Band Director Boot Camp

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Deon Williams, a middle school and collegiate band director with a unique journey in music education. Despite being relatively new to the profession, Deon has navigated the challenges of teaching during a pandemic, managing multiple roles, and fostering a culture of excellence among his students. He shares his strategies for making his work sustainable, including not taking work home and streamlining lesson plans. Deon also discusses the importance of authenticity in teaching and the power of setting and pursuing goals with his students. His story is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and passion that define successful music educators.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat speaks with Ansgar Duemchen, a seasoned band director with a unique journey in music education. Ansgar shares his experiences teaching in Germany and the United States, and how he has navigated the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal health. He discusses the importance of not taking work too seriously, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and fostering a fun and engaging classroom environment. Ansgar also shares his insights on dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and how it has reshaped his approach to his work and his students. This episode is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and adaptability required in the field of music education.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by Dirkjan Van Groningen, a percussion specialist from the Netherlands. Dirkjan shares his unique journey into music education, discussing his experiences as a percussionist, composer, arranger, and teacher. He provides insights into the differences between music education in Europe and the US, emphasizing the importance of individual instrument instruction before joining an ensemble. Dirkjan also shares his innovative approach to teaching percussion using play-along tracks, which he believes helps students better prepare for rehearsals and performances. Additionally, he discusses the importance of physical activity in maintaining energy and enthusiasm for teaching. Dirkjan's advice to new music educators is to find their own path and voice in teaching, and to not be afraid to have fun with their students.Dirkjan is creative director of the Band Music Center (www.bandmusiccenter.com) and is endorsed by Soultone Cymbals, Salyers Percussion and Evans Drumheads.His ebook about the 15 most stupid mistakes he made as a percussionist is at www.bandmusiccenter.com/15mistakes

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat talks with retired band director and conductor Lois Ferrari. Lois shares her journey from being a band student in Long Island to becoming a respected conductor and educator in Texas. She discusses the importance of having a clear vision, the value of stepping out of your comfort zone, and the necessity of being a lifelong learner. Lois also shares her insights on the importance of treating musicians with respect and fostering a sense of community within the ensemble. She offers advice to new band directors, emphasizing the importance of persistence, planning, and not being afraid to fail.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Bridget Stepan, a 6th grade beginning band director from North Dakota. Bridget shares her unique journey in music education, from her own experiences as a student with a revolving door of band directors to her current role as a teacher. She discusses the challenges she faced in teaching combined classes and how she found innovative solutions to engage her students and promote their growth. Bridget emphasizes the importance of being the person she needed when she was her students' age, modeling vulnerability, and fostering a culture of progress over perfection. She also shares practical advice for new band teachers to make their work more sustainable.

In this enlightening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, our host Lesley Moffat welcomes the three-time Grammy Music Educator of the Year nominee, Cory Craig. Cory opens up about her inspiring journey from being a foster child to becoming a fervent music educator, underlining the life-changing role her middle school band director played in her life. She delves into her teaching philosophy, the significance of prioritizing, and her unwavering commitment to ensuring her students excel not only in music but also in life. Cory also imparts practical advice for novice teachers and emphasizes the crucial role of community support in her profession. This episode stands as a testament to the profound influence music education can exert on students' lives.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, we welcome Derek Pyle, a seasoned choir and band director at Auburn Mountain View High School. Derek shares his personal journey of finding balance between his passion for music, teaching, and his personal life. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries and prioritizing health, both physical and emotional. Derek also shares how he navigated through serious health issues due to stress and high blood pressure, and how he managed to continue doing what he loves while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. We also delve into the impact of the pandemic on new band directors and offer advice on how to navigate these challenging times. Lastly, Derek shares some fun and engaging activities he uses to build a positive culture in his classroom.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, we have a candid conversation with Daniel Kexel, a seasoned band director and Fine Arts coordinator at Ford Middle School in South Pierce County. Daniel shares his journey of overcoming impostor syndrome and redefining his definition of success. He talks about the importance of separating self-worth from job performance and finding joy outside of teaching. Daniel also shares his unique hobby of competitive pinball and how it helps him maintain balance in his life. Tune in for some insightful advice for new and veteran band directors alike.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, we speak with Kristin Cudzewicz, a 6th-12th grade band director from Wisconsin. Kristin shares her journey of finding balance between her work and personal life, especially after becoming a mother. She discusses the challenges of managing a large band program while also maintaining her personal responsibilities. Kristin provides valuable tips on organization, goal setting, and time management that have helped her maintain a sustainable work-life balance. She emphasizes the importance of setting personal and professional goals, utilizing every spare moment at work, and preparing for the next school year in advance. This episode is a must-listen for new and veteran band directors looking for ways to make their work more sustainable and balanced.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, we welcome Thomas Willman, a band director from Texas Wesleyan University. With a rich background in teaching across different environments, Thomas shares his insights on maintaining wellness and productivity in the demanding field of band directing. Thomas discusses his journey from teaching in Indiana to Colorado and now Texas, highlighting the unique challenges each setting presented. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining physical activity and scheduling time for personal interests outside of work to prevent burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Key discussions in this episode include:The importance of understanding the unique challenges of different teaching environments.The role of physical activity and personal interests in maintaining wellness.The significance of scheduling personal time and treating it as a non-negotiable commitment.The impact of maintaining a positive mindset and accepting mistakes as part of the learning process.Thomas's experiences and insights provide valuable lessons for band directors at all stages of their careers. His emphasis on maintaining personal wellness while navigating the challenges of different teaching environments is a crucial reminder for all educators. Join our Facebook Band Director Bootcamp community. If you're a busy band director who has a productivity or wellness tip you can share on an episode, go to https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/bdbcpodcast to schedule an interview.