing some tin whistles as well! In this episode we also make a BIG announcement regarding our plans for the next Midwest Clinic.  Also, our tshirt campaign ends soon on March 30. Get your Beyond ArtLess shirts now and help keep Peter from falling off more stages. Learn more about Michael Sweeney and his music here. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show

In this episode of Beyond Artless, we sit down with the remarkable Dr. Shauna Pickens, an esteemed educator/conductor, trombonist, and Professor at Texas Tech University. Once we get the trombone jokes out of the way, we learn a lot from Dr. Pickens about her later journey through music education, teaching in a low SES school, mentors, and her support for a music education for ALL! We even have a rare interruption from Grandma Juli and Erika who want to say hello to Peter’s former colleague. Tune in for captivating conversations from Shauna Pickens full of profound insights into the transformative power of music education for all ages of teachers, as well as long-winded questions and generally unprofessional behavior from Peter and Phil.Shauna Pickens BioHistory of PflugervillePeter Ugly Sweater Picts"Mosaic" by Michael Tippett performed by Cincinnati Wind Symphony: In ConcertSymphony #2 by Jim Stephenson performed by the United States "President's Own" Marine BandPURCHASE YOUR BEYOND ARTLESS SWAG HERE - Available until March 30 only Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show

The competition for dullest pre-guest banter continues on.  Following closely behind pre-guest banter is dull post-guest banter.  Thankfully, we’re able to steal Peter away from his tour for a few minutes.  Chris and Phil have nothing important to be stolen away from.Our guest this week is clearly the most comfortable commentator we have ever had on the podcast.  Pete Winslow’s sports broadcasting skills are impressive and his trombone playing is excellent despite his college teacher (Phil).  He is a member of the US Power Soccer National Team and recently medaled at the 2023 world cup in Australia.  In fact, Pete was the assist leader for the entire world cup tourney, earning him the nickname “The Mailman.”  We have correlating suggestions for nicknames for Peter “The Muppet Man,” Phil “The Malodorous Man,” and Chris “The Mediocre Man.”Join us as we listen to Pete’s story growing up in a musical household, early days playing power soccer and college road trip memories.https://www.powersoccerteamusa.org/roster/pete-winslow/https://www.fox9.com/news/minnesotans-to-represent-us-at-power-soccer-world-cup-in-australiahttps://www.spectatornews.com/top-stories/2014/11/powering-through-life-one-goal-at-a-time/https://youtu.be/mTaANY9YrLw?si=QypsTfM_0sOhyeuUhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxvFha9JzswWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newBUY ARTLESS SWAG HERE (limited time - Sales Ends March 30, 2024) Support the show

Ever wonder who organizes that big get-together during the holidays? No, I’m not talking about your family’s holiday bash at your Uncle Louie’s house. I’m talking about the Midwest Clinic in Chicago. Kelly Bell is the Executive Director of the Midwest Clinic. She joins us for a wonderful chat about the inner workings of the Clinic, her time at Conn Selmer, mentors like Dr. Tim, and our request for a booth and a t-shirt canon at next year’s Midwest (this also involves a race between John Mackey and Brian Balmages.) Throw in some original music by Paul Budde, and you have a fantastic show (well…fantastic might not be the exact word). Learn More About KellyLearn More About The Midwest ClinicLearn More About The Conn Selmer InstituteClips Used:Universal Pictures and Imagine Entertainment present a Brian Grazer production ; a Tom Shadyac film ; written by Paul Guay & Stephen Mazur ; produced by Brian Grazer ; directed by Tom Shadyac. Liar Liar. Universal City, CA :Universal, 1999.“Kings Row: Finale” by Erich Wolfgang Korngold performed by the National Philharmonic Orchestra on the “Big Screen Sound” Album, 1984. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

In celebration of the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA) Conference this past week, we are pleased to have the fantastic Minnesota music educator Paul Kile with us. Paul shares his upbringing, including the LaCrosse Boys Choir, cymbals, and a skiff (you'll just have to listen). We talk about his amazing work teaching high school band at Edina High School as well as his leadership roles in multiple organizations including the Minnesota Music Listening Contest, National Band Association (NBA-MN), American School Band Directors Association (ASBDA-MN), and the Servant Leadership for Music (SLAM) to name a few. His contagious curiosity and genuine passion for learning are models for us all - as is his ability to answer ridiculous speed-round questions!Minnesota WindsMusic Teacher FeatureEdina High SchoolSLAMMusic Listening ContestWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comWant Less Banter?  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

