Band Director Boot Camp
Lesley Moffat
Welcome to the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, where we help busy band directors amplify their impact—not their workload.This is your space to find practical strategies, fresh inspiration, and a community that understands the unique demands of your role.As a band director, you’re constantly balancing rehearsals, performances, administrative tasks, and student needs. It’s easy to feel like more effort is the only solution. But what if you could elevate your program and protect your time and energy?That’s exactly what this podcast is here to help you do. Over the past four seasons, we’ve connected with directors from all walks of life who have discovered smarter, more sustainable ways to run their programs. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world strategies to help you work more efficiently, prioritize what matters, and create a thriving band culture—without running yourself into the ground.Through every conversation, we break down the barriers that make this profession overwhelming and build a community where we support each other’s growth. We celebrate the wins, learn from the tough moments, and stay focused on one mission: making it possible for you to lead with impact and maintain your own well-being.Because the work you do matters—and so do you.Join us and discover how to get more done with less stress, reignite your passion, and make every day on the podium more rewarding.Tune in to the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast—where we amplify your impact, not your workload.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 21, 2023 • 18min
"Running Towards Wellness: A Band Director's Journey"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat talks with Bart Roberts, a seasoned middle school band teacher from Mishawaka, IN. Bart shares his personal journey of overcoming stress, anxiety, and high blood pressure through a commitment to physical health. He discusses how incorporating regular exercise into his routine, including running, cycling, and participating in triathlons, has not only improved his health but also made him a better teacher, husband, and father. Bart also emphasizes the importance of having a mentor in the field and the impact it has had on his career and personal life.
Jul 19, 2023 • 18min
"The Lifesaving Power of Movement: A Conversation with Ruth Petersen"
In this episode of Band Director Bootcamp, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ruth Petersen, a retired band director with over 28 years of experience. Ruth shares her journey of overcoming health challenges through physical activity and how it not only improved her health but also her teaching. She discusses her struggle with PCOS, hypothyroidism, and diabetes, and how walking and movement became a lifeline for her. Ruth's story is a powerful testament to the importance of self-care and physical health in our personal and professional lives. Listen in as she shares her insights and advice for new teachers navigating the intense world of band directing.
Jul 17, 2023 • 21min
"Navigating the Band Director's Life: A Conversation with Nancy Ditmer"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, we have the pleasure of speaking with Nancy Ditmer, a former president of NAfME and the Ohio Music Education Association. With 47 years of teaching experience, Nancy shares her insights on maintaining a healthy work-life balance, the importance of having a broader perspective, and the unexpected benefits of owning pets. She also discusses her journey in music education, her experiences in various leadership roles, and the impact it had on her teaching style. Nancy offers advice to new teachers entering the profession and emphasizes the importance of focusing on student accomplishments and learning processes. Tune in to hear more about Nancy's inspiring career and her tips for longevity in the field of music education.
Jul 15, 2023 • 21min
Sustaining the Profession: Together Towards Tomorrow
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat interviews Scott Sheehan, the national president of NAfME (National Association for Music Education) and an experienced band director. They discuss productivity and wellness tips for busy band directors and delve into Scott's journey as a band director and his passion for sustaining the profession. Scott emphasizes the importance of finding mentors, building a supportive network, and prioritizing self-care. He also highlights the resources and initiatives offered by NAfME to support music educators at the local, regional, state, and national levels. The conversation touches on the challenges faced by new teachers, the role of technology in music education, and the need for equitable access to music education for all students.
Jul 14, 2023 • 20min
"The Symphony of Student Leadership: Building a Harmonious Band Community"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Patrick Holen, a seasoned band director from Issaquah High School. Patrick shares his journey from being a graduate of Indiana University to teaching in the Pacific Northwest. He discusses the importance of social and emotional work with his students and how he has managed to build a strong community within his band. Patrick emphasizes the significance of student leadership and how it has contributed to the retention and motivation of his students. He also shares his unique approach to choosing band literature and his focus on student confidence rather than competition and ratings. Patrick offers valuable advice for new teachers on building a supportive team, maintaining good relationships with office staff, and discerning which traditions to uphold. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone looking to build a successful and harmonious band community.
Jul 12, 2023 • 16min
"Harmonizing Life: Cultivating Personal Passions Beyond the Band Room"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat interviews Aliyah Jackson, a high school band director from Beaverton, Oregon. Aliyah shares her journey of achieving harmony in her life amidst the demanding role of a band director. She emphasizes the importance of having personal goals and passions outside of work, in her case, horse riding and playing in a professional big band. Aliyah provides insights into how she manages her time effectively to ensure she can pursue her interests while still fulfilling her responsibilities as a band director. She also discusses the importance of setting boundaries and saying no to ensure personal well-being. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling to find a harmonious blend between their professional and personal lives.
Jul 10, 2023 • 20min
"Navigating Burnout and Building Productivity: A Conversation with Josh Brandon"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, we delve into the personal and professional journey of Josh Brandon, a seasoned band director from Northeast Georgia. Josh shares his experiences navigating through burnout, personal loss, and the challenges of the pandemic. He also discusses the importance of mental health, work-life balance, and the role of relationships in teaching. Josh introduces a practical tool he developed to manage his tasks and responsibilities more effectively - a yearly To-Do List, which he generously offers to our listeners as a template (link to download). This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the teaching profession, especially those who are new to the field or are struggling with burnout.
Jul 7, 2023 • 18min
"Organizational Hacks for Band Directors: A Conversation with Danika White"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Danika White, a seasoned band director with 28 years of teaching experience. Danika shares her productivity tips and organizational strategies that have helped her manage her time and resources effectively. She discusses the importance of establishing routines and procedures, the value of clear labeling, and the benefits of having designated inboxes and outboxes for each class period. Danika also emphasizes the importance of understanding student behavior and the need for empathy and support in the classroom. Tune in to learn how you can implement these practical solutions in your own teaching practice.
Jul 5, 2023 • 20min
"Empowering Students: The Art of Delegation with Theresa Hoover"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Theresa Hoover, co-author of the book "Pass the Baton" and host of the "Pass the Baton Podcast". Theresa shares her insights on empowering students in the music classroom and how this approach can lead to a more productive and balanced teaching experience. She discusses her journey from a classroom teacher to pursuing a PhD in music, learning and teaching at Arizona State University. Theresa shares practical strategies for delegating responsibilities to students, fostering a sense of ownership and community in the band room, and creating a more engaging and independent learning environment. She also provides examples of student roles and responsibilities that can help alleviate some of the workload for music teachers. This episode is a treasure trove of ideas for music educators looking to enhance student engagement and streamline their teaching processes.https://passthebatonbook.com/student-jobs/
Jul 3, 2023 • 17min
"First Year Reflections: Navigating the New Terrain with Cheyenne Higgs"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat speaks with Cheyenne Higgs, a band director who has just completed her first year in the profession. Cheyenne shares her journey into music education, her experiences in her first year as a band director, and the challenges she faced. She discusses the importance of maintaining a balance between her professional and personal life, seeking help from mentors, and the necessity of breaking tasks down to manage them effectively. Cheyenne also shares her experiences dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and how it has reshaped her approach to her work and her students. This episode is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and adaptability required in the field of music education, especially for those just starting their careers.
