Band Director Boot Camp

Lesley Moffat
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Sep 27, 2023 • 19min

"Mastering Organization: Secrets to Productive Band Directing"

In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat brings in Dr. Frank Buck, an experienced band director, administrator, and productivity consultant. Dr. Buck specializes in organization and time management, sharing practical strategies to help busy band directors regain control of their time and surroundings.Dr. Buck introduces the concept of the "Tickler File," a powerful technique he learned from his father. This system involves organizing tasks and paper documents into folders labeled by days of the month, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks. He emphasizes that by making decisions upfront about when to revisit tasks, one can earn the right to forget about them until the designated time.Transitioning into the digital realm, Dr. Buck introduces the idea of a digital task manager, highlighting the importance of giving these tasks a designated space outside of calendars and email inboxes. He recommends using tools like "Remember the Milk," a user-friendly application that syncs across devices and helps manage tasks efficiently. Dr. Buck also shares the significance of attaching emails to tasks and using a specialized email address to convert incoming messages into tasks.Listeners will appreciate Dr. Buck's insights into simplifying organization, reducing stress, and ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. As an expert in both the analog and digital realms, Dr. Buck's methods offer a comprehensive approach to handling the demands of a busy band director's schedule.To access more valuable resources and learn from Dr. Frank Buck, visit his website at frankbuck.org.
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Sep 25, 2023 • 19min

"Unlocking Creativity: Three Key Changes for Busy Band Directors"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat invites Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl to discuss how band directors can unlock their creativity and find balance in their lives. Dr. Reichl shares three key changes that can transform the way band directors approach their profession and personal well-being.The Power of "No": Dr. Reichl emphasizes that saying "no" doesn't necessarily mean rejecting something outright. It can mean "not now" or "not in this format." By carefully considering commitments and being open to exploring alternative options, band directors can better align their activities with their goals.Expanding Your Circle: Dr. Reichl encourages band directors to expand their network beyond their local community. The pandemic and social media have made it easier to connect with colleagues globally, share experiences, and learn from one another. Expanding the circle allows for mentorship, inspiration, and collaboration.The Three Rs: Reflect, Research, Refresh: Dr. Reichl introduces the concept of the Three Rs as a cycle for personal growth and development. Reflecting on what brings joy, researching new approaches and resources, and then refreshing by implementing changes and reflecting again creates a continuous cycle of improvement.To learn more about Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl's insights and resources, visit her website at makingkeychanges.com. Her monthly newsletter offers valuable tips and strategies for educators, particularly band directors, looking to enhance their profession and personal life.
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Sep 22, 2023 • 18min

"Streamlining Success: 6 Tips for Efficient Band Teaching"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat is joined by Jessica Hesselstein, a seasoned band director with 25 years of experience. Jessica shares invaluable insights on how to optimize lesson planning and classroom management for busy band directors. These productivity and wellness tips are designed to help you maintain a strong music program while enjoying more time for yourself and your family.Real talk with real women who understand the pressures and joys of being a band director - and how to do it in a way that doesn't leave you exhausted!
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Sep 20, 2023 • 17min

"Organizational Strategies for Music Educators: From Beginner Bands to Experienced Teachers"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by Sarah Green, a middle school band director with over a decade of experience. They discuss the importance of organizational strategies for music educators and how these strategies can be applied to various teaching situations.Sarah shares her journey into becoming a band director and the inspiration behind creating her website resource, Beginning Band Boot Camp. She explains how this resource provides step-by-step videos for beginners to practice at home, enabling them to review concepts and troubleshoot issues outside of class. The "Sound 101" section of her website offers guidance on producing the first few notes on instruments, making practice more accessible for students.Sarah emphasizes the value of organization in teaching and suggests using tools like Google Drive to store and categorize resources. She encourages new teachers to focus on a few areas of excellence while learning and adapting over time. Collaboration within the band director community and seeking advice from experienced colleagues is also highlighted as a helpful strategy.Throughout the episode, Sarah and Lesley underscore the importance of creating efficient systems that save time and energy, allowing music educators to provide quality instruction while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Links to resources: Beginning Band Bootcamp website and youtube channel
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Sep 18, 2023 • 18min

"Organizing for Success: Tips from Wendy Reeves"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat interviews Wendy Reeves, a veteran band director with 30 years of experience in middle school and high school band programs. Wendy shares her journey and the pivotal moment that led her to reevaluate her work-life balance. She discusses her strategies for staying organized, maintaining a healthy work environment, and utilizing technology effectively. Wendy's practical tips, from using Google Forms for data collection to creating organized checklists for various tasks, are invaluable for fellow band directors looking to enhance their productivity and wellness. Link to resources: Home (google.com)
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Sep 15, 2023 • 19min

