Common Time Podcast

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.

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with John Alstrin, the Director of Fine Arts for Prosper ISD. John shares valuable insights from his extensive experience in education from both the classroom and administration. He focuses on the importance of building meaningful relationships and working effectively with your team. Whether you’re a seasoned director or just starting your career, John offers actionable advice to help you strengthen your relationships and create a supportive environment for both educators and students.

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with Patrick Erwin, an educator and advocate for student leadership with over 17 years of experience as a high school band director. Patrick's work has extended far beyond music education; he currently serves as the Director of Curriculum for Growing Leaders. He brings a wealth of knowledge on how to cultivate leadership skills in students, making this episode a must-listen for all educators who have student leadership programs.

Connect with Us:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

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

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Cindy Lansford, a veteran music educator with decades of experience in shaping the future of young musicians. Cindy shares her journey into music education, her teaching philosophy, and her most memorable moments in the classroom. This episode is packed with practical advice for music educators at all levels, making it a must-listen as the new school year begins.

In our premiere episode of the Common Time Podcast, we had the privilege of sitting down with the legendary Jerry Junkin, Artistic Director and Conductor of The Dallas Winds. With decades of experience in the world of wind conducting, Jerry shares his most memorable moments, his approach to interpreting music, and invaluable advice for all conductors and musicians. This episode offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most respected figures in the wind ensemble space.

Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer