Your special Thanksgiving week episode is here! This week, we’re chatting about something a bit different but just as important—taking care of you so you can be your best self as a teacher.

In this episode of Common Time Podcast, we welcome Lyndsay Boysen, a passionate advocate for educator wellness and creator of workshops tailored to music teachers. Lyndsay shares practical strategies for achieving a better work-life balance in the demanding world of music education.

We discuss how to set boundaries, manage time, and prioritize mental and physical health. Lyndsay also dives into the concept of holistic wellness—caring for your body, mind, and spirit—and how making yourself a priority positively impacts both your personal life and your classroom. Take a moment for yourself this holiday week and join us for this thoughtful and empowering conversation. 

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Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode of Common Time Podcast, we sit down with Scott Boerma, a renowned composer, arranger, and music educator, to discuss his journey in the world of music. Scott shares insights into his approach to composing and arranging for bands, and how his teaching has influenced his composing and vice versa.

Don’t miss this engaging conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and actionable takeaways for band directors of all levels!

Connect with Common Time Podcast:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode of Common Time Podcast, we welcome Kathy Johnson, an experienced educator and mentor whose passion for nurturing young teachers shines through in this episode. Kathy shares her expertise on creating supportive environments for new teachers, providing essential guidance for mentors, and fostering growth without overwhelming them. Together, we discuss practical strategies for mentoring early-career teachers and student teachers, offering a foundation to navigate the unique challenges of the "new teacher" phase. Kathy’s advice touches on balancing encouragement with constructive feedback, developing confidence, and setting realistic goals for sustainable success in music education.

Tune in to learn from Kathy’s hands-on approach and discover actionable ways to empower the next generation of music educators.

Kathy was kind enough to provide additional resources through the following links

Making the most of student teaching - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/J9LoX1DsTqGp4?

Ensemble skills - https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/feCi2bF9JBUDH?

You can find more of her educational resources at https://www.facebook.com/MusicalMasteryBook

Connect with Common Time Podcast:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

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Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this inspiring episode, we dive into Erin Cole Steele’s journey of leading her Title I school band program to the prestigious Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic. Erin shares the challenges, strategies, and key decisions that helped her transform her program and elevate her students. Along the way, we discuss the foundational elements that make any band program successful, regardless of resources or background. Erin’s insights provide actionable steps and motivational guidance for band directors seeking to build a strong, resilient program.

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Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this thought-provoking episode, we sit down with Jamal Duncan, a highly respected conductor and educator, to explore the role of competition in music education. As directors, we often face the question of how much competition is right—or even positive—for student growth and program development. Jamal shares his insights on the pros and cons of fostering a competitive mindset within music programs and what it means for students' musical and personal development.

Join us for a deep dive into this important topic and take away insights that will help you reflect on the role of competition in your own program!

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Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode, we sit down with Jason Fettig, Director of Bands at the University of Michigan and former conductor of the United States Marine Band, to discuss his remarkable career in music and leadership. Jason shares insights from his extensive experience conducting one of the nation’s most respected ensembles, offering valuable advice for ensemble directors at every level. We explore his journey in music, the challenges he’s faced, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Whether you're directing a school band or leading a professional ensemble, this episode is filled with wisdom and practical advice that can help you take your program to new heights. Tune in for a captivating discussion with one of the top conductors in the field!

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Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Gulledge and Mark McGahey to explore the ins and outs of building a robust private lesson program. This episode was over an hour of an amazing conversation, so we decided to give our listeners two options! We have an abbreviated version with the best takeaways, and the full hour long episode. 

Both Stephen and Mark share their experiences in creating environments where students thrive through one-on-one instruction, and how directors can foster positive, productive relationships with their private lesson teachers. They discuss strategies for finding the right teachers, ensuring consistent communication, and how to seamlessly integrate private lessons into the broader goals of a band or ensemble program. Whether you’re looking to establish a new private lesson program or strengthen an existing one, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights from two experts in the field.

Connect with Us:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Gulledge and Mark McGahey to explore the ins and outs of building a robust private lesson program. This episode was over an hour of an amazing conversation, so we decided to give our listeners two options! We have an abbreviated version with the best takeaways, and the full hour long episode. 

Both Stephen and Mark share their experiences in creating environments where students thrive through one-on-one instruction, and how directors can foster positive, productive relationships with their private lesson teachers. They discuss strategies for finding the right teachers, ensuring consistent communication, and how to seamlessly integrate private lessons into the broader goals of a band or ensemble program. Whether you’re looking to establish a new private lesson program or strengthen an existing one, this episode is packed with practical advice and insights from two experts in the field.

Connect with Us:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we are joined by the incredible Jeff King, co-author of Foundations for Superior Performance, a cornerstone resource for band directors everywhere. Jeff brings a wealth of knowledge on ensemble fundamentals and shares valuable insights for band directors who want to elevate their ensemble's performance through foundational techniques. This episode is packed with expert insights, practical tips, and fundamental strategies that band directors can immediately implement into their rehearsal routines. Whether you're preparing for a competition or working on daily consistency, Jeff King offers valuable advice that can help directors refine their approach to building a solid musical foundation.

Connect with Us:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Subscribe, rate, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform!

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts on this episode in the comments below or on our social media channels. Let’s keep the discussion going!

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode of Common Time Podcast, we are thrilled to be joined by Richard Saucedo, highly respected composer, clinician, and conductor, currently serving as the Chief Judge for Bands of America. Previously, Mr. Saucedo served for 31 years as the Director of Bands at Carmel High School in Indianapolis, Indiana. Richard shares his extensive experience and knowledge about the marching arts, focusing on how directors can effectively implement feedback from marching band judges during the season and maintain a positive perspective while navigating the highs and lows of competition. Drawing from his years of leading successful programs, Richard provides practical strategies to help band directors improve their ensembles while keeping the bigger picture in mind.