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 students who might otherwise never have access to music education.

We discuss:

• Expanding access to music education: Why Jennifer created a beginning band class for high school students with no prior experience.
• Building a culture of belonging: Mentorship, student leadership, shared responsibility, and creating a band family where everyone has a place.
• Community partnerships: How fundraising and partnerships with local arts organizations help provide instruments, camps, performances, and experiences for students.
• Intentional program culture: Establishing expectations, empowering student leaders, and building systems that help a program thrive.
• Representation and mentorship: Jennifer’s research on underrepresented populations in music education and why students and teachers need to see what’s possible.
• Sustainable teaching: Finding work-life balance, avoiding comparison, and growing the program you have rather than wishing for someone else’s resources.

Jennifer also shares advice for young band directors: You are not alone, don't be afraid to ask for help, and give yourself permission to be the teacher you are—not someone else.

This is an inspiring conversation about music education, student leadership, equity, and the impact of making sure every student has the opportunity to belong.

Connect with Common Time Podcast:

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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

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 student ownership, and getting the most out of every rehearsal.

They discuss:

• Building a culture of excellence without sacrificing artistry and emotion
• Why the first weeks of a season are critical for establishing expectations and rehearsal discipline
• How to make rehearsals more efficient by talking less and doing more
• Using fundamentals and warm-ups to directly address challenges in repertoire
• What high school band directors can learn from the drum corps model
• Creating student ownership by explaining the “why” behind expectations
• Sustaining excellence through strong systems, staff culture, and a willingness to keep evolving
• The importance of finding balance, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout as a band director
• Why band directors can learn a lot from coaches and strength & conditioning professionals
• Matt’s recommended reading, including Leading with the Heart and Extreme Ownership

Matt also reflects on one of his favorite lessons from his career: sometimes the goal isn't simply to perform perfectly—it’s to create a performance that allows musicians and audiences to stop analyzing and simply experience the music.

Connect with Common Time Podcast:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Join our community focused on growth here: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/commontimecollective

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

Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7

Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8

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 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 with the meaning behind the notes, develop student ownership, and balance high expectations with genuine care.

In This Episode:

• What makes a great music rehearsal
• Why “meaningful music” goes beyond playing the right notes
• Score study, preparation, and lifelong learning
• Using positive language to improve rehearsals
• Developing student leadership and ownership
• Creating a culture of high achievement and genuine care
• The importance of mentorship in music education
• What today's music students need from their teachers
• Why educators should never lose sight of the gift of music

Whether you're a band director, music educator, conductor, or student teacher, Paula's perspective offers practical reminders about teaching music with purpose, passion, and humanity.

Connect with Common Time Podcast:

Follow us on social media at @CommonTimePodcast

Join our community focused on growth here: 🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/commontimecollective

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

Nominate someone for a Standing Ovation: 🔗 https://forms.gle/i6aqoZxY85RMRwGP7

Fill out our anonymous listener survey: 🔗 https://forms.gle/E6VBNH2f4bWYNPFM8

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