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Will Chris find a way to expand Beyond the Notes to include kazoo choirs? Will Peter make it through the entire podcast on 1 hour of sleep? Will Phil win an award for longest question ever? All of these questions will be answered - sadly testing the patience of our exasperated commuters. Oh well. The Buzzler and Bandboozler shall provide a short moment of sanity. Our guest has taught successfully in high schools and colleges throughout the country and is now director of bands at Florida State University. He is a great advocate for students, a renowned conductor, board member of the Midwest Clinic and an all around wonderful person! Rodney Dorsey is simply the best.

Show Links

U.S. Marine Band forced to cancel concert with students of color after Trump DEI order. Watch the episode here: https://youtu.be/lhwS06U1SnA?si=z5RutPTfPy-tKzoM

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2027 BEYOND THE NOTES MUSIC FESTIVAL REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 9 AT 8:00 PM

Learn more at: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

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Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

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In this episode of Beyond Artless, we welcome Dr. Sarah McKoin, educator, conductor, and scholar at Texas Tech University, for a conversation that blends musicianship, mentorship, and corndogs.

Dr. McKoin shares her path into higher education and conducting, reflecting on the moments and mentors that shaped her voice as a teacher and musician. From leading ensembles to preparing future musicians, she speaks candidly about the responsibility—and joy—of guiding students toward artistry, confidence, and curiosity.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Dr. McKoin’s journey to Texas Tech and the collegiate podium
• The role of mentorship in shaping meaningful musical careers
• Building ensemble culture rooted in trust and excellence
• Balancing artistry, scholarship, and leadership
• How to meet famous musicians while eating corndogs
• How to make a great free-throw under pressure!

This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply encouraging—reminding us that great teaching is as much about listening and learning as it is about leading.

CREDITS:

DAHL Sinfonietta: Introduction and Rondo - "The President's Own" U.S. Marine Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xo2nBmPQXPo

Hindemith's Symphony in B-flat | The U.S. Army Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpgXXcAcNQ4

Inland Ocean - Viet Cuong (for Grade 2.5 Concert Band) Reading by the West Chester University Wind Ensemble, Dr. Andrew Yozviak, conductor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TaB6dSEtS8A

Patiala Pulse by Shruthi Rajasekar. Concert band Grade 4 Murphy Music Presshttps://murphymusicpress.com/products/cb3-1,045

OPENING SOON:

2027 BEYOND THE NOTES MUSIC FESTIVAL REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 9 AT 8:00 PM. Learn more at: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

REGISTER NOW:

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

FREE MUSIC:

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

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Commuter, you are in for a treat! In this episode, we welcome the extraordinary Patricia Brumbaugh—a trailblazing conductor, educator, mentor, and lifelong advocate for musical excellence.

From her early days studying under legendary music educator John Whitwell to leading high school, collegiate, youth, and community ensembles across the country, Pat’s career reflects resilience, high standards, and deep humanity. Named Outstanding Young Band Conductor in the Nation (1984), she has built programs, conducted at major conferences, and shaped generations of musicians—many of whom are still playing today.

CREDITS

Prelude and Fugue in Bb Major - J.S. Bach arr. Moehlmann. All Illinois Junior Band Send your students to this IL friends! Amazing! https://www.aijb.org/

Canzona - Peter Mennin. Lowell Graham. United States Air Force Band https://youtu.be/jictlsGlEks?si=M36F93GlAcKzr-o6

"The President's Own" United States Marine Band presents Warren Benson's "The Solitary Dancer." Conducted by Col. John R. Bourgeois. From the album "Showcase, Volume Two," recorded in 1990. http://www.marineband.marines.mil/

"Ricky" by The Wolves of Glendale. https://youtu.be/3O1WgS-vd1Q?si=KmJCNOr62oU_Wv8K

REGISTER NOW:

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

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FREE MUSIC:

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

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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 matching algorithm pairs students with colleges based on majors, interests, and financial fit, all while keeping data more secure than the locked percussion room. We also look ahead as Common Time Pathways expands into theater, dance, and visual art, and talk about why early, intentional connections help create lifelong musicians—and keep students in the right schools.

Smart ideas, real impact, and just enough ArtLess banter to keep things interesting.

