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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 music, and how she manages to juggle artistry, education, and business without dropping the (brass) ball. It’s an episode full of laughter, insight, and a reminder that music really can move mountains — or at least shake the floorboards.

Sound bites

"The tuba is my voice to the world." "Mentorship shaped my musical journey." "Band Blast Off ignites young musicians' passion." "Women are redefining the music industry." "Artistry and entrepreneurship go hand in hand." "Daily wins lead to big successes." "Performing with Dallas Brass was transformative." "Music education is evolving rapidly." "Create your own opportunities in music." "Inspiring the next generation is my mission."

Learn More About Deanna Here

http://deannaswoboda.com/

https://search.asu.edu/profile/335939

https://www.eastmanwinds.com/deanna_swoboda

Credits

Grøndahl - Concerto for Trombone - Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Dustin Nguyen, winner of the Bienen School of Music’s Concerto Competition, performs Launy Grøndahl’s Concerto for Trombone, arranged by Poul Ivan Møller. Doctoral assistant conductor Sheldon Frazier leads the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Dustin is a master's student of Michael Mulcahy, R. Douglas Wright, Randall Hawes, Reed Capshaw, and Timothy Higgins.

https://youtu.be/ToMaCj2ijdY?si=iT3e72XhvBOLAUqv

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Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe. PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR MOST DEDICATED COMMUTERS WHO ACTUALLY READ THE SHOW NOTES: https://youtu.be/yncdWVj31_A

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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 students, parents, administrators, custodial staff, school board and everyone else loves her back. Step back and learn why it is great to teach in a small town and how to do it successfully.

About Kristen Links:

https://chs.csdk12.net/teacher-webpages/~const-id/2873

https://csdk12kirch.weebly.com/about-mrs-kirch.html

https://vietcuongmusic.com/inland-ocean/

Credits:

Berlioz: Harold in Italy - Antoine Tamestit, Klaus Mäkelä, Oslo Philharmonic. Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Klaus Mäkelä, Antoine Tamestit: Berlioz Harold in Italy Oslo Konserthus, 2023 https://youtu.be/KfgORkfduCM?si=nUFHU_sGTOYtrDtP

Berlioz: "Symphonie Fantastique" - 5th Mvt. - Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein conducts the "Orchestre National de France" in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique 5th Movement:Larghetto, Allegro (Songe d'une nuit de Sabbat) Paris, 1976. https://youtu.be/cao6WyF-61s?si=6c31L69pzLBxr9oJ

Downtown Diversions by Adam Gorb. https://adamgorb.co.uk/wind-ensemble/
Commissioned by a consortium of university bands in the USA
Picc, 2, 2, E flat Cl. 3, Bcl. 2, Cbsn, 4 sax,
4, 3, 3, 1, Pno, DB, 3 perc.
18 mins. (pub. Maecenas). Performed by UWEC Wind Symphony 2004. Phil Ostrander Soloist

CHECK IT OUT!

Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe. PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

Support the show

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, the learning curves, and the lessons that stick long after the bell rings.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How Alli’s path to percussion began with a very blue inspiration (thank you, Blue Man Group)
• The importance of staying a performer while being a teacher
• How mentors shaped her approach to leading and learning
• Life lessons from maternity leave, team teaching, and middle school chaos
• How she broke a small Ostrander child
• And how Chris left her alone on her first day of teaching with him!

Alli’s warmth, humor, and honesty make this episode a love letter to the art of teaching — and a reminder that even the most organized band room runs on equal parts caffeine, compassion, and community.

Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and great insights on teaching that are — beyond artless.

Check out our NEW Website and claim your FREE copy of "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe!

Find us at the Midwest Clinic - Booth #1335

Credits:

Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Activity Mat & Gym - Full Song Suite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XD9iTf2Mbs

The entire song suite from the much loved Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Mat, including Purple Monkey In A Bubblegum Tree, and Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Enjoy the songs in the highest quality possible

The Cat’s Pajamas Rag - Pierre LaPlante

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Allison Mottzz, conducting

https://youtu.be/D-Xq6fel_5Y

Twittering Machine - Brian Balmages

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Brian Balamages, conducting

https://youtu.be/Af3ENiwEXN0

Try - Harrison Collins

Persistence Rules! - Dana Wilson

UWEC Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Concert

Oct 10, 2025 - Phil Ostrander, conducting

https://www.youtube.com/live/XEnOqhXdSCM?si=QTj1Y3GiYvXFEtJb

Blizzard Blues - François Dorion

Hal Leonard Publishing

https://youtu.be/QaeCEVpM0iU?si=1_F-0edrw_MrcXCU

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