In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with veteran music educator and author James Devine for some honest, practical survival strategies for life in the band room. With nearly three decades of teaching experience across private schools, public schools, and charter programs, James shares seven simple but powerful habits that can help band directors reclaim at least five hours every week.

This conversation is all about working smarter, not harder. James walks through realistic ways to limit time-sucking distractions, tame your inbox, and stop letting meetings and unfinