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In this episode of Beyond Artless, we sit down with Tony Boldt, a passionate educator and musician from Kasson-Mantorville Schools, whose leadership and creativity continue to shape the musical experiences of young performers in his community.

Tony shares his journey as both a teacher and a performer—reflecting on how music shaped his life, what fuels his work in education, and the joys (and occasional chaos) that come with directing student musicians. With authenticity, humor, and heart, Tony blends musicianship with mentorship in a way that reminds us why music education matters.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• Tony’s path to becoming a music educator and performer
• The realities of teaching band in a growing and evolving program
• Why continuing to perform keeps him grounded as an educator
• Thoughts on building culture, connection, and student confidence
• Lessons learned from the classroom, podium, and community stage
• The meaningful—and often hilarious—moments that define a music career

This conversation celebrates the teachers who show up, lift others up, and inspire students to chase possibility. Tony’s perspective is a reminder that music education isn’t just about notes and technique—it’s about people, purpose, and lifelong artistry.

Learn More About Tony Here:

http://www.rochestercommunityband.org/dbpage.php?pg=director

https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/40-under-40/2024/boldt-tony/

Credits

• Blue Parrot Rag, Martha Mier. https://youtu.be/LpJ3lINGCDA?si=SdWxM10UEpOcacPy
• Sunbloom - Gavin Lendt (Concert Band, Grade 3). Gavin Lendt captures the energy and optimism of a new day in Sunbloom, a fast-paced and uplifting Grade 3 work inspired by the motion and momentum of a runner’s journey. https://youtu.be/o0ZcvAWc_TQ?si=nY2clFACYCKXs2x8
• Hope Ahead, by Brian Balmages – Score & Sound https://youtu.be/SArtqsSQcxQ?si=DBNhriEYaB2i7wB7 Learn more about this ComMission Possible work here: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/education/commission/archive

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Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe. PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR MOST DEDICATED COMMUTERS WHO ACTUALLY READ THE SHOW NOTES: https://youtu.be/yncdWVj31_A

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Fresh off the heels of our first — and let’s be honest, probably our only — live episode recording at the Wisconsin State Music Conference, we’re back and better than ever with an incredible guest: dynamic tuba artist and educator Deanna Swoboda. From her early inspirations to her innovative “Band Blast Off” program, Deanna takes us on a journey of how she’s brought the mighty tuba into the global spotlight. We dive into her entrepreneurial spirit, her mentorship of women in music, and how she manages to juggle artistry, education, and business without dropping the (brass) ball. It’s an episode full of laughter, insight, and a reminder that music really can move mountains — or at least shake the floorboards.

Sound bites

"The tuba is my voice to the world." "Mentorship shaped my musical journey." "Band Blast Off ignites young musicians' passion." "Women are redefining the music industry." "Artistry and entrepreneurship go hand in hand." "Daily wins lead to big successes." "Performing with Dallas Brass was transformative." "Music education is evolving rapidly." "Create your own opportunities in music." "Inspiring the next generation is my mission."

Learn More About Deanna Here

http://deannaswoboda.com/

https://search.asu.edu/profile/335939

https://www.eastmanwinds.com/deanna_swoboda

Credits

Grøndahl - Concerto for Trombone - Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble

Dustin Nguyen, winner of the Bienen School of Music’s Concerto Competition, performs Launy Grøndahl’s Concerto for Trombone, arranged by Poul Ivan Møller. Doctoral assistant conductor Sheldon Frazier leads the Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Dustin is a master's student of Michael Mulcahy, R. Douglas Wright, Randall Hawes, Reed Capshaw, and Timothy Higgins.

https://youtu.be/ToMaCj2ijdY?si=iT3e72XhvBOLAUqv

CHECK IT OUT!

Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe. PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

SPECIAL GIFT TO OUR MOST DEDICATED COMMUTERS WHO ACTUALLY READ THE SHOW NOTES: https://youtu.be/yncdWVj31_A

Support the show

Send us a text

The losing battle for interesting banter continues this week. Phil’s most interesting question is about fish fry. Chris inches closer to a podcast sponsorship. Peter details the finer points of Bismarck nightlife. Kristen Kirch saves our hosts from themselves to talk about a life in music education and restaurant ownership. Now director of both the middle and high school bands at Chequamegon, Kristen loves small town teaching. Clearly, her students, parents, administrators, custodial staff, school board and everyone else loves her back. Step back and learn why it is great to teach in a small town and how to do it successfully.

About Kristen Links:

https://chs.csdk12.net/teacher-webpages/~const-id/2873

https://csdk12kirch.weebly.com/about-mrs-kirch.html

https://vietcuongmusic.com/inland-ocean/

Credits:

Berlioz: Harold in Italy - Antoine Tamestit, Klaus Mäkelä, Oslo Philharmonic. Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra, Klaus Mäkelä, Antoine Tamestit: Berlioz Harold in Italy Oslo Konserthus, 2023 https://youtu.be/KfgORkfduCM?si=nUFHU_sGTOYtrDtP

Berlioz: "Symphonie Fantastique" - 5th Mvt. - Leonard Bernstein Leonard Bernstein conducts the "Orchestre National de France" in Berlioz's Symphonie Fantastique 5th Movement:Larghetto, Allegro (Songe d'une nuit de Sabbat) Paris, 1976. https://youtu.be/cao6WyF-61s?si=6c31L69pzLBxr9oJ

Downtown Diversions by Adam Gorb. https://adamgorb.co.uk/wind-ensemble/
Commissioned by a consortium of university bands in the USA
Picc, 2, 2, E flat Cl. 3, Bcl. 2, Cbsn, 4 sax,
4, 3, 3, 1, Pno, DB, 3 perc.
18 mins. (pub. Maecenas). Performed by UWEC Wind Symphony 2004. Phil Ostrander Soloist

CHECK IT OUT!

Check out our NEW Website and get a Grade 1.5 new work "Fanfare on Joy To The World" by Erika Svanoe. PLUS Register For:

• ComMission Possible 2026 with Adrian Simms
• Rising Music Educator Program
• Building Better Bands Day

Support the show