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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 dayBuilding student trust by learning names and making personal connectionsBalancing high musical standards with respect, teamwork, and kindnessDeveloping leadership through humility, creativity, and risk-takingChoosing repertoire through thoughtful score study and musical integrityProtecting work-life balance while remaining dedicated to teachingBuilding 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 DetroitCreating access to music education and meaningful opportunities for studentsBalancing high standards with trust, patience, and student supportListening to student feedback and using it to strengthen your programBuilding authentic relationships with parents and the broader communityChoosing repertoire that challenges students and deepens their musical understandingExploring diverse composers, musical traditions, and perspectivesExpanding 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

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 emotionWhy the first weeks of a season are critical for establishing expectations and rehearsal disciplineHow to make rehearsals more efficient by talking less and doing moreUsing fundamentals and warm-ups to directly address challenges in repertoireWhat high school band directors can learn from the drum corps modelCreating student ownership by explaining the “why” behind expectationsSustaining excellence through strong systems, staff culture, and a willingness to keep evolvingThe importance of finding balance, setting boundaries, and avoiding burnout as a band directorWhy band directors can learn a lot from coaches and strength & conditioning professionalsMatt’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 rehearsalWhy “meaningful music” goes beyond playing the right notesScore study, preparation, and lifelong learningUsing positive language to improve rehearsalsDeveloping student leadership and ownershipCreating a culture of high achievement and genuine careThe importance of mentorship in music educationWhat today's music students need from their teachersWhy 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

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 Vietnam, where he worked with bands and students and experienced musical cultures that challenged and inspired him. He also talks about returning to the University of Michigan Marching Band, the importance of musical fundamentals, and why a strong rehearsal process ultimately leads to a stronger artistic product. David talks about his new role as Executive Director of the Amarillo Symphony and how the position brings together so many different parts of his career in music education, leadership, community engagement, and the arts. The conversation also explores the important role that music educators play in developing lifelong patrons and supporters of the arts. Season 5 expands the Common Time conversation even further. While the podcast has deep roots in band and ensemble education, John and David are bringing in perspectives from across the musical world, including choral music, orchestral music, international music education, leadership, and the broader arts community. Listeners can look forward to conversations with inspiring educators, conductors, composers, performers, and other guests from across the United States and around the world. The goal remains the same: to create meaningful conversations that help music educators learn, reflect, grow, and connect with one another. 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

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 that process of synthesis actually looked like. From there David and John dig into their ongoing wind band pedagogy collaboration with the University of Cape Coast in Ghana (now reaching educators across 13 African countries, with a master's degree program on the horizon), field listener questions about honor band availability and the Common Time Collective, swap music recommendations, and make the case — loudly — for video recording your own rehearsals. There's a conducting soapbox or two along the way, some gratitude for four seasons and 25,000-plus downloads, and a preview of what season five might become. 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

