beyond ArtLess

Send us Fan Mail 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 mat...

Send us Fan Mail 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-ma...

Send us Fan Mail 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 transition...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Dougla...

Send us Fan Mail 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 na...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 1...

Send us Fan Mail 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,...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 tu...

Send us Fan Mail 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 band...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 contin...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  S...

Send us Fan Mail 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 org...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 Artle...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 students His amaz...

Send us Fan Mail 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 f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Beyond Artless , Peter brings us the extraordinary saxophonist, composer, and educator Russell Peterson , professor of saxophone, bassoon, and jazz at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. Russell shares his journey as a multifaceted musician—spanning classical, jazz, and contemporary performance—while offering insights into the art of balancing tradition wi...