Beyond The Notes Music Festival, Inc.

Beyond The Notes Music Festival, Inc. to create and provide profound learning and social experiences through music that go beyond the notes

For the first episode of the new season of Beyond ArtLess, Chris, Phil, and Peter are joined by Jennifer Hohn Hawkinson ...
08/30/2026

For the first episode of the new season of Beyond ArtLess, Chris, Phil, and Peter are joined by Jennifer Hohn Hawkinson from Concordia College.

What happens when the four of us get together? A lot of laughter, some great stories, honest conversation about teaching, and plenty of moments where music educators will probably say, “Yep... that sounds about right.” 😂🎶

Jennifer shares her journey from teaching in South Dakota public schools to preparing future music educators at Concordia, along with thoughts about mentorship, relationships, rehearsals, students, and why we keep coming back to this profession every day.

And yes, there are a few stories about the wonderfully unpredictable world of being a music teacher.

It’s a great way to kick off Season 5.

Give it a listen—and welcome back, commuters! 🎧
https://www.buzzsprout.com/2097721/episodes/19721576

Last chance to get this new work for FREE. Offer ends September 15. Join schools from across the country as they embrace...
08/25/2026

Last chance to get this new work for FREE. Offer ends September 15. Join schools from across the country as they embrace the Joy Challenge. Get the new work and learn more about Max Joy on the BTN website: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com/

Welcome Back, Commuters!Welcome back to Season 5 of Beyond ArtLess! After four seasons, more than 35,000 downloads, and ...
08/22/2026

Welcome Back, Commuters!

Welcome back to Season 5 of Beyond ArtLess! After four seasons, more than 35,000 downloads, and an impressive lack of professional growth on the part of your hosts, we're thrilled to have you along for another ride.

This season, The Empire Strikes a Budget, we're once again talking with fascinating people about music, education, creativity, and whatever else manages to derail the conversation. Expect surprise guests, questionable questions, Band Buzzlers, Band Boozlers, and the occasional moment of actual insight.

Thanks for listening, laughing, and continuing to commute with us. We’re glad you’re back.

Same podcast. Same idiots. New season.

FREE NEW CONCERT BAND WORK by Erika Svanoe! Download it today and consider programming it with your ensemble this year.T...
06/29/2026

FREE NEW CONCERT BAND WORK by Erika Svanoe! Download it today and consider programming it with your ensemble this year.

Three years ago, the world lost a remarkable little boy named Max Roeker to leukemia. Max's joy, curiosity, and infectious smile touched everyone around him. Before he passed, his parents, Andy and Laura, made him a promise: the world would continue to know Max and experience the joy he shared.

That promise became Max Joy Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to bringing joy to people facing cancer, illness, hardship, or anyone in need of encouragement. Their mission is simple but powerful: joy has the ability to heal, connect, and inspire.

I've had the privilege of getting to know the Roeker family and witness the incredible impact of this organization. More than a year ago, I asked composer Erika Svanoe to write a joyful fanfare celebrating Max's spirit. The result is an uplifting work that weaves themes from Beethoven's Ode to Joy while sharing Max's story and introducing the Joy Challenge.

The Joy Challenge encourages students to perform simple acts of kindness—not for recognition, but simply to brighten someone else's day. Inspired by Max's life, it reminds us that joy grows when it is shared.

The work premiered on May 11, 2026, by the Bay Port High School Wind Ensemble, directed by Ashley and Kyle Siegrist, during a concert celebrating joy. Erika Svanoe, Max's family, and members of the Howard-Suamico community were in attendance. Max's parents had no idea the commission or premiere had been planned.

We hope ensembles will perform this piece while participating in the Joy Challenge with their students. Together, we can help ensure Max's joy continues to inspire others for years to come.

Download the music: https://www.btnmusicfestival.com

Support Max Joy Inc.: https://www.maxjoy.us/

Reserve Your Spot NOW to work with one of the world's most influential composers - Omar Thomas! Here’s What You Get!The ...
06/02/2026

Reserve Your Spot NOW to work with one of the world's most influential composers - Omar Thomas!

Here’s What You Get!
The "Beyond The Notes Creativity Curriculum" and lesson materials that will lead your students through creative experiences/activities ultimately resulting in them developing a concept for the new composition. A panel of adjudicators will select the top 15 ideas submitted by participating schools for the composer to consider.

Three videos from the composer during different steps of the process. The composer will share initial steps, the concept of the work, answers to student questions, and the final product with rehearsal and performance tips.

Digital copies of the new composition to use with your ensemble.

The name of your school and the music teacher will be listed in the score.

All of this for $250 per ensemble. REGISTER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScKyFiIIVw_1wu6JugfAr6BdSlU2ljswf_yYZcbx5bxErzKWg/viewform?usp=dialog

Thrilled to announce our 2028 ComMission Possible composer: Omar Thomas!Registration is NOW OPEN.Unlike traditional cons...
05/25/2026

Thrilled to announce our 2028 ComMission Possible composer: Omar Thomas!

Registration is NOW OPEN.

Unlike traditional consortium commissions, ComMission Possible invites YOUR STUDENTS into the creative process from the very beginning. Participating students will help inspire the concept behind this brand-new Grade 3 composition while engaging directly with one of today’s most influential voices in music education and composition.

Throughout the experience, students will have opportunities to:
• Ask questions and interact with Omar Thomas
• Explore their own creativity and artistic voice
• Learn how a composition comes to life
• Experience what it means to be part of the origins of a new work for band

This is more than a commission project — it’s a transformational creative experience that empowers young musicians to think, imagine, and create beyond the notes.

Join us as we create something extraordinary together.

Registration and information available now here: https://bit.ly/ComMissionPossible2028

Address

1026 Surrey Court
Sun Prairie, WI
53590

Telephone

+16086204737

Website

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