Common Time Podcast

What happens when music education becomes about more than the music? Conductor and educator Damien Crutcher, founder of Crescendo Detroit, joins Common Time to discuss building community, expanding access to music education, and creating meaningful opportunities for students.

Drawing on his experiences as a music educator and community leader, Damien shares practical ways to build trust, listen to students, engage families, and main...

What does it take to build a thriving band program where every student feels they belong? For Jennifer Jimenez, 2026 Grammy Music Educator Award recipient and Director of Bands at South Miami Senior High School, it starts with intentional leadership, access, and community.

In this episode, Jennifer shares how she has spent 19 years building a music program that serves students from diverse backgrounds and creates opportunities for s...

What does it take to build an ensemble that consistently performs at an elite level—and sustain that excellence over decades?

In this episode of Common Time, we talk with Matt Harloff, former Director of Bands at Avon High School and current Brass Caption Head with Carolina Crown. Matt shares lessons from his career in marching band, concert band, and drum corps about developing culture, teaching musical artistry, building stu...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with legendary music educator, conductor, clinician, author, and University of Texas Professor Emeritus Paula Crider for a conversation about music education, meaningful music making, rehearsal techniques, leadership, and the human side of teaching.

Paula shares lessons from a lifetime in music education, including how to create more purposeful rehearsals, help students connect...

The Common Time Podcast is back for Season 5! Hosts John Pasquale and David Clemmer return for a conversation about summer adventures, music education, leadership, the power of the arts, and what listeners can expect from the newest season of the podcast.

After a summer break, John and David catch up on what they’ve been doing—and where their careers are taking them next.

John shares highlights from traveling to Japan and...

Season four goes out with just the two of us — and it turns out there's plenty to talk about. David reflects on his artist-in-residency at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he closed out a six-conductor series, and debuted a live interactive concert app he's calling the Living Program. John shares what it was like to step onto the red dot and deliver a TED Talk about navigating a speech impediment — and what t...

After 57 years of teaching — spanning stops at Wisconsin, Northern Colorado, Michigan State, and Cincinnati before landing at the University of North Texas — Eugene Migliaro Corporon is stepping away from the podium. In that time he has shaped not just a program but an entire generation of conductors, educators, and musicians who carry his influence into rehearsal rooms and concert halls around the world.

In this episode...

What separates a good band program from a truly great one? In this episode, veteran band director and Fine Arts administrator Amanda Drinkwater breaks down the foundations of building a thriving school band program — from cultivating student ownership and ensemble culture to running highly effective rehearsals. Amanda shares real stories from her time in the classroom , revealing how the best programs are built not on complia...

Sam Quinones joins us to talk about his newest book, The Perfect Tuba — a deeply reported journey into the surprising, passionate world of American tubists. Best known for his unflinching coverage of the opioid crisis, Quinones turns here toward something altogether different: a story of joy, community, and the unlikely power of the instrument that sits at the back of the band.

We dig into the characters and communit...

Conductor Laura Jackson joins us to talk about score study, rehearsal techniques, and how her approach shifts depending on the ensemble in front of her.About Laura Jackson: Laura Jackson is Music Director and Conductor of the Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, a position she has held since 2009 with her contract extended through the 2028–29 season. Praised for her dynamic leadership and progressive vision, she is recognized for cha...

LeAndre Benton is a concert band composer, band director, school administrator, and NCAA Women's Basketball official — and in this episode, he breaks down how all three worlds of music education have shaped him. We talk about the unique perspective that comes from living on every side of the music ed experience, his journey as a composer. Whether you're a musician, educator, or just someone who loves a great story, this one's...

In this episode, we sit down with Darrin Davis, Executive Director of Fine Arts for Broken Arrow Public Schools and Former Director of Bands of Broken Bow High School — one of the most recognized band programs in the country — for a wide-ranging conversation about what leadership really looks like in today's schools. Darrin shares how his approach to leadership has evolved over time, how he navigates the pressures and e...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Emily Moss, Professor of Music and Director of Bands at the University of New Mexico, for a conversation that is equal parts practical and personal. Dr. Moss shares her perspective on one of the most critical — and often underdeveloped — skills in conducting: truly listening to a live ensemble in real time. Whether you're a young conductor still finding your ear or a veteran directo...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with renowned conductor and educator Michael Haithcock for a thoughtful conversation about concert band programming and musical leadership.

We explore how directors can approach programming with intention—balancing musical challenge, educational value, and the unique strengths of their students. Michael also shares his deep admiration for Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Graing...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re joined by Mark Clague, one of the leading experts on the history and meaning of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” This conversation goes far beyond the surface of a familiar melody, diving into the anthem’s origins, evolution, and cultural significance.

We explore how the National Anthem came to be, what it meant in its original historical context, and how its inter...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re joined by Jamie Weaver for a deep dive into one of the most critical aspects of a thriving music program: recruiting for band and building a culture that students—and parents—are excited to be part of.

We explore practical strategies for attracting new students, communicating value to families, and creating early experiences that spark long-term commitment. Jamie sh...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re joined by Elizabeth Herring for a thoughtful conversation about navigating change in music education. 

We dive into what it’s like to transition between schools, how to intentionally rebuild or reshape program culture, and the daily habits that lead to long-term success as a music educator. We also discuss the importance of personal discipline, reflection, and leader...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we sit down with Linda Pulley for a powerful conversation about building strong program culture and how to manage high expectations in a way that supports both excellence and student growth.

Linda shares concrete strategies music educators can use immediately to establish clarity, consistency, and trust within their programs. We talk about how culture shapes rehearsal efficiency, student b...

In this episode of the Common Time Podcast, we’re joined by Gary Lewis for a wide-ranging conversation about music education.

We also explore how partnerships with local professional musicians can make a huge difference, not just for students, but for teachers, schools, and the broader arts community. Gary shares insight into how directors can begin building relationships with professional ensembles, what opportunities often e...