Matt Harloff on Common Time Podcast I Culture of Excellence, Marching Band, Leadership I S. 5 Ep. 2

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: 🔗   / 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