In this 40th episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, Michael Bell sits down with Bayrex Hernandez, music teacher at Matapeake Elementary. Growing up in Puerto Rico in a family where education and music were the heartbeat of daily life, Bayrex now brings that same energy and vision to Queen Anne’s County. From launching Matapeake’s first outdoor concert to building a choir program with over 40 students, a band program where fifth graders can’t wait to perform, his story is about resilience, creativity, and helping students shine. Along the way, Bayrex shares how a simple mantra — “Don’t let the instrument control you, you control the instrument” — motivates his kids not just in music, but in life. Plus, hear how his students surprised him with an unforgettable Happy Birthday, and what legacy he hopes to leave in music education.

Erika Beyer teaches music to PreK through 2nd graders at Kent Island Elementary—and if you step into her classroom, you’ll likely hear a chorus of “🎵Hello, Musicians!” ringing out with joy. But her story is far deeper than call-and-response. In this inspiring episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, Erika opens up about her path from conservatory-trained trombonist and collegiate swimmer to master of musical play, classroom resets, and equity through creativity.

We explore how teaching during the pandemic shaped her use of tech and SEL, how motherhood has deepened her empathy, and why free play, tonal exploration, and silly microphones help her students feel empowered, seen, and heard. From student breakthroughs to inclusive performance strategies, and her first presentation for the Maryland Music Education Associaton State Convention, Erika shares how she builds a classroom culture rooted in curiosity, collaboration, and connection.

Join host Michael Bell (2024 NAEA National Supervisor of the Year) representing Queen Anne's County for a powerful live panel recorded at the MAEA Summer Retreat featuring Dr. Lisa Stuart Whitehead (2024 NAEA National Art Educator of the Year) representing Prince George's County and Gino Molfino (2021 NAEA National Supervisor of the Year) and 2024 Supervision and Administration Division Director-Elect for NAEA. In this candid, one-hour conversation hosted by MAEA President Rachel Valsing, three of Maryland’s most influential arts leaders discuss leadership, legacy, advocacy, and the future of arts education. Insightful, inspiring, and filled with real talk—this is one you don’t want to miss.

In this Bonus 15 minute Episode, Gabby Pfeifer returns to share heartfelt reflections, from restaging her original choreography Inner Chaos to mentoring first-time dancers and preparing to perform at the American Dance Festival. She offers real talk and powerful advice for aspiring dancers: “Send the email. Keep going. You’ve got this.”
Listen now—only on ArtScene | The Podcast.

Also, enjoy this 16 second YouTube short featuring Gabby in action.

From 2020 All-State Dancer to dance mentor, Gabby Pfeifer returns to Queen Anne’s County, MD as the first-ever intern for the Carole Cascio Fund for Mind Movement Dance Connections (CCF)—recently promoted to CCF Associate Teaching Artist. In this inspiring full-circle story, host Michael Bell explores how Gabby’s choreography, teaching, and leadership are shaping young dancers across Queen Anne's County Public Schools and beyond.

Hear how she learned Paul Taylor’s emotionally powerful solo from Company B, restaged by CCF Teaching Artist and former Paul Taylor dancer Amy Young. Plus, discover the story behind Gabby’s original piece Inner Chaos—the first-ever QACHS dance work selected for the Maryland State Dance Showcase at Goucher College.

And yes—it all began with a chance encounter at the Creamery in Centreville, MD.

Listen now and be inspired by how one dancer is helping the next generation find their voice through movement.

🎙️ Plus—don’t miss a bonus 15-minute segment airing July 1 with even more insights from Gabby’s journey.

Also, enjoy this 16 second ⁠YouTube short⁠ featuring Gabby in action.

Allison Dorsey teaches art to PreK through 2nd grade students at Kent Island Elementary School—but her story starts in a D.C. cubicle, designing infographics for the federal government. In this joyful episode of ArtScene | The Podcast, Allison shares what pulled her into teaching, how she uses play, picture books, and positive affirmations to inspire her youngest learners, and why embracing imperfection has been a breakthrough in both her personal and professional life.

We talk about art as an act of encouragement, the power of movement and joy, and how creativity—much like her rec soccer games and passion for playing pickleball—is all about showing up, staying present, and having fun.

“Allison has this rare gift of making everyone—students, colleagues, even her own kids—feel encouraged and capable of creating something meaningful,” says host Michael Bell. “Her story is full of honesty, humor, and she’s all heart.”

Don’t miss this episode with one of the most grounded and passionate voices in elementary arts education.

Be sure to Subscribe, share this podcast widely, and give us a 5 star rating on Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

In this 15-minute bonus episode, Michael Bell and David Modler take listeners behind the scenes of their most memorable national workshops—from the spontaneity and joy of TASK to the deep trust built through Collaboration Art Mixed-Media Abstract workshops and iconic “We Will Draw With Anyone About Anything” speed-date style sessions.

They also reflect on the life-changing energy of NAEA Conventions—how attending can light a creative fire for students and teachers alike. This is an honest, uplifting conversation about saying yes when opportunity knocks, and how your art, your story, and even your art education degree can become a passport—taking you to new cities, new countries, and into new creative communities that change you forever.

Don't miss this inspiring extension of their full episode.

Join host Michael Bell in a compelling conversation with David Modler, co-founder of the Journal Fodder Junkies, Professor of Art at Shepherd University, and a pivotal figure in championing the visual journaling movement with Bell. Explore David's artistic journey, the transformative role of play in creativity, and the profound connections formed through collaborative art-making. Delve into stories of mentorship, his connection to the legacy of Dan Eldon, and innovative educational initiatives he's helped cultivate in Queen Anne’s County, Maryland.

BONUS: Rewind an inspiring video podcast recorded LIVE from the 2024 NAEA National Convention in Minneapolis, MN that goes behind the scenes on national workshops focused on visual journaling and collaboration art.

Plus, stay tuned for a bonus 15-minute segment releasing on April 15, 2025, where the conversation with David continues, offering deeper insights into the evolving world of visual journaling in art education.