Commuters who have been with us since the beginning have grown to appreciate the “homespun” nature of the podcast.  Well, maybe not appreciate, but gently tolerate?  Phil learns the value of restarting his laptop and pays the price by offering very little for the first half of the episode (shut out).  We learn about Ferryville, Wisconsin and surrounding suburbs. Who knew that a dairy farmers kid could go on to great success as a trumpet player, teacher, band director and currently Director of Bands at the Ohio State University. Dr. Mikkelson shares with us about the value of great teaching and performing to students of all ages and ability levels.  Dave Mueller (former band director at Eleva-Strum) gets multiple shout-outs and so does Kickapoo, Wisconsin.  Free throw shooting, anyone?  We have time to appreciate Russ’ favorite morning beverage, sports teams and moments with former student Erika Svanoe.  Listen on and let this inspire your February commute!https://music.osu.edu/people/mikkelson.1https://education.musicforall.org/clinician/dr-russel-c-mikkelson/https://heiseywindensemble.org/Conductors.phphttps://www.ngsymphony.org/music-directorhttps://www.uwec.edu/news/news/nine-to-receive-uw-eau-claire-alumni-association-awards-5116/Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comWant less banter? Donate here:  https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

Mike George is a legendary figure in the arts education community in Wisconsin and beyond. His leadership has impacted thousands of people over his highly successful career. What an honor to spend an hour with Mike as he shares his childhood experiences and passion for music, discussing his teaching career, involvement in polka bands, and fine arts administration. Emphasizing relationship-building and mentoring, he highlights the importance of creating a culture of sharing. He discusses establishing the Wisconsin Center for Music Education and the Comprehensive Musicianship Project. Reflecting on influential figures, he underscores the transformative power of music, collaboration, and leadership in the field of music education. And yes....we also listen to Paul Budde's new Packer song. Chapters00:00 Introduction and Stole of Excellence03:33 Discussion about Paul Budde04:19 Phil's Honor Band Experience05:11 Siren, Wisconsin and Other Music Programs08:07 WWPPD: What Would You Do If You Woke Up Six Years Old?09:02 Reflections on Childhood and Wasted Time11:20 Introduction of Mike George12:12 Mike George's Childhood and Passion for Music14:24 First Teaching Jobs and Changes in Teaching20:32 Involvement in Polka Bands21:52 Administrative Career and Establishing the Wisconsin Center for Music Education27:39 Importance of Philanthropy and Mentoring Young Teachers34:37 Mike George's Work in Fine Arts Administration41:12 Importance of Building Relationships in Teaching41:34 Facilitating Groups and Creating Visions42:03 Encouraging Participation in Group Settings44:10 Creating a Culture of Sharing45:26 Teaching and Mentoring Nonprofits49:15 The Impact of the Arts52:43 Remembering Influential Figures57:37 Speed RoundWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newThanks Cookie Monster for the audio:Sesame Street: Cookie Monster Sings C is for CookieSupport the show

This man is Non-Stop! The podcast continues this week by exploring the stories and journey of an extraordinary individual in the world of arts and music - Buddy Deshler. A former Dallas Brass musician, Professor at Furman University, and all-around crazy trumpeter. We dive into Buddy’s early experiences with music, his time with the Dallas Brass, his non-profit “Brass Institutes of America”, and some of those memorable experiences one has when they have toured the world as a performing musician (both good and bad). How can someone so young have so many high profile plates spinning as an educator, performer, and entrepreneur at the same time? Because he is NON-STOP!Learn More About Buddy!https://www.furman.edu/people/buddy-deshler/https://www.brass-usa.com/buddydeshlerArtists - Buddy DeshlerShow Clips:Jack Black & Will Ferrell sing "Get Off the Stage" Oscars Acceptance Speech PSAOverture 'Egmont', op.84, Georg Solti; CSO - BeethovenDallas Brass II - "My Spirit Be Joyful" - Bach.  Get It Here!BTN:Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more. Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Registration for the 2025 Beyond The Notes Festivals will take place Monday, April 22 at 8 PM on the BTN Website. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

