Redefining the Musician

Episode 19: Self Improvement Through Career Change (James' Story)

In this episode, James takes us through his experiences of being in music school, transitioning to law school, and all of the factors that influenced that decision. We discuss how these issues in the music world can be improved, and we also discuss how the skills we gain as musicians can directly translate to law school. Google Form to be on the show: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103514879413514765577 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPrU0pPHOcYAW2-juTDLi5f9C9-xq04E58INvM8cNz-zgMOg/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103514879413514765577] James' Bio: James Bargar is a Juris Doctor candidate at the UA Little Rock Bowen School of Law.Prior to beginning his legal studies, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music from the University ofCentral Arkansas in 2023, where he spent most of his time studying music education. Aftergraduation, James transitioned from music to law, gaining valuable experience as a paralegal anddeveloping a strong foundation in the legal field.When he is not working or studying, James enjoys spending time with his wife, Alex, andcontinuing his passion for music. An avid guitarist, he still practices daily and remains active inthe local music scene, occasionally performing at shows around Arkansas on guitar, drums,trombone, and even vocals.

Episode 18: Opening Doors and Redefining Success (Serayah's Story)

Take a listen to Serayah's story where she details how she used her music education degree in an untraditional way. She details her story of keeping doors open and getting a variety of opportunities that have built her career to what it is today. Google Form to be on the show: https://forms.gle/zjs85wmMuRgpLk276 [https://forms.gle/zjs85wmMuRgpLk276] Serayah's Bio: Serayah Peters is a crossover artist, voice teacher, and arts leader based in Abilene, Texas. A summa cum laude graduate of Hardin-Simmons University in choral music education, she has built a dynamic career spanning performance, nonprofit leadership, and teaching. She previously served as Director of Sales and Marketing for the Abilene Philharmonic and now serves as Director of Annual Giving at McMurry University. Serayah is also a music director with Chorus Abilene, where she founded two ensembles. Most recently, she was selected to present at the Texas Music Educators Association Convention, one of the largest music education conferences in the country. She continues to pursue a well-rounded career in the arts while encouraging others to explore paths that align with their own passions and purpose.   Serayah's Social Media:Website -  serayahpeterssoprano.com [http://serayahpeterssoprano.com/] Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/serayahpeters_soprano [https://www.instagram.com/serayahpeters_soprano] Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/serayahp.music [https://www.facebook.com/serayahp.music] Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@serayahpeters_soprano [https://www.youtube.com/@serayahpeters_soprano] Email -  serayahp.music@gmail.com [serayahp.music@gmail.com]

Bonus Episode 3: Careers Questionnaire Part 1

Have you wondered what it would be like to switch to another career? What qualifications you would need, what the job is like, if you might be a good fit for that job? This episode is for you! This is Part 1 in a series of interviews detailing all of these things about specific career paths. Each episode will feature 10-20 minute interviews compiled together of different careers. This episode features: Music Retail (Guest: Kody Hartman) - 1:19 Arts Administration: Development (Guest Jordan Parks) - 18:39 Environmental Politics: Schooling (Guest Lydia Rose) - 43:15 Environmental Politics: Workforce (Guest Keith Curl-Dove)- 53:17 Law School (Guest James Bargar) - 1:05:40 Insurance Claims (Guest Adam Hollenbeck) - 1:21:37

Episode 17: Overcoming The Mental Health Struggles As A Musician (Tyler's Story)

