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What happens when you get three Gleasons who play tuba in the same ArtLess episode?
Chaos. Pure, brass-fueled chaos.

Fortunately, we’re joined by the ever-talented Matt Pivec, who brings not only his impressive musical accomplishments but also a touchdown story you truly have to hear to believe. Matt shares insights on balancing multiple interests, pushing back against the pressure to specialize too early, and how improvisation in education goes far beyond jazz solos.

The conversation weaves through student engagement, the power of storytelling in the classroom, and how music festivals are expanding opportunities for young performers.

Matt’s reverse speed round—and his razor-sharp wit—graciously offset the collective nonsense of this week’s five hosts (yes, five).

Brace yourself for an episode that’s as enlightening as it is unreasonably tuba-heavy.

Learn More about Matt Here:

https://www.butler.edu/jordan-arts/undergraduate-programs/music/faculty-staff/jazz-area-faculty/

Recording Credits:

Freddie Hubbard - You're My Everything [Alternate Take]

https://youtu.be/iXltPEj4VhQ?si=f3-SGf5SKWXIb49R

Hub-Tones (1963)

Personnel:

Freddie Hubbard (Trumpet)

James Spaulding (Alto saxophone)

Herbie Hancock (Piano)

Reggie Workman (Bass)

Clifford Jarvis (Drums)

--

Alfred Lion (Producer)

Rudy Van Gelder (Recording Engineer)

Polka Tune

Album - “Almost a Ton of Fat and Fun”

Ernie Reck Polka Band

Jerry Gleason on Tuba!

Salvation Is Created - arr. Brown

Rippling Watercolors - Balmages

Earthdance - Sweeney

Slow Burn - Svanoe

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Show Notes:
A week late, you say? So is our comedic and musical timing.

You know who does have great timing? Dr. John Lynch, Director of Bands at UW-Stevens Point. It was a real treat to hear about his musical journey—one that’s taken him all around the globe (literally).

In this episode, Dr. Lynch shares his perspective on cultural differences between Australia and the U.S., the importance of repertoire choices, the pursuit of quality in music, and the irreplaceable value of live performance.

Recording Credits:

"The Mooche" - Duke Ellington, Duke Ellington Orchestra, Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra

Winternacht (Conductor Cam) | Hans Abrahamsen

https://youtu.be/36t0GxwjOew?si=9M_Dh-potKEpa3Ao

Musica Nova Ensemble, Eastman School of Music

University of Wisconsin Marching Band

On Wisconsin & Varsity & Hot Time

2010

Other Good Stuff:

Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com

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There are leaders and there are followers. Thankfully, Fran Kick joins us this week to lead us through a delightful conversation. Granted, Peter, Phil and Chris DO get lost multiple times but Fran gracefully get us back on track. Check out Fran's amazing videos, resources, and books including the "Have to, Get to, Want to" video and article in the show notes!

Show Notes:
Learn more about Fran here:

https://www.kickitin.com/

Have to, Get to, Want to [YouTube video]

https://youtu.be/KtaMBeCjF3A

Have to, Get to, Want to [Article]

https://www.kickitin.com/have-to-get-to-want-to/

Recording Credits:

Other Good Stuff:

Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com

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We saved the best for last. Enjoy our final interview from our Midwest 2024 booth. This interview features our good friend Owen. Where is he from? Don't know. What does he do? Not sure? What does he look like? Don't have a picture. Was he fun to interview? YES - in fact, he was amazing! Too bad you won't get to hear it.

We know we continue to meet, and perhaps, surpass your expectations each and every week. You can look forward to five more episodes this season. Who knows what will happen. Thanks for listening and putting up with this awful podcast.

Chris will try to do better.

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This Beyond ArtLess Short was captured during our live recording sessions at the 2024 Midwest Clinic. A heartfelt thank you to Eric Songer and John Stewart for stepping in as guest hosts for several episodes. 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!

Want 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.com

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Phil asked one truly insightful question—alongside a few not-so-great ones—but we’re incredibly proud of how much he’s grown. Peter made an impressive comeback in PPTD, while Chris continues to meet challenges head-on (bless his heart). This week’s guest is the complete opposite of your usual hosts—thoughtful, intelligent, kind, and wildly creative. What a joy it was to chat with Michael Markowski about his music, his mentorship, and the magic behind his creative process.

