beyond ArtLess

Isaac McMahon

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond Artless, we sit down with Isaac McMahon, band director at Brookings High School in South Dakota—a musician, educator, and all-around interesting human whose journey to the podium includes farms, baseball no-hitters, homemade hot sauce, and at least one extremely loud tractor tire incident.Now in his seventh year of teaching, Isaac leads a thriving program that includes concert band, competitive marching band, pep band, jazz ensembles, music theory, and music exploration. His passion for students and teaching has earned him multiple district “BEST” awards for leadership, as well as the 2025 Dennis Hegg Outstanding Young Band Director Award for the state of South Dakota. His program was also selected to perform at the 2026 South Dakota Bandmasters Conference—a testament to the culture of excellence he’s built with his students.But Isaac’s story is about far more than accolades. Growing up on a farm in South Dakota (where he once accidentally popped an 8-foot tractor tire… loudly), he developed the work ethic and humor that now define his classroom. From dressing up as Beethoven for a fourth-grade biography fair to throwing a high school baseball no-hitter—and briefly attempting a golf career that ended after exactly one away meet—Isaac’s path to music education has been anything but boring.What you’ll hear in this episode:Isaac’s journey from South Dakota farm kid to award-winning band directorHow Comprehensive Musicianship through Performance (CMP) shapes his teaching philosophyThe joy and responsibility of mentoring future educators as a cooperating teacherLessons learned from teaching in both Breckenridge, Minnesota and Brookings, South DakotaWhy continuing to perform (he’s a semi-professional bassoonist and saxophonist) keeps him connected to the artThe realities—and occasional chaos—of running a modern band programAnd along the way you’ll discover that Isaac is also a self-proclaimed coffee snob who roasts his own beans, a home hot-sauce creator with a fridge shelf dedicated to spice, a former homecoming king, and a proud dad of two daughters who somehow balances family life with marching band rehearsals and jazz charts.This conversation is funny, thoughtful, and full of the kind of real-life stories that remind us why music educators are some of the most creative and resilient people around. Tune in for laughter, teaching wisdom, and possibly a new appreciation for both bassoons and properly roasted coffee—beyond artless.CreditsGroovin' Hard- Don Menza/arr. Peter BlairHeritage Music PressREGISTER NOW:2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALShttps://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationRISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationSupport the show

Buzz Kemper

Send a textTune in for a masterclass in mastering, mountain climbing, and music making. Buzz’s stories take you from Devil’s Tower to small-town pharmacy to collaborating with Yo-Yo Ma. So whether you’re a budding sound god, a mountain enthusiast, or just someone who loves hilarious stories from someone who’s done it all—this episode will leave you inspired, amused, and maybe a little more willing to climb those metaphorical—and literal—mountains yourself.Learn More About Buzz Here:https://buzzkemper.com/https://www.instagram.com/buzzkemper/Credits:Enchantment by Jodie Blackshaw. Performed by the Hobart Wind Symphony conducted by Simon Reade. https://youtu.be/3e8OrSg8h6M?si=jojRar36SnWf0SptBadger Talks with Buzz Kemper. https://youtu.be/YRC--RZI4ac?si=NydNVIhnwbHPJV0rREGISTER NOW:2027 BEYOND THE NOTE FESTIVALShttps://www.btnmusicfestival.com/festivals/ensembles/kalahari-1BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationRISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationFREE MUSIC: Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)https://dpSupport the show

Rodney Dorsey

Send us Fan MailWill 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 LinksU.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-tKzoMREGISTER NOW:2027 BEYOND THE NOTES MUSIC FESTIVAL REGISTRATION OPENS MARCH 9 AT 8:00 PMLearn more at: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationRISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationFREE MUSIC: Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)https://dpSupport the show

Sarah McKoin

Send us Fan MailIn 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 podiumThe role of mentorship in shaping meaningful musical careersBuilding ensemble culture rooted in trust and excellenceBalancing artistry, scholarship, and leadershipHow to meet famous musicians while eating corndogsHow 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=Xo2nBmPQXPoHindemith's Symphony in B-flat | The U.S. Army Band https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpgXXcAcNQ4Inland 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=TaB6dSEtS8APatiala Pulse by Shruthi Rajasekar. Concert band Grade 4  Murphy Music Presshttps://murphymusicpress.com/products/cb3-1,045OPENING 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/educationRISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationFREE MUSIC: Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)https://dpSupport the show

Patricia Brumbaugh

Send us Fan MailCommuter, 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.CREDITSPrelude 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_Wv8KREGISTER NOW:BUILDING BETTER BANDS DAY (MAY 23):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationRISING MUSIC EDUCATOR PROGRAM (MAY 22):https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/educationFREE MUSIC: Wisconsin Arts Celebration Project (Marie Douglas “Yellow Birds”)https://dpSupport the show