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 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

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

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

Support the show

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 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

Support the show

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 for another installment of Rapping with Songer.

Check Our NEW Website and claim your FREE copy of "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe on October 31, 2025.

Credits:

Manilow, B. (1975). I Write the Songs [Song]. On Tryin’ to Get the Feeling. Arista Records. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_tnxTKuaK4

Spielberg, S. (Director). (1977). Close encounters of the third kind [Film]. Columbia Pictures. https://youtu.be/wZj7gUIO-2k?si=n1TyRRH8yQAcO_d7

Support the show

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 guest. Eric Songer and his students pose a great question to the hosts – definitely no great answers, though.

Show Notes:

Dean Sorenson Links;

http://www.deansorensonmusic.com

https://kjos.com/person/view?id=324

https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/soren048

https://www.facebook.com/p/Dean-Sorenson-Music-100057340852890/

The theme song for All in the Family, "Those Were the Days," was written by Lee Adams (lyrics) and Charles Strouse (music).

https://youtu.be/GI46_zBGv1A?si=ztA5cfm4YmO_nJoP

Mel Torme - Stardust

Stardust

Mel Torme, Frank Wess

https://youtu.be/3s1YVwGCgik?si=X2LtoV-a4kIXFsuY

Jim Gaffigan | Never Listen to Doctors

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/7E2EFrZtk-8

Support the show

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 musicians.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Jennifer’s journey as a proud band parent and volunteer
• How small acts of service create big change in music programs
• The power of community, connection, and showing up
• Why music education matters — for kids and for culture
• Tips for parents and supporters who want to get involved

This conversation is a celebration of the unsung heroes behind every concert, halftime show, and festival. Jennifer reminds us that when parents, educators, and students work together, music can transform lives.

Tune in and honor the advocates who keep music alive beyond artless.

As a parent and fostering a love for music in those around you:

1. Music should be fun - always keep it light and fun.
2. Involve them in some way. Attend events together. Watch YouTube music together.
3. Meet them where they are at. Celebrate what they love.
4. Time not minutes. When practicing : time spent with an instrument is time spent.
5. Be playful, creative, no limits - can do no wrong. Everything is progress and celebrate the first time something is played and the last.
6. When comfortable, look for ways to share music - practice videos, playing for grandparents, friends, church or even other venues.
7. Be Coachable : Teach being coachable by being coachable yourself.

Fostering Relationships With Music Educators

1. Show Up - walk in - ask what can I do or how can I help
2. Help whenever possible - actually move chairs, stands etc. Actually walk in the space and say, I am here to help.
3. Express gratitude always - Thank them for things accomplished.
4. Notice the small things. - what changes or things are the directors incorporating that is moving things slowly in a new direction. Tell them you notice that and that you are excited about it. For example, having students share details about a piece at a concert before the piece is played.
5. Listen to them without judgment or feedback. Be a safe place.
6. Be there for the program and events that will benefit all students
7. Be a resource to the other parents - the director can say, "I will have you talk with Momma Jen about that. She can point you in the right direction."
8. Provide resources such as extra camp payments for a child that needs help, serve on Boards and volunteer opportunities, provide special rewards for fundraising efforts and sponsor when able.

Building Parent Involvement:

1. Personal invitation with no way out. Meet me here at this time and we will do this together.

2. Make it fun - no drama

3. Well organized - clear direction on what to do and how to help. Written directions are great because they give time for others to digest what they will do ahead of time. Sign up genius is a wonderful resource for this.

4. Get to know the kids with adults that could help, and maybe don't. Tell the kid, I would love to get to know your adult more. Can you give them my number and have them call me about ways we can work together? This works!

Support the show

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-legend-herb-alpert-donates-1-million-lausds-last-repair-shop/17805086/

1980 · Herb Alpert Rise
℗ 2015 Herb Alpert Presents
Released on: 1979-09-01
Composer, Writer: Herb Alpert

https://youtu.be/EJZ_Jb06Kuw?si=shTT82oUYqv_hlHj

I am your father Sound Effect! (DARTH VADER)

https://youtu.be/F_-2B4P2FeM?si=SIiFXanymk9Y5eCu

The Duck Song

Song by Bryant Oden. Video by Forrest Whaley.

https://youtu.be/MtN1YnoL46Q?si=fkSloVGMkPO9qhvN

Fred Wesley on "Pass the Peas" by James Brown | #ITF2025

Performers: Manuel Valera (piano), Alexander Ayala (bass), Marcos Torres (drums), Fred Wesley (trombone), Ariel Kasler (guitar), Tony Da Luca (tenor sax)

https://youtu.be/bBDyBBmRLxc?si=fyADC-VpB2ZhXrQg

A River Runs Through It · Mark Isham

A River Runs Through It (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)

℗ PATHE FILMS

Released on: 1992-10-09

Composer: Mark Isham

https://youtu.be/j8jxGQJHQvg?si=Quz8pLnMTg_jHmRO

Roma (2010)

Valerie Coleman

University of the Pacific Wind Bands

Vu Nguyen, conductor

This is a live recording of Pacific Wind Bands' performance at CBDNA W/NW Division Conference

in Las Vegas at the Academy of the Arts on March 28, 2024. To learn more about University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music, visit Pacific.edu/Conservatory.

https://youtu.be/ZtrAGX93ggA?si=ZN6Y0rW5aoUQw8EC

Support the show

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 Ballroom A. Bring your friends, enemies and frenemies.

https://swhs-instrumental-music.weebly.com/meet-mr-wixson.html

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2024/04/01/minneapolis-public-schools-music-director-responds-to-potential-cuts

Credits

La Fiesta Mexicana : H. Owen Reed

United States Marine Band / John R. Bourgeois Conducting

Bicentennial Collection Vol 6 • Jack T. Kline, John R. Bourgeois Conducting

Little Mexican Suite for Winds Nubia Jaime Donjuan (b. 1984)

World Premiere

Spring 2022 • Spaulding Auditorium • Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth

​​https://youtu.be/JT3Hu0C6tq0?si=YfSLJC-L74WjwypI

Support the show