Band Director Boot Camp

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Lisa Ray, a veteran high school band director entering her 39th year of teaching. Lisa shares her insights and experiences on maintaining wellness while thriving in the demanding world of band directing. She emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself to prevent burnout and ensure longevity in the profession. Lisa discusses her journey to better health, including prioritizing sleep, making dietary changes, and committing to regular exercise. She also highlights the value of personal trainers in providing accountability and support for achieving fitness goals. Lisa's approach of focusing on two key tasks each day and finding a balance between work and personal life has led her to run the final years of her career with energy and passion.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat welcomes Roger Fletcher, a composer and former band director with 30 years of experience. Roger has introduced a groundbreaking approach to music education through his creation of "tiered tunes." These tunes offer multiple levels of difficulty, enabling band directors to effectively teach students with varying abilities and skill levels within the same piece of music. Lesley and Roger discuss the origins of tiered tunes, their impact on student engagement and learning, and how they provide a fresh way to differentiate instruction while maintaining musical coherence. Roger also emphasizes the importance of self-care for new band directors and shares valuable insights for maintaining a sustainable and fulfilling career in music education. Check out lots of great stuff at www.rogerfletchermusic.com.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Tucker Rother, a young and passionate band director with valuable insights for those starting their careers in music education. Tucker shares his unique experiences as a third-year band director, highlighting the challenges and strategies he's developed to maintain a healthy and productive balance in the demanding world of band directing.Lesley and Tucker delve into various topics, such as:Embracing Technology: Tucker discusses how the pandemic accelerated the integration of technology in music education, mentioning tools like SmartMusic and Sight Reading Factory. He emphasizes the importance of using technology efficiently to streamline tasks and enhance teaching.Prioritizing Wellness: Tucker stresses the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. He advocates for band directors to prioritize self-care and personal well-being, reminding them that they're human beings too, not just educators. Taking breaks, setting boundaries, and nurturing one's passions outside of work are essential for long-term success.Navigating Change: Tucker addresses the inevitability of change in the band directing profession. Whether starting at a new school or adapting to evolving circumstances, he advises embracing change as an opportunity to learn and grow. He encourages directors to remember that different doesn't mean less than and to focus on the core goal of nurturing students' growth as musicians and individuals.Tucker's insights reflect his commitment to ensuring a sustainable and fulfilling career for himself and other band directors. He acknowledges the influence of his mentors and the importance of seeking guidance and support from experienced educators.Throughout the episode, Lesley and Tucker share their experiences, challenges, and wisdom, fostering a sense of camaraderie among band directors. Listeners are reminded that maintaining balance, embracing change, and prioritizing well-being are key elements in building a successful and enjoyable career in music education.

In this episode of Band Director Bootcamp, your host Lesley Moffat is joined by the King of Productivity and Wellness for band directors, Scott Rush. With over 28 years of experience as a band director, Scott Rush is the author of multiple books and a team lead for the Habits series at GIA Publications. Lesley and Scott discuss the journey that led Scott to become a band director and a prolific author, sharing valuable insights into habits that lead to success and well-being in the world of music education. Scott emphasizes the power of positive self-talk, the significance of staying connected to your mission, vision, and purpose, and offers a key habit for improved productivity: "Do, Dump, or Delegate." He also sheds light on fostering emotional health and mindset, reminding listeners of their unique ability to make a difference in young lives through their work. Scott's wisdom and practical advice are sure to resonate with busy band directors striving to maintain a harmonious balance in their professional and personal lives.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat interviews Eric Combs, a veteran band director and author. Eric shares his journey from being a shy student to becoming a passionate band director. He reveals his innovative approach to lesson planning that has allowed his band program to flourish.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat sits down with special guest Dan Austin, a band director with over two decades of experience. They dive into a discussion about maintaining a healthier work-life balance and the positive impact it can have on both the director and the music program. Dan shares his journey from a non-traditional path to becoming a band director and how he struggled with the pressures of the job early on. The conversation takes a turn when Dan explains how the pandemic became a turning point for him, leading him to prioritize his physical and mental well-being. He talks about his fitness journey, how it affected his teaching approach, and how a more balanced mindset led to surprising improvements in his music program. Lesley and Dan emphasize the importance of taking care of oneself and offer valuable insights on how a relaxed, well-balanced approach can create a positive ripple effect in both personal and professional life.

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.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat chats with Cori Smith, a rising star in the music education field. Cori teaches at Curtis Junior High School and is deeply involved in various musical ensembles around the Puget Sound area. She shares three practical tips that have enhanced her rehearsals and teaching approach.Evaluate Without Judgment: Cori draws inspiration from the inner game of tennis, emphasizing the importance of evaluating without judgment. Just as she analyzes her tennis game without negative self-talk, Cori applies the same principle to her teaching. Instead of criticizing herself or students for mistakes, she focuses on specific improvement areas. This approach cultivates a positive and growth-oriented rehearsal environment.Wooden-Style Coaching: Cori borrows from the coaching style of John Wooden, the renowned basketball coach. She adopts his concise and specific feedback approach: "Try, analyze, try again, analyze." Cori applies this method to her teaching, using memorable one-liners to efficiently guide students' musical growth. These succinct instructions help build a culture of constant improvement.Sticky Note Mantra: Inspired by her love for tennis, Cori employs a "sticky note mantra" technique. She places a sticky note with the phrase "The music is here" on her music stand or computer during rehearsals. This mantra reminds her to stay present, focused, and fully engaged with her students. It serves as a visual cue to keep her attention on the music and students, enhancing the overall quality of the rehearsal.Cori's insights reflect her dedication to creating a positive and effective learning environment. By applying principles from tennis coaching, self-awareness techniques, and simple visual reminders, she shapes rehearsals that foster growth, mindfulness, and musical excellence.

In this encore episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with guest Bart Roberts to discuss practical strategies for tackling the organizational challenges that many band directors face. Bart shares his journey of transforming from a pile-driven chaos to an organized and efficient classroom. He introduces two student organizational tips that have revolutionized his teaching approach and helped students take ownership of their resources.Bart outlines his gradual evolution from managing heaps of sheet music to implementing systems that promote order and efficiency. He explains how he transitioned from using file boxes to three-ring binders for his students' music. The conversation delves into the benefits of this approach, including reduced clutter and easier access to materials. Bart also emphasizes the importance of involving students in the organizational process and seeking their input on what works best for them.The episode highlights the steps to get started on the path to improved organization. It begins with obtaining a file box or cabinet to corral loose papers and establish a basic system. Then, Bart suggests transitioning to three-ring binders for students, providing clear divisions for fundamental materials, music theory sheets, rhythm charts, and sheet music. He offers insights into engaging students as librarians and exploring strategies for labeling and personalizing binders.Throughout the conversation, Lesley and Bart underscore the value of small steps and gradual implementation. They encourage band directors to adapt these practices to their teaching contexts and comfort levels, keeping the goal of reduced clutter and enhanced student ownership in mind.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat engages in a conversation with music teacher and composer Bill Miller. Bill shares his journey from a passionate composer to a music educator and the struggles he faced with recruitment, maintaining time for his own composition, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. He discusses how his experiences led him to prioritize his wellness and creativity, offering valuable insights for busy band directors.