beyond ArtLess

“Beyond ArtLess" with Chris Gleason, Peter Haberman & Phil Ostrander is a podcast that explores the friendships and the community that exists in and outside of the arts and arts education. In each episode of Beyond ArtLess, one of the hosts reveals his mystery guest to the other two. What comes next is a fun-filled conversation revealing the joy of friendship and the artlessness of the hosts. Unlike most successful classrooms, this show is not well planned and probably not worth your time.

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beyond ArtLess

Allison Mottaz

November 01, 2025 • Chris Gleason, Peter Haberman & Phil Ostrander • Season 4 • Episode 10

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This week on Beyond Artless, we welcome the dynamic and delightfully down-to-earth Alli Mottaz, an instrumental music educator, percussionist, and all-around creative powerhouse from Waconia, Minnesota.

Alli shares her journey from dreaming of playing for the WNBA to becoming an award-winning band director (with a soft spot for the Jonas Brothers and crocheting on the side). Now in her ninth year of teaching, Alli opens up about the realities of music education — the laughter, the learning curves, and the lessons that stick long after the bell rings.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

How Alli’s path to percussion began with a very blue inspiration (thank you, Blue Man Group)
The importance of staying a performer while being a teacher
How mentors shaped her approach to leading and learning
Life lessons from maternity leave, team teaching, and middle school chaos
How she broke a small Ostrander child
And how Chris left her alone on her first day of teaching with him!

Alli’s warmth, humor, and honesty make this episode a love letter to the art of teaching — and a reminder that even the most organized band room runs on equal parts caffeine, compassion, and community.

Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and great insights on teaching that are — beyond artless.

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Credits:

Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Activity Mat & Gym - Full Song Suite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XD9iTf2Mbs

The entire song suite from the much loved Fisher Price Kick 'N Play Mat, including Purple Monkey In A Bubblegum Tree, and Stomp! Stomp! Stomp! Enjoy the songs in the highest quality possible

The Cat’s Pajamas Rag - Pierre LaPlante

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Allison Mottzz, conducting

https://youtu.be/D-Xq6fel_5Y

Twittering Machine - Brian Balmages

Patrick Marsh 7th Grade Band World Premiere Performance

May 9, 2017 - Brian Balamages, conducting

https://youtu.be/Af3ENiwEXN0

Try - Harrison Collins

Persistence Rules! - Dana Wilson

UWEC Symphony Band and Wind Symphony Concert

Oct 10, 2025 - Phil Ostrander, conducting