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That’s it. We’re officially done… with WWPPD. But wait—there’s more good news!

This week, we’re joined by the incredible Rachel Maxwell, a renowned middle school music educator and band director from Traughber Junior High in Oswego, IL. We dive into her journey from budding musician to leading her band at the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Along the way, we cover everything from advice for new educators and tuba player mishaps to tips for improving your young band’s sound—and, of course, a little Drum Corps International talk.

Trust us, this is one episode you actually don’t want to miss.

Show Notes:
Learn more about Rachel here:

Instrumentalist Article

Rachel's Website

Recording Credits

"Let My Love Be Heard" by Jake Runestad. Performed by the Bob Cole Conservatory Chamber Choir. Dr. Jonathan Talberg, conductor. Presented in memory of Nohemi Gonzalez.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bh5uH5ojFto

Top 8 Phantom Regiment Closers - 1989 New World Symphony

https://youtu.be/np8px5FqGQc?si=SOxiaSW-4IpvyWnP

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Clip - “Don't Call Me A Raccoon!” (2017)

https://youtu.be/KiD_pPFiaW0?si=Pft0FPZ8ITNImwbx

1. NEW - Rising Music Educator Project (RMEP) - Deadline to Apply Feb 28

Are you ready to take your music education journey to the next level? The Rising Music Educator Program (RMEP) is your chance to grow, learn, and connect in ways that will inspire and transform your teaching career. Designed to combat the challenges young music educators face, RMEP invites up to 50 collegiate music education majors and early-career music educators (within their first five years of teaching) in the band area to join an exclusive day of growth and discovery at no cost to the participant. The event takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. REGISTER and LEARN MORE HERE

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

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

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

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Show Notes:
Learn more about our guests here:

JoAnne Harris

Alex Tedrow

Audio Credits:

Flickers by Alex Tedrow, JMU Symphonic Band - Oct. 24, 2023
JMU Symphonic Band
Chris DeVona, conductor
Audio Recording by Tom Carr
https://youtu.be/Xtwweofwo6I?si=2STuOwqyhPJkdl3A

1. NEW - Rising Music Educator Project (RMEP) - Deadline to Apply Feb 28

Are you ready to take your music education journey to the next level? The Rising Music Educator Program (RMEP) is your chance to grow, learn, and connect in ways that will inspire and transform your teaching career. Designed to combat the challenges young music educators face, RMEP invites up to 50 collegiate music education majors and early-career music educators (within their first five years of teaching) in the band area to join an exclusive day of growth and discovery at no cost to the participant. The event takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. REGISTER and LEARN MORE HERE

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

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

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

Support the show

Send us a text

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!

Show Notes:
Learn more about Jack here!

1. NEW - Rising Music Educator Project (RMEP) - Deadline to Apply Feb 28

Are you ready to take your music education journey to the next level? The Rising Music Educator Program (RMEP) is your chance to grow, learn, and connect in ways that will inspire and transform your teaching career. Designed to combat the challenges young music educators face, RMEP invites up to 50 collegiate music education majors and early-career music educators (within their first five years of teaching) in the band area to join an exclusive day of growth and discovery at no cost to the participant. The event takes place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. REGISTER and LEARN MORE HERE

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

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

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

Support the show