About John

John M. Pasternak is an active composer, conductor, and teacher. John attended Kent State University (KSU) where he pursued a Bachelor of Music Education degree and served as President of the Kent State Chapter of the Ohio Collegiate Music Education Association (OCMEA). Mr. Pasternak was a 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).

Since beginning teaching in 2013, John has directed band, Orchestra, and choir grades five through twelve. He has also taught fifth and eighth-grade general music.  His roles have included assisting with marching band, concert band, middle school, and beginning band programs.

John is an experienced composer with works published by RWS Music Company, Carl Fischer Music, Bandworks Publications, Grand Mesa Music Publishers, Excelcia Music Publishing, and Wingert-Jones Publications. His “Intrepid Fanfare”, “Excel” March and arrangements of the “Heart of America” March and “National Defense” March were selected as one of the Top 100 works by Bandworld Magazine.  

In addition to his numerous concert works, John composed music for several films, including the Audio Technica video "How To Mic A Zombie." He has written for several Coaster Studios documentaries, beginning with “Save My Park” and most recently “This is How We Roll.” He is currently working on music for the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) documentary “The Legacy of Schwarzkopf” which will be released in the Fall of 2024.

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