"The Symphony of Student Leadership: Building a Harmonious Band Community"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Patrick Holen, a seasoned band director from Issaquah High School. Patrick shares his journey from being a graduate of Indiana University to teaching in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses the importance of social and emotional work with his students and how he has managed to build a strong community within his band. Patrick emphasizes the significance of student leadership and how it has contributed to the retention and motivation of his students. He also shares his unique approach to choosing band literature and his focus on student confidence rather than competition and ratings. Patrick offers valuable advice for new teachers on building a supportive team, maintaining good relationships with office staff, and discerning which traditions to uphold. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to build a successful and harmonious band community.