Throughout this episode, Tyler takes us through his mental health struggles as a student and performer. We hear his story not only of his struggles, but also how he was able to overcome them, and become a successful band director. He has some fantastic takes on how we can improve mental health for ourselves and our students, and you won't want to miss this one! If you're interested in sharing your story on the show, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/AAWCePqFBVHwaetp7 [https://forms.gle/AAWCePqFBVHwaetp7] Tyler Lee's Bio Tyler is originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Tyler earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Trombone Performance from Kansas State University (2019), his Master of Music degree in Trombone Performance as well as a Graduate Certificate in Wind Band Conducting from the University of Central Arkansas (2021,2022). While at K-State, Tyler participated in the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Pride of Wildcat Land, Cat Band, CJE, KSU Symphony Orchestra, Brass Ensemble and Trombone Choir, as well as the Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity. During his time at the University of Central Arkansas, he served as a graduate assistant with the band area. He assisted with the day-to-day operation of the UCA band program and was on staff for the Bear Marching and the Purple Rage Basketball Band. He was also heavily involved in the trombone studio at UCA, performing with the Natural Slides trombone choir, the top trombone ensemble at UCA. Tyler was part of featured performances with the Natural Slides trombone choir that have been with world-renowned trombonists at the International Trombone Festival in Columbus, Georgia in 2021 as well as being a staff member/performer at the International Trombone Festival that was hosted at UCA in 2022. Tyler’s professional associations include the Arkansas Music Educators Association, Arkansas School Band and Orchestra Association, Texas Music Educators Association, Kansas Music Educators Association, College Band Director’s National Association, International Trombone Association, the Conductor’s Guild, and Kappa Kappa Psi – National Honorary Band Fraternity. Tyler is currently an assistant band director at USD 443 Dodge City High School.

Episode 16: Choosing the Next Chapter - A Fulfilling Life in Music (Natalie's Story)

Tune in with us to listen to the amazing career of Dr. Natalie Mannix. Dr. Mannix has had a career that has traveled from being a performer in the United States Navy Band, to being a college professor, and now to retiring to spend more time with her family. Even in her retirement, Dr. Mannix is an avid performer, teacher, activist, and mother, who's words are inspiring for all. Her work in promoting women in music has been prolific, and you won't want to miss hearing it all! If you would like to share your story on the podcast, you can fill out this Google Form: https://forms.gle/FhzQPGZQVRYpxUhN7 [https://forms.gle/FhzQPGZQVRYpxUhN7] Natalie's Bio:Natalie Mannix is an accomplished trombone soloist, chamber musician, orchestral performer, and educator. She is currently trombonist with the Stiletto Brass Quintet [https://www.stilettobrass.com/] and Lantana Trio [https://solotromba.com/lantana-trio/]. Previously, she was Professor of Trombone at the University of North Texas [https://music.unt.edu/], Principal Trombone in the Delaware Symphony for 14 years, and a member of the United States Navy Band in Washington, DC for over nine years where she performed with the brass quintet, concert and ceremonial bands. Dr. Mannix has appeared as guest artist and clinician at colleges and conferences throughout North America, including the 2023, 2022, 2018, 2016 and 2013 International Trombone Festival, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, and the American Trombone Workshop. She has performed with the Dallas Symphony, Dallas Opera, Baltimore Symphony, National Symphony, the Washington National Opera and Kennedy Center Orchestras, the Washington Trombone Ensemble, the Monarch Brass, and several regional orchestras and brass ensembles. A new music advocate, she has commissioned several works for trombone, maintains an online database of trombone music written by women composers, and continues to perform and promote music by emerging composers.Her recordings include a solo album, Breaking Ground: A Celebration of Women Composers, and chamber music CDs: Crossing Barriers with Lantana Trio, Scarpe! with the Stiletto Brass Quintet, And If All Were Dark with Dave Taylor and the Washington Trombone Ensemble, Mozart’s Requiem with the Dallas Chamber Choir and Orchestra, and Shadowcatcher: Music for Winds, Brass and Percussion. An avid brass pedagogue, Natalie has adjudicated international solo and ensemble competitions, serves on the Executive Board and as chair of the Advisory Council for Diversity for the International Trombone Association and on the Executive Board as Treasurer for the International Women’s Brass Conference. Natalie received her degrees from the University of Michigan, The Juilliard School, a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Catholic University, and an MBA in Strategic Management from University of North Texas. She is a performing artist for Greg Black mouthpieces.