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, we sit down with Corporon for a wide-ranging conversation that is equal parts master class and memoir. He reflects on what retirement actually feels like when music has been your life since junior high school, shares hard-won wisdom on the craft of rehearsing, makes the case for repertoire as the lifeblood of any ensemble, and offers a clear-eyed challenge to the next generation of band directors: don't let the urgency of the field eclipse your artistic self. GUEST BIO Eugene Migliaro Corporon Regents Professor of Music · University of North Texas Eugene Migliaro Corporon is one of the most decorated and widely respected figures in the wind band world. A Regents Professor of Music at the University of North Texas, he has served as Coordinator of Wind Studies and Conductor of the Wind Symphony there for decades, building UNT's program into a globally recognized model for wind band excellence. Before coming to Denton, he held positions at the University of Wisconsin, the University of Northern Colorado, Michigan State University, and the University of Cincinnati. Over a career spanning 57 years of teaching, Corporon has championed new music for winds with uncommon dedication — commissioning works, collaborating closely with living composers, and insisting that the wind band's future lies in original repertoire rather than transcription. He is the author of Explorations, Discoveries, Inventions and Designs in the Nowhere, published as part of the Teaching Music Through Performance in Band series, and has conducted at major venues and conferences including Midwest, TMEA, and CBDNA. His students occupy positions in universities, conservatories, and professional ensembles throughout the world. EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Introduction — Corporon's career at UNT and opening reflections on retirement 1:22 Most vivid memories: students, composers, and the passing of Robert Reynolds 3:54 What he hopes former students carry forward — individuality, repertoire, and spontaneity 5:32 Building the UNT wind band program — modeling after jazz studies, outreach, and team culture 9:24 The art of rehearsal — from "stop at every mistake" to exploration, improvisation, and clarity 27:01 Non-negotiables in ensemble teaching — repertoire, advocacy, and live streaming as outreach 35:05 Defining leadership — preparation, belief, and treating composers as collaborators 40:22 Advice for the next generation — balance concert and marching, develop broadly, stay humble 48:45 One guiding principle — humanity in the rehearsal room, making students thirsty 57:26 Soapbox: value teachers as fully professional people 1:00:40 Recommended books and the Evelyn Glennie story 1:05:08 Favorite time signature — and why free time wins 1:06:50 Closing thoughts: taking credit for the work of your ensemble 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 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 compliance, but on trust, relationships, and a genuine love of the craft. Amanda dives into the habits and leadership philosophies that drive long-term success: why a quiet voice is more powerful than a loud one, how to create a rehearsal environment built on silence and intentionality, and why culture must grow from within the ensemble rather than be imposed from the top down. She also tackles the real challenges directors face and offers practical, honest advice for directors at every level. Whether you're a first-year band director or a seasoned educator looking to elevate your program, this conversation is packed with actionable insights on student leadership, music advocacy, self-assessment, and what it truly means to build a program that lasts. 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

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 communities that make the tuba world tick — from obsessive instrument makers chasing a mythical York & Sons horn, to the legendary Big Bill Bell, to Arnold Jacobs, the Chicago Symphony's tuba guru whose teachings on breathing and music verge on the philosophical. And we spend time in Roma, Texas, where a visionary marching band director built a program that wins state championships and sends kids to college. Sam Quinones is an American journalist and author whose previous book, Dreamland, is widely regarded as one of the defining accounts of the American opioid epidemic. With The Perfect Tuba, he brings the same on-the-ground reporting instincts to a subject that is, on the surface, nothing like addiction — and finds that the two stories share more than you'd expect. Subscribe to Sam’s Substack here : https://samquinones.substack.com 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

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 championing new music, mentoring the next generation of musicians, composers, and women conductors, and her work as an official mentor in the Taki Alsop Foundation's Fellowship program. She has guest conducted orchestras across the United States, Canada, France, Poland, Czech Republic, Algeria, and China. 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

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 for you. 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, 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 expectations that come with the job, and what it means to build a collaborative culture where students and teachers can genuinely thrive. The conversation goes beyond strategy and into something more lasting. Darrin speaks to the importance of meeting today's students where they are, empowering student leadership, and creating equitable access to fine arts experiences — regardless of a program's size or resources. It's a conversation rooted in both practical wisdom and a deep belief in what music education can do for young people. Whether you're a band director, a fine arts administrator, or someone thinking about the long-term legacy of your program, this episode will give you plenty to reflect on and act on. 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, 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 director looking to sharpen your rehearsal instincts, this conversation offers valuable insight into what it looks and sounds like to be fully present on the podium. But the conversation doesn't stop at conducting technique. Dr. Moss speaks openly about prioritizing family and personal life in a profession that can quietly consume everything around it. For music educators at every stage, her perspective is a grounding reminder that sustainable leadership starts with a sustainable life. We also dig into graduate study in conducting — what to expect, what to look for in a program, and how to approach that next step in your musical journey. This is a rich, honest conversation for band directors, music educators, aspiring conductors, and anyone thinking seriously about graduate work in music. Don't just listen 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 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 Grainger, discussing why the work continues to inspire performers and conductors decades after its premiere. Along the way, we dive into several thought-provoking questions about repertoire, rehearsal priorities, and the role of great music in shaping both ensembles and educators. This episode offers perspective and inspiration for directors looking to bring greater purpose and artistry to the music they place on the stand. Whether you’re planning your next concert program or reflecting on the works that have influenced you most as a musician, this conversation is full of insight you can take back to your rehearsal room. 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