"Balancing Act: Hard Boundaries, Exercise, Circles, and Body Listening"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat is joined by Patrick J Harris, a passionate band director with a wealth of experience. They discuss four essential tips that have helped Patrick maintain his well-being and find balance in the demanding world of being a band director.
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Sep 13, 2023 • 20min

"Band Resources Bonanza: Freebies and Fun for Busy Band Directors"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat welcomes guest Jim Evans, a retired band director with 30 years of experience. Jim is also a composer and runs summer music programs. He shares a wealth of resources for band directors, focusing on beginning bands, solo and ensemble pieces, and pep band arrangements. Lesley and Jim discuss the challenges faced by band directors and how these resources can make teaching more manageable and enjoyable.
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Sep 11, 2023 • 17min

"Transforming Teaching: Tuner Caddy's Impact on Ensemble Dynamics"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat delves into the remarkable journey of Mark L Caspersen, the inventor of Tuner Caddy. This innovative device has revolutionized the way band directors approach tuning and teaching. Lesley discusses the transformation from initial frustration with falling tuners to the creation of a practical solution that promotes focused listening and self-correction among students. Mark's approach to teaching tuning is a shining example of how trust and collaboration can lead to remarkable improvements in musicianship and ensemble dynamics. By fostering relationships with students and providing them with the tools to take charge of their learning, Mark's method goes beyond mere control-centered techniques. The Tuner Caddy not only solves the issue of tuners falling off stands but also serves as a catalyst for broader musical growth. Students' active engagement in adjusting their instruments, coupled with the device's seamless integration into the classroom routine, has led to impressive results. Mark's method even extends to aspects beyond tuning, influencing phrasing, articulation, dynamics, and more. Listeners will discover how Mark's passion for teaching and innovation shines through in his journey. His advice for new band directors emphasizes building strong relationships with students and empowering them to take an active role in their learning.For more information about Tuner Caddy, visit tunercaddy.com.
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Sep 11, 2023 • 17min

"Unlocking Success: The Power of Mentoring for Band Directors"

🎶 Hey Band Director Boot Camp fam! Lesley Moffat here, and I've got something special for you. After 60+ episodes of jam-packed wisdom, I'm hitting pause to share some gold nuggets that keep resurfacing from our incredible guests. Trust me, you don't want to miss this episode. 🎶Why? Because I'm diving into the top two secrets that seasoned band directors swear by for a thriving, balanced career. Spoiler alert: It's all about mentorship and self-care.Think of your career like a finely tuned instrument. Neglect it, and you're out of tune, facing burnout and strained relationships. That's where self-care comes in. I've been there, juggling too many balls and dropping the one labeled "well-being." But guess who helped me pick it up? Yep, mentors.Mentorship isn't just a buzzword; it's a game-changer. Imagine having someone who's committed to helping you navigate the highs, lows, and tricky middle parts of your career. Whether you're wrestling with teaching strategies, admin headaches, or just trying to find time for a family dinner, a mentor can be your backstage pass to a more fulfilling career.So, if you're ready to level up your band directing game while still having time to enjoy a life outside the classroom, tune in. I'll share how mentorship and self-care have been the keys to my own sustainable journey and how they can be yours too.Ready to make beautiful music without missing a beat in your personal life? Let's get this show on the road! 🎵Curious about working with me? I get it, time is a precious commodity, especially for busy band directors like you. But here's the deal: My expertise can save you hours of trial and error, so you can focus on what you love—making music and living your life. 🎶Catch you in the episode!
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Sep 8, 2023 • 20min

"Finding Harmony: Balancing Work and Family Life as a Band Director"

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat interviews Jimmy Day, a 14-year middle school band director and the 2023 Colorado Teacher of the Year. Jimmy shares his personal journey of finding a healthier balance between his work and family life, which has led to improved relationships and a renewed passion for teaching. He offers three valuable tips for fellow band directors struggling to maintain work-life harmony:Intentional Prioritizing: Jimmy and his wife set aside dedicated time for each other and make it a priority to nurture their relationship amidst their busy schedules. They use calendar invites and communication to stay accountable and ensure quality time together.The Power of "No": As an experienced band director, Jimmy has learned the importance of saying "no" to additional responsibilities that might compromise his well-being. By setting boundaries and prioritizing his own needs, he has reduced burnout and increased overall satisfaction in both his personal and professional life.Unplugging: Jimmy emphasizes the significance of taking time off and disconnecting from work-related concerns. By forgetting about work during extended breaks and vacations, he finds mental and spiritual rejuvenation, enabling him to return to his job with a fresh mindset.

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