The Season 2 Finale is here! As you will hear, we end the season with more of a whimper than a bang. Regardless, thank you for sticking with us through another season. We are tremendously grateful to all of our guests this past season as well as our six listeners. Have a great summer! We look forward to subjecting you to more mind numbing banter next fall.

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Our final guest of season 2 is Lt. Col. Ryan Nowlin, the 29th Director of "The President's Own" United States Marine Band! Our conversation covers Ryan's career path from public school music teacher to staff arranger and now Director of "The President's Own." We learn more about his work in this role as well as collaborations with Beyoncé, Kelly Clarkson and John Williams to name a few. As you will hear in this episode, Ryan is one of the most humble and kind individuals you will ever meet. His passion for music education and our country is uplifting. We are incredibly grateful that he chose to spend an hour with us.

Ryan Nowlin Bio (and more)
Change of Command Video
"Let Freedom Ring" - Ryan Nowlin (as heard in the introduction)
Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more.

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In this episode, we talk to Peter about his trip to Panama. No, it is not part of the witness protection program...well, not this time. Our guests, Tim and Christine Baumann share with us their amazing journey in music education (and the planet).
They talk about their experiences teaching music in Hong Kong and their roles as co-directors of the International Music Camp in North Dakota. Tim and Christine discuss the different programs offered at the camp and how their travels have changed their perspective on music education in America. The conversation covers various topics including the importance of finding similarities and building connections across cultures, the value of travel and exploration, the significance of environmental engagement, and the role of arts education in creating safe and inclusive spaces.

Show Notes:
Cascade Canyon
International Music Camp
"Panama" by Van Halen

Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more.

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

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In this episode, Phil turns 50. Don’t worry, his status with AARP doesn’t affect his podcasting ability. Thankfully, Jeff Ball stops by for a chat. Jeff is the Director of Bands and Coordinator of Performing Arts at the Grand Street Campus (GSC) High Schools in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, NY. He is also the Founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Brooklyn Wind Symphony, established in 2008 as the Grand Street Community Band. From its original thirty members, the organization has grown into the seventy-piece Brooklyn Wind Symphony and allowed for the formation of two additional ensembles, the ninety-piece Grand Street Community Band and the seventy-five piece Kings County Concert Band. The Brooklyn Wind Symphony is the first-ever New York City-based ensemble to be invited to perform at the Midwest Clinic and the World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Conference.

In this conversation, Jeff Ball discusses his experiences teaching music in New York City and the importance of creating inclusive and engaging music programs. He emphasizes the need for teachers to adapt their teaching methods to meet the needs of diverse student populations and shares insights on effective teaching practices. Jeff also highlights the value of collaboration with composers and the impact of commissioning new works for his ensembles. The conversation concludes with a speed round of New York-themed questions. Unfortunately, our post-interview rambling ends on a low note.

Read More about Jeff Here
Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more.

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Dr. Josh Becker, a trombone player and elementary school teacher, shares his experiences and insights. He teaches fifth grade and coordinates the elementary band program in the Rosemount-Apple Valley-Eagan School District in Minnesota. He also runs an instrument donation program, providing instruments to students who cannot afford them. Dr. Becker emphasizes the importance of variety in his teaching career, working with students of different ages and skill levels. He discusses the challenges of balancing his busy schedule and prioritizing time with his family. Dr. Becker discusses the key to retention in music education, which is building connections with students and meeting them where they are. He emphasizes the importance of being positive, funny, and helping students feel successful in their musical journey. He talks about the influence of his music educator father and the teachers who have shaped his career. The conversation also touches on the importance of caring for students, the need for strong relationships in teaching, the pitfalls of moving ahead too quickly in instruction, and the value of mastery-based learning.

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This week's guest is John Mackey. It is worth the listen even with the three hosts still involved. Yet, it is important to note an interesting development - the software we use to produce this podcast now offers AI episode summary and "takeaways". This week's takeaways were too good not to share:

Takeaways

• Sometimes it's necessary to hide in a closet to escape from family or visitors
• Jazz Fest can be a fun and memorable experience
• Having an openable window in a closet is unusual
• Skipping school for a celebrity autograph can lead to unexpected consequences
• Being impeached from high school drama club can be a memorable experience
• Juilliard does not have an athletics division
• Sequencing music on a Commodore 64 computer was a popular activity in the past
• Writing for different ensembles requires different techniques and considerations.
• Composing for young bands can be challenging due to limited technique and vocabulary.
• The Mystery Guest values the input and ideas of young musicians in the composition process.
• Writing for drum corps is a new and exciting experience for the Mystery Guest.
• The Guest would win a race versus Brian Balmages at Midwest given his planking ability.
• Tshirt cannons might get people to visit the Beyond ArtLess Booth at Midwest.
• Choosing a story to base a composition on can be difficult, especially when there are many great options
• Encouraging creativity in students is important and can lead to great musical ideas
• Medication for ADHD can have a positive impact on focus and productivity

Not bad AI....not bad.

Show Links:
John's Website: https://www.johnmackey.com/
World Premiere of "Lightning Field" by 2015 Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band

• Want to find out more about the Beyond The Notes Festival Click here to learn more.
• Got a question or comment? Submit it here or email us at btnmusicfestival@gmail.com

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If you can make it through today's banter which covers hockey skate sharpening, lawn care, tea parties, and changing a tires, you are in for a treat. Today we welcome the "Mandan Dynasty" Jon & Sara Baumann. John and Sarah Bauman, are music educators from Mandan, North Dakota, known for their contributions to the All State Band Program and their successful music programs at the high school and middle school levels. Sarah and John discuss their middle school and high school band programs, including the opportunities and challenges they face. They emphasize the importance of alignment between the two programs and the benefits of joint concerts and collaborations. They also talk about their commitment to service, organizing band festivals and providing opportunities for students from other schools. And yes, we find time to talk about the TV show Dynasty as well as Dallas, Air Wolf, and Knight Rider.

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Shortest Show Ever!! You are welcome! See you next week with TWO fabulous guests!

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