Band Director Boot Camp

In this heartfelt episode of "Band Director Boot Camp," Lesley Moffat chats with Jennie Rhimes about navigating the complexities of being a music educator and a mother amidst personal loss. Jenny shares how she embraced flexibility, learned to accept imperfection, and found strength after becoming unexpectedly widowed while raising five children. Her story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the power of support in the face of adversity. Tune in for practical insights on integrating the roles of teacher, parent, and individual. #MusicEducatorWellness #TeachingResilience #ParentTeacherLife #BandDirectorSupport #EducatorSelfCare

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with Mary Cogswell, a seasoned band director with 33 years of experience, to discuss strategies for increasing student retention and engagement. Mary shares insights into her journey as a music educator and the creative resources she has developed to support young musicians and their families. From customizing method books to engaging families with unique at-home music challenges, Mary emphasizes the importance of personalizing the music education experience. She also introduces the 'Beginning Band Adaptable Series,' a flexible resource tailored for varying levels of beginning band students. Tune in to glean valuable tips for weaving community, creativity, and marketing into your music programs to keep students and families invested in the joy of band. To check out Mary's resources, go to https://murphymusicpress.com/catalogue/beginning-band

In this enriching episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat invites Ashley Cuthbertson to delve into the concept of culturally responsive music education. With a passion for equipping K12 music teachers to foster an equitable learning environment, Ashley discusses the importance of adapting music instruction to the cultural backgrounds and experiences of students. She emphasizes that genuine engagement and learning arise not just from diversifying repertoire, but by embedding students' cultural frames of reference into the music curriculum. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to make their music programs more inclusive and effective, and the vital role of self-awareness in teaching. The conversation also touches on the potential impact of culturally responsive education on student access to music programs and the future of music education as a whole. Resources and further reading are available at ashleycuthbertson.com.

This episode of Band Director Boot Camp is a must-listen as Lesley Moffat welcomes Lindsey Ogilvy Astle, an expert in transforming the energy of young musicians into productive rehearsal time. Discover how mindfulness can not only enhance the learning environment but also significantly reduce teacher stress. Join us for an inspiring conversation that dives deep into practical strategies for bringing calm, focus, and joy into the heart of music education.

In this eye-opening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, join Lesley Moffat as she delves into the gender dynamics within the band directing world with Dr. Amy J. Bovin. They discuss the results of a pivotal study on the experiences of female band directors, revealing the startling challenges related to sexism, ageism, and discrimination they face. Tune in to uncover the hidden hurdles, but also the resilience and advice on speaking up, setting priorities, and when necessary, taking the step to find a healthier work environment.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat is joined by Katie Lewis, an experienced middle school band director from Texas. Katie shares her journey to becoming a band director and provides valuable insights into how she balances her role as a mom, educator, and musician. The episode focuses on Katie's innovative approach called "Rhythm Racers," a music education tool that not only engages students but also enhances productivity in the classroom. Katie explains the concept of Rhythm Racers, which consists of rhythm lines divided into 10 levels of increasing complexity. Students work on these rhythm lines individually, and their progress is tracked using a virtual scoreboard. The activity is highly adaptable and asynchronous, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. It's a routine that helps start each class on a musical and productive note. Lesley and Katie emphasize the importance of routines and the positive impact they can have on both teachers and students. Katie also shares how involving her own children in band-related activities fosters a deeper understanding of her profession and strengthens the bond between her family and her students. Listeners are encouraged to explore Rhythm Racers further by checking out the provided links in the show notes. Katie's generosity in sharing this resource with the band community is a testament to her commitment to music education and collaboration. In summary, this episode offers practical tips and a creative teaching tool that can benefit music educators looking to engage their students, enhance productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.lewisk@friscoisd.orgLink to Rhythm Racers:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvHORtACZuTHUXrpcZ3E7Itsb5kk12yj3Lj-ysU3jFw-LPOA/viewform

