Episode 1 - John Pasternak

Cleveland composer and conductor John Pasternak joins the podcast as my inaugural guest. In this episode we discuss John's early influences in music and then launch on a discussion of composing for band, publishing, and the importance of humility.

Links:

• John Pasternak's Website
• Pasternak: Battle Cry of Freedom
• James Barnes: Valor
• Brandon Nelson, composer

Biography:

John M. Pasternak has been an active musician since 2003 while he founded and directed several community groups. In Fall of 2005, John attended Kent State University (KSU) where he pursued a Bachelor of Music Education degree. While a student, John served as President of the Kent State Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA) Chapter, was Staff Arranger for the Kent State Marching Golden Flashes and wrote scores for two Kent State Independent Films. He also worked composed and conducted works for the KSU Ensembles. In 2008, John was elected as a member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). After graduating from Kent State University, John began his teaching career in January 2013 and has taught Band, Choir and General Music to students of all ages. John also has been a guest clinician at the Middle School, High School and College level for both his concert work and teaching experience. He is also currently an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA). While teaching full time, John is also a composer with works published by RWS Music Company, Carl Fischer Music, Bandworks Publications, Grand Mesa Music Publishers and Excelcia Music Publishing. His “Intrepid Fanfare” was selected to be on the Bandworld Magazine Top 100 list in 2017. In addition to his concert works, John recently composed music for the Coaster Studios documentary “Save My Park.” John is also writing his first book “Teaching Composition in the Classroom: A Guide for New Composers.”