Learn more about Eytan here:

https://www.convergenceensemble.org/eytan-wurman-board-member

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eytanwurman/

Check out CommonTime Pathways Here:

https://www.ctpathways.com/

CREDITS:

Samara Joy - You Stepped Out Of A Dream (Studio Version) https://youtu.be/vVKbeUs0a_A?si=yLNZeCjWJ6x5k9xh Watch the official music video for “You Stepped Out Of A Dream” by Samara Joy. Listen to the new single ‘You Stepped Out Of A Dream’: https://SamaraJoy.lnk.to/PortraitID

The Sun in September · Omar Thomas Large Ensemble https://youtu.be/qCwSOqUZ0Vk?si=ELq6B1HVhnBU4WlY Griot Songs ℗ 2025 Omar Thomas Music Released on: 2025-02-07 Main Artist: Omar Thomas Large Ensemble Composer: Omar Thomas

REGISTER NOW:

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

FREE MUSIC:

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dp

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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-making joyful. Along the way, he reflects on practice, preparation, and the often-unsung role of the tuba in shaping the sound and soul of an ensemble.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Steve’s path to the Minnesota Orchestra
• The realities of orchestral life and long-term musicianship
• Lessons learned from decades of performing at the highest level
• Advice for young musicians dreaming of orchestral careers
• Stories from the stage that are thoughtful, funny, and deeply musical

This episode is a celebration of craft, curiosity, and commitment—and a reminder that every great ensemble is built on musicians who listen deeply and lead from wherever they sit.

Tune in for wisdom, wit, and world-class musicianship—beyond artless.

CREDITS

Reflections of the Mississippi The Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Steve Campbell, tuba, and Mark Russell Smith, conductor, perform Michael Daugherty's Reflections of the Mississippi, mvts. 3 and 4, on Sunday, October 2, 2016, in Centennial Hall, Rock Island, IL. https://youtu.be/kinQB_ZLAHw?si=J4IRmAdRG_8AomOJ

Marsalis' Tuba Concerto The rarely spotlighted tuba takes center stage in a recent concerto by the eminent composer, jazz trumpeter and bandleader Wynton Marsalis—fusing traditions ranging from classical to bebop to boogaloo. Of note are a passage in which the soloist plays the tuba and sings simultaneously, and a blistering finale that nods to bebop saxophonist Charlie “Bird” Parker. https://youtu.be/a6OEDekFJlw?si=_Se-uGpe4-T1rV70 Conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush led Principal Tuba Steven Campbell with the Minnesota Orchestra in this performance on May 19, 2023.

Esa-Pekka Salonen: Nyx Esa-Pekka Salonen: Nyx (2010) Hannu Lintu, conductor Finnish Radio Symphony Orchestra Helsinki Music Centre, 25 January 2013 The FRSO recorded this piece in 2011 in Helsinki. This is the Finnish concert premiere. The world premiere was performed in Paris. https://youtu.be/jm4wlf7VkCk?si=iISqCM4VY4E45a8z

Tango Corazon, Hanna Lehtonen For Grade 2-3 Trombone and Grade 3 Band: https://www.leadingtonesmusic.com/sto... https://youtu.be/CSd2iwsYKe0?si=_nYdHwVjL6DAf_ec

REGISTER NOW:

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

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Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

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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 transitions, and fostering collaboration across music communities. Whether you're an aspiring teacher, seasoned conductor, or music administrator, Andy’s stories and advice offer valuable guidance for growth and success. PLUS a fun Rappin’ with Songer and a Band Boozler that might actually be helpful.

Links:

• Lawrence University - Music Department
• Vincent Persichetti Society
• Andy Mast - Bio & Profile

CREDITS:

Echoes Of The Inner Prophet- Melissa Aldana

Echoes Of The Inner Prophet- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxS8wrlqJow

Cyrille Aimée with the Emmet Cohen Trio | La Vie En Rose

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81viyOKgx0w

Percy Grainger: Lincolnshire Posy - Lawrence University Wind Ensemble

Andrew Mast, conductor; Sonu., rapper/artist Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Appleton, Wisconsin, U.S.A.

Hans Zimmer - "Time" from the album 'Inception (Music From the Motion Picture)'. Hans Zimmer composed the score of 'Inception', a film directed by Christopher Nolan.- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c56t7upa8Bk

REGISTER NOW:

BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

FREE MUSIC:

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

THANKS TO:

Our sponsor Silent Stage Podiums. https://www.arcofrog.com/silentstagepodiums

We would love to partner with you too! Just head to our website to learn more!

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/podcast#sponsor

Support the show

Send us a text

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.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

FREE MUSIC:

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

THANKS TO:

Our sponsor Silent Stage Podiums. https://www.arcofrog.com/silentstagepodiums

We would love to partner with you too! Just head to our website to learn more!

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/podcast#sponsor

Support the show

Send a text

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.btnmusicfestival.com/education

RISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education

FREE MUSIC:

Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)

https://dpi.wi.gov/fine-arts/wisconsin-arts-celebration-project-0

THANKS TO:

Our sponsor Silent Stage Podiums. https://www.arcofrog.com/silentstagepodiums

We would love to partner with you too! Just head to our website to learn more!

https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/podcast#sponsor

Support the show