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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

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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 experiences, and how conductors can foster creativity, trust, and connection within a group. He also shares personal stories about his journey from Canada to the U.S., lessons learned from mentors, and the evolving role of wind bands in today’s musical landscape. And, of course, he talks about hockey with Phil.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Jason’s journey to becoming a leading conductor and educator
• The balance between tradition and innovation in programming
• How conductors build community and inspire creativity
• Thoughts on mentorship, collaboration, and lifelong learning
• Why wind bands matter more than ever

If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the podium—or how a conductor turns notes on a page into a living, breathing performance—this conversation will inspire and enlighten you.

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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 amazing suite of videos and curricula available on his website: Shedthemusic.net
• How technology can rescue teachers from explaining bass clef until retirement
• What it takes to pull off a full-blown commercial music festival in your own school

If you’ve ever wondered how to bring more creativity, collaboration, and authenticity into music education, this conversation is your backstage pass.

Show Notes:

Link to join the free workshop PD

https://emusicelements.com/pd

Link to check out the free guitar course

https://www.shedthemusic.net/fretboard-fundamentals-overview

The looper I was using (its part of Elements)

https://www.shedthemusic.net/looper

The fretboard thing I talked about

https://www.shedthemusic.net/fret-finder

The solfege reading tool

https://www.shedthemusic.net/solfege-reader

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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 first year band director. Tim Gleason attempts to clearly define his role as “coach” on Beyond Artless. Of course, you will have to listen to find out what mystery vegetable is sometimes used as a garnish for a supper-club Old-Fashioned.

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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 with innovation. From the practice room to the stage, he reflects on the challenges and joys of being a performer and teacher, and the role of music as a bridge between genres, people, and communities.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Russell’s path to performer and professor
• How he approaches artistry across many different musical traditions
• Stories from his career as a musician and teacher
• The value of improvisation, interests, and creativity in teaching and performance
• His teaching philosophy rooted in following the child’s interests

Whether you’re a musician, music lover, or simply curious about the creative process, Russell’s reflections will leave you inspired to listen deeper and live Beyond ArtLess-ly.

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

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Season 1 - "Hope"

Season 2 - "Return of the Jackasses"

Season 3 - "The FCC Strikes Back"

Season 4 - "Still Unfunded, Still Unfunny" - Episode one drops Saturday, Aug 30.

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You've heard the phrase, "needs no introduction." Well, our final guest of Season 3 truly fits the bill—Dr. Tim Lautzenheiser joins us for an inspiring conversation about leading through turbulent times, serving others, and making the most of every moment.

If you’re only tuning in for one episode this season (and we know that’s a real possibility), this is the one to catch.

Thank you, commuters, for an incredible season. We’ll see you in the fall!

Recording Credits

"Tock" - JaRod Hall, Performed by the Cape Elizabeth Middle School Band, Cape Elizabeth Maine on May 8, 2025 ​Caitlin Ramsey and Missy Shabo, music educators.

"Dune Aurora" by Jennifer Jolley (computer rendering)

"Bubbles Was A Cheerleader" performed by the 1995 Disney All-American College Band w/ the exceptional tuba section. Trombones were....ok.

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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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