In this episode, Lesley Moffat welcomes guest Jeff Ausdemore, a music educator with over two decades of experience and the author of the book "Breathe, Grow, Share." Jeff shares the inspiration behind his book, which aims to support music educators in maintaining their well-being and finding balance in their profession. The book is divided into three sections: Breathe, Grow, and Share, each addressing essential aspects of a music educator's life. Jeff discusses the Breathe section, which focuses on foundational practices such as gratitude, meditation, sleep, nutrition, energy management, and mindset, all crucial for personal well-being and effectiveness in the classroom. The Grow section emphasizes personal and professional growth, including blind spots, non-musical skills, the holistic classroom, and fostering students' growth as both musicians and responsible individuals. Jeff explains the importance of the Share section, where educators learn to authentically connect with their students, understand their needs, and share their knowledge effectively. He also discusses concepts like defining one's personal "why," working with the end in mind, and identifying students' voices.Lesley and Jeff highlight the significance of taking care of oneself as a teacher and the impact it has on students' experiences in the classroom. Jeff's book, "Breathe, Grow, Share," is available on Amazon, with plans for an audiobook and eBook version coming soon.

In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host, Lesley Moffat, welcomes the accomplished Erin Keaton-Howard, founder of the Formation Wind Band, composer, music educator, and conductor. Together, they delve into the profound topic of authenticity and its impact on a band director's career longevity and personal well-being.Erin emphasizes that authenticity involves showing up genuinely as oneself in both professional and personal spaces without conforming to stereotypes or perceived norms. It's a journey of self-discovery that can lead to a more fulfilling and sustainable career.They explore various aspects of authenticity, including identity, physical appearance, abilities, demeanor, and professional integrity. Erin shares personal anecdotes and insights into how being authentic can positively influence students and colleagues. She encourages band directors to embrace their unique qualities and leadership styles, fostering trust and connection with students.Furthermore, Erin discusses her upcoming book, "Women in Wind Band" co-authored with Megan Wagner, which sheds light on the experiences and challenges faced by women in the music education field. The book provides valuable insights into creating more inclusive and authentic environments within music education.As the episode concludes, Lesley reminds listeners that authenticity is not only a path to personal growth but also a way to model healthy boundaries and empathy in their professional lives.Tune in to discover how authenticity can enhance your career as a band director, promote well-being, and positively impact the lives of your students.Bio (ekhmusic.com)Formation Wind Band - Home

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat is joined by Dr. Matthew Smith, a band director with 15 years of experience. Dr. Smith shares his journey into becoming a band director and how he discovered the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being. They discuss three specific strategies that have helped Dr. Smith improve his health and productivity: meal prep, using a well-organized lunch box to avoid fast food temptations, and incorporating movement into his daily routine. Meal prep involves planning and preparing meals in advance, which allows for healthier eating choices and saves both time and money. The lunch box with compartments helps avoid fast food pitfalls by providing convenient, healthy snack options during busy days. Dr. Smith emphasizes that even simple movements like walking, jogging, or stretching can significantly benefit band directors, especially those with physical limitations or busy schedules. Lesley encourages band directors to find the type of movement that suits them best and to lead by example when it comes to physical activity during band rehearsals. The episode emphasizes the importance of taking small steps toward a healthier lifestyle and provides practical tips for busy band directors to incorporate these habits.Use this link to access recipes and more! https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aql7j-Vk0HNkGsiBAiH5YBP2VpaM07u--bzWUN2dx6Q/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat sits down with Peter Sciaino, a band director with 27 years of experience and the creator of the United System. This innovative system is designed to provide greater flexibility and allow for differentiation in band or group lesson settings, addressing the challenge of teaching students with varying skill levels in the same class.Peter shares his journey into music education and how he combined his passion for composing and arranging with his teaching career. He explains how the United System originated from his need to engage students of different abilities effectively and how it has evolved over time to become a comprehensive resource for band directors.The United System is structured around units, each focusing on specific musical concepts. Peter discusses how this system not only helps students progress but also fosters motivation and independence. The color-coded levels, such as gold, silver, and bronze, create a sense of achievement and motivation among students.Throughout the episode, Lesley and Peter emphasize the practicality of the United System, making it suitable for both full band classes and mixed lesson groups. Peter also highlights the system's spiral planning approach, ensuring that fundamental concepts are revisited regularly to reinforce learning.To find out more about the United System, listeners can visit the Wingert-Jones website or reach out to Peter directly for additional resources and video tutorials.Tune in to discover how the United System can revolutionize your teaching methods, engage students of all skill levels, and create a motivating and dynamic music education experience.