What makes a great music educator, and what do students carry with them long after they leave the rehearsal room? Ray Cramer, Professor Emeritus and former Director of Bands at Indiana University, joins Common Time to reflect on a remarkable career in music education, conducting, and mentorship.

Ray shares lessons from the teachers who shaped his life and offers practical advice for creating purposeful rehearsals, building personal connections with students, and pursuing musical excellence while leading with humility.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Planning purposeful rehearsals that help students improve every day
• Building student trust by learning names and making personal connections
• Balancing high musical standards with respect, teamwork, and kindness
• Developing leadership through humility, creativity, and risk-taking
• Choosing repertoire through thoughtful score study and musical integrity
• Protecting work-life balance while remaining dedicated to teaching
• Building a legacy by investing in students and future music educators

Ray’s message is a powerful reminder that a legacy isn’t just what we leave behind, it’s what we leave in people. For music educators, the goal is bigger than a great performance: it’s helping students grow through the experience of making music together.

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

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 maintain high expectations while meeting students where they are.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Building a community-centered music program through Crescendo Detroit
• Creating access to music education and meaningful opportunities for students
• Balancing high standards with trust, patience, and student support
• Listening to student feedback and using it to strengthen your program
• Building authentic relationships with parents and the broader community
• Choosing repertoire that challenges students and deepens their musical understanding
• Exploring diverse composers, musical traditions, and perspectives
• Expanding the role of music educators beyond the classroom

Damien reminds us that students remember the teachers who believed in them, opened new doors, and helped them imagine a bigger future. His challenge to music educators is simple: Who is better off because of the work you do?

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

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:

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