On this week's show is a man with many skills - from writing drills to building decks; Mark Davison can do it all. He is a gentle giant whose passion continues to nurture all those who get the privilege of working with him. In our conversation, Mark talks about his experience as a private instructor and band director. He shares his experiences with the Essential Ellington Jazz Festival, his approach to teaching private lessons, and the importance of tailoring lessons to fit each student's needs. The conversation goes well until we get off track, envisioning a future Beyond The Notes booth at Midwest and attacking gongs by using t-shirt cannons. Everything you would expect from this quality podcast. Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

There is a great quote that states, “Older siblings: the only people who will pick on you for their own entertainment and beat up anyone else who tries.” This week’s guest is none other than Chris’s big brother, Tim Gleason. Our discussion explores Tim’s amazing teaching and coaching career, mentors, and great books. Learn more than you want to know about growing up in the Gleason household, poor youth decision making, professional wrestling moves, and tips on how to improve this podcast. Ernie Reck Polka Band Feature on WEAU Channel 13Register for Chris's VanderCook Class "Beyond Measure: Ungrading Your Classroom" here: https://www.vandercook.edu/course/beyond-measure-ungrading-your-music-classroom-sp24/Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

Beyond Artless has gone International! Peter brings Dr. Jacqueline Dawson, Director of Bands at the University of Manitoba, on for our international debut. Of course, Jacquie is respectful, patient, vulnerable, honest, trustworthy, genuine, we-not-me, and all other things Canadian…which is exactly what Peter, Phil, and Chris are not. Despite the best efforts of the hosts, Jacquie shares great insight on inclusion in the music room, building community through music, and commissioning Canadian and Indigenous composers. And of course, there is a lot of conversation about hockey and the great Canadian accent!Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comNEW - Support the show here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/supporters/newSupport the show

This week we turn the tables on the hosts and they become the guests! Phil, Chris, and Peter will have to answer questions from Dr. Haberman’s students and…daughter! A role reversal that brings out the amazing talent and insight from Chris and Phil, and leaves a bit to be desired from Peter. Learn about the amazing Dr. Ostrander and his ability to perform at a world-class level as both a classical and jazz musician, find out about the nationally acclaimed educator Chris Gleason and his ability to not only have creativity and vision, but then the tenacity to follow-through has led him to new heights as an educator. Then there is the unconventional Dr. Haberman and the lack of enthusiasm the students have about learning any more about him or his musical journey.Join us as we celebrate our talented hosts and what mentorship they can provide to the world, beyond their bad sense of humor and low-quality podcast!Recordings Referenced:You're a Mean One Mr. Grinch, Original Version - 1966 (HD)“Thunder & Blazes” Fucik - Screamers: Circus Marches Eastmen Wind Ensemble, Frederick Fennell conductorThe Brisk Young Sailor - Lincolnshire Posy, Eastman Wind Ensemble - Donal Hunsberger conductorFlute Partita in A Minor - Bach - Tuba Tracks - Gene PokornyFamily Feud Sound Effects & ThemeSesame Street Letter Of The Day EWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show

This week’s guest aligns perfectly with the conclusion of the 77th Midwest Clinic held in Chicago. Our guest is the amazing educator, tubist, father, leader, human, friend, and fish catcher, Dr. Paul Budde. His Midwest presentation with co-presenter Erin Holmes (Season 1, Episode 10), called “Why Teach, Why Now”,  inspires music educators to reconnect with their why. This talk is just one example of Paul’s infectious positive mindset. His enthusiasm and dedication to inspire the next generation of music educators is legendary (as are his fishing stories!). Commuter….you are in for a treat!Dr. Paul Budde & Erin Holmes Why Teach, Why Now Midwest 2023 Session Description & HandoutGary CartoonUS Marine Band Change Of CommandBuild In Music - The Storm  https://smarturl.it/Secession_Epoch by Composer: Greg DombrowskiWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show

