John M. Pasternak

John M. Pasternak is an active music performer, teacher, and conductor who has founded and directed several active community ensembles. John attended Kent State University (KSU) where he pursued a Bachelor of Music Education degree and served as President of the Kent State Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA) Chapter.  Mr. Pasternak was Staff Arranger at Kent State University, where he focused on composing and arranging for the music department while conducting his works with many of the KSU music ensembles.  He has composed repertoire for many Independent films and is an elected member of the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).
John is an experienced composer with works published by  Excelcia Music Publishing, RWS Music Company, Carl Fischer Music and Grand Mesa Music Publishers. His “Intrepid Fanfare” and his “Excel” March were selected as one of the Top 100 works in by Bandworld Magazine.  In addition to his numerous concert works, John composed music for the Audio Technica video "How To Mic A Zombie" and most recently was involved in composing music and the film score for Coaster Studios documentary “Save My Park.”

Mr. Pasternak is in demand as a composer and guest clinician for both his concert work and teaching experience across the musical genres. He is an active member of the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA).

 

 

Listen to John's From the Composer Podcast Here

 

 

 

Publications

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Recent Blogs

Gene Milford

Why should we bother with six-note band pieces?

While discussing the grade levels of band publications, a well known band music historian remarked “and then there are pieces so easy that they should never have been written.” Obviously, this is the perspective of someone who never worked with beginning instrumentalists and young ensembles. Performances are an important motivational tool and a culminating experience…
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The 10 Re’s of Summer

As we all launch headfirst into the summer with Independence Day around the corner, I ask a simple question – what are you doing this summer to get yourself ready for school in the fall? Make sure to do these 10 things: Rest – Take time for yourself this summer, with some much needed mental and…
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Maximizing Student Engagement and Musicianship in Today’s Music Ensembles: Five Strategies for Success!

Russell L. Robinson, Ph.D., Composer/Arranger/Author/Musician Educator In my work with music programs and music teachers in on-site professional development, I have tried to assist educators (choral and instrumental) in “maximizing student engagement and musicianship” in their ensembles and music classrooms. These two areas (Engagement and Musicianship) go hand in hand. You can’t have one without…
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The (Live!) Music Goes On

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected us all.  In my 26 years in the music publishing industry, few things have impacted music in our schools more profoundly.  Many school ensembles have been unable to meet or have done so in small groups or virtually.  Composers and arrangers have struggled without commissions and guest appearances.  Many (myself…
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