"Chill the **** Out: Balancing Wellness and Success in Band Directing"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes special guest Lia Poole, a band director with a unique perspective on balancing wellness and success in the field. Lia, who teaches at Corvallis High School in Oregon, shares her journey from an intense, tightly controlled approach to one that centers on self-care and delegation.Lia's story is a powerful reminder that the demanding nature of being a band director can often lead to burnout and neglect of personal well-being. She shares how she navigated the challenges of life, including her husband's battle with cancer and her role as a new mother, all while maintaining her band program.Despite facing immense personal and professional challenges, Lia adopted a new mindset: "Chill the **** out." She candidly discusses how this shift in perspective allowed her to prioritize her mental health, delegate responsibilities to students through innovative committee structures, and ultimately achieve remarkable results in her program. Lia's journey highlights the importance of finding balance and giving yourself grace, even in the face of adversity.Lia's experience offers valuable insights for band directors looking to improve their own wellness and program success. By embracing a more flexible and balanced approach, band directors can create a sustainable path to success while nurturing their own well-being.