Show Notes:
https://www.michaelmarkowski.com/

Recording Credits:

Songs that use Chromatic Mediant chords

David Bennett

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PtISkOeSz08

VIGILANTE by Michael Markowski ~ High School Honor Band~ 2025 GCBDA All District Honor Band

ROBSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

306 views • Jan 29, 2025 • ROBSON PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Green Country Band Directors Association

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mk0LiK5iP8I

City Trees

Michael Markowski, composer

Performed by the Brooklyn Wind Symphony

Brian Worsdale, conductor

https://youtu.be/rZtaznyS-cM?si=ZM48uDOIuGmlwNRF

"The Cave You Fear" by Michael Markowski

Performed by the Brooklyn Wind Symphony

Andy Pease, guest conductor

Jeff W. Ball, artistic director

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o4pOswwQAxQ

Other Good Stuff:

Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com

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Maybe Chris should learn how to take notes. Maybe Peter should learn how to arrange travel for guests. Maybe Phil should learn how to interview. Our guest Dr. Laura Dunbar can do all of these things better than our hosts and is also a world class educator! Dr. Dunbar is head of music education studies at UW Eau Claire and also coordinates the Chippewa Valley Youth Choirs and directs the Very Young Composers of the Chippewa Valley Workshop. Listen on as she describes her journey from small town Ohio through a PhD from University of Arizona. Unlike our hosts, this guest knows how to ask the right questions! Is it really ok to eat cereal without milk?

Show Notes:
https://www.uwec.edu/profiles/dunbarll

https://chippewavalleyyouthchoirs.weebly.com

https://veryyoungcomposersproject.org/very-young-composers-of-chippewa-valley

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1. Join ComMission Possible 2026 with JoAnne Harris and Carol Brittin Chambers - Deadline April 15. Click here to learn more

2. ORDER BEYOND ARTLESS SHIRTS HERE!
https://bit.ly/ArtLessShirt

3. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com

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It’s hard to mess up a podcast when you have a guest like Omar Thomas. In this episode, we talk with Omar about his incredibly busy and creative schedule, the release of his new album Griot Songs, and the behind-the-scenes process of recording it with the Omar Thomas Large Ensemble.

Omar reflects on his compositional approach, the art of crossing genres, and the importance of teaching and fostering artistic growth in students. He also shares insights into his latest commissioned work for the International Trumpet Guild’s 50th Anniversary, which features trumpet soloist Sean Jones.

And just wait until you hear about the third movement—Seraphim et Ophanim. You won’t want to miss it.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Omar Thomas here!

Recording Credits

GRIOT SONGS - purchase on Omar's website!

GRIOT SONGS is a bold and heartfelt exploration of the power of storytelling through music, a vibrant reflection of Omar Thomas ’unique voice and vision.

• The Sun in September. 09:15.
• Sail to the Moon. 13:19.
• Obeah Woman. 12:07.
• Nothing There. 10:10.
• Episode d'Azur. 09:00.
• The Path. 17:10.
• A Touch of Obsidian, A Flash of Scarlet. 12:07.

REEDS: Mark Zaleski – Alto Saxophone, Clarinet; Lihi Harum – Alto, Soprano Saxophone, Flute; Kenny Pexton – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet, Flute; Jon Bean – Tenor Saxophone, Clarinet; Brian Landrus – Baritone Saxophone, Bass Clarinet, Flute, Alto Flute TRUMPETS: Bijon Watson – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Josh Reed – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Dan Rosenthal – Trumpet, Flugelhorn; Jason Palmer – Trumpet, Flugelhorn TROMBONES Will Ford – Trombone; Evan Amoroso – Trombone; Randy Pingrey – Trombone; Chris Beaudry – Bass Trombone RHYTHM: Mark Cocheo – Electric & Acoustic Guitar; Alex Brown – Piano, Rhodes; James Heazlewood-Dale – Electric & Acoustic Bass; Mark Walker – Drums, Percussion Jacob Means – Mandolin (track 7); Reese Maultsby – Prepared Vibraphone (track 2)

Other Good Stuff:

1. Join ComMission Possible 2026 with JoAnne Harris and Carol Brittin Chambers - Deadline April 15. Click here to learn more

2. Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com

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