William Paterson University (NJ) Percussion Director and Music Department Chairperson Payton MacDonald stops by to talk about his college job, the challenges of getting jobs in higher education, and the facilities at the school (03:15), how he handles and maintains his physical and mental health with involvement in so many creative activities, his years as a founding member of Alarm Will Sound, and his move towards improvisation as the basis of his creative performances now (26:40), growing up in Idaho Falls (ID), his early percussion and band experiences, his exposure to a wide swath of genres from a young age, and his experiences mountain biking (45:40), attending the University of Michigan for undergrad and studying with Michael Udow (01:00:00), attending Eastman (NY) for his grad degrees, developing a freelancing career and setting himself up for success on the college teaching level, and his years teaching at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh (01:08:25), and finishes with the Random Ass Questions, with segments on music in competition, personal health, practical clothes, motorcycles, making fried rice, great books and poetry, administrative duties, and new music concerts (01:24:35).
Finishing with a Rave on the 2025 documentary Sly Lives! (01:53:50).
Payton MacDonald Links:
Payton MacDonald’s William Paterson University page
Previous Podcast Guests mentioned:
Other Links:
“Persephassa” - Iannis Xenakis
New Jersey Percussion Ensemble
Live at Birdland - John Coltrane
Unit Structures - John Coltrane
Rudimental Solos for Accomplished Drummers - John Pratt
Portraits in Rhythm - Tony Cirone
12 Studies for Snare Drum - Jacques Delecluse
The Dispossessed - Ursula K. Le Guin
“Just Ancient Loops” - Michael Harrison & Bill Morrison - Maya Beiser, cello
Raves:
Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) - Sly Stone with Ben Goodman