Today we have the honor of learning from the renowned Dr. Ward Miller, a musical luminary whose influence reaches far beyond the podium. He shares insights into the profound impact of his mentor, Myron Welch, on his music journey. Commuters will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of mentorship and why Dr. Miller has never been to Idaho! The conversation often takes a humorous turn, especially when Haberman’s students interrupt the podcast, and everyone shares honor band horror stories. We delve into the heart of music with Dr. Miller as he shares what makes great music truly different and great. And the importance of vision, identity, and leadership as a director for our programs. Now if we could only get Phil to ask a good question…Show Links:Developing Error Detection Skills in the Wind Band EducatorCatheryn Foster & Ward Miller - GIA PublicationsWard Miller WebsiteAudio Clips:Crowdsource Choir Sings Metallica's "Enter Sandman"Yoda Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival  Click here to learn more.  Registration for ComMission Possible 2025 is now open! Click here to register & learn more. Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show

In an effort to improve the quality of this podcast we have not one but two amazing guests with us this week. Adam and Kate Hardt are an amazing music education couple. Our conversation with them covers their busy lives as parents and music educators, mentors Fred Sturm and Mallory Thompson, jazz improvisation tips, reflections of amazing students, upcoming challenges, the importance of the arts, and more! Join us for what promises to be the best show we put out this week!Show Links:Fred SturmMallory ThompsonMusic References:Ben Lapidus Wins Over the Judges Despite Getting 4 X's | The Parmesan Cheese Song | AGT 2022Back To The Future (From "Back To The Future" Original Score/End Credits) · The Outatime OrchestraGot a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comComMission Possible 2025 Registration Now Open!!Support the show

This week’s guest is like a rare gem; she is multifaceted and priceless! Alex Shapiro is an amazing composer, photographer, speaker, author, activist, naturalist, former python breeder, and member of the herpetological society. (Read that last part again.) This is the only music podcast that contains a “Snake Q & A Session.” Not only will you learn about what snakes eat, but you will also hear a splendid conversation regarding Alex’s Second Symphony, her compositional process, electric-acoustic music, her upbringing in New York, seeing whales from her window, and so much more! As a bonus, Chris is not on this episode.Alex Shapiro's WebsiteWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival or ComMission Possible Project? Click here to learn more.  Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show

Finally.  A guest that delivers some honest and thoughtful feedback about improving the podcast.  One would think that our hosts would be able to operate a stopwatch, but apparently not.  This operates under the assumption that our hosts are interested in making improvements.  Or intelligent enough to make improvements to the podcast. What exactly does improvement mean?Well, our guest this week has made lives of countless music teachers and students lives better as dean of the Ithaca College School of Music for 22 years.  The fee this guest imposed was quite steep, but we managed to talk him down by promising him grandchild time.  Actually, I think we agreed that he paid ten years of Phil’s college tuition to be on the podcast.Art Ostrander (Phil’s Dad) attended Don Larsen’s world series perfect game on his birthday on October 8, 1956!  He had some pretty fun stories about Limerick, Ireland, too.Most important, this guest is Phil’s hero. https://web2.ithaca.edu/icview/stories/3962/index.html https://www.ithaca.edu/icnews/vol19/19-07/hinote.htm https://books.google.com/books/about/Contemporary_Choral_Arranging.html?id=HNQ7AQAAIAAJBill Bell & His Tuba RecordingBach Mass In B Minor RecordingHoliday Road - Lindsey Buckingham Recording  Support the show

Finally, an episode that has it all.  Phil finally has some articulate questions, but is ridiculed anyways.  Three Disney All-American College Band alumni at once.  Mystery corn sprouting from the fields of Lake Geneva. The wife/husband team of Beth and Steve Peterson have educated countless band students at both the University of Illinois and Ithaca College.  Beth has two books to prove the point!  Steve just has his experience as assistant to John Paynter at Northwestern University – no book there.  Both of these teachers have dedicated their lives to mentoring and championing great music making.  On this podcast, you’ll even get to hear how they met at NU, began dating and broke the news to John Paynter!And of course, an underwhelming speed round courtesy of Chris. Stephen’s BioBeth’s BioPeterson PressBeth’s Fabulous BooksWant to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival or ComMission Possible Project? Click here to learn more.  Got a question or comment?  Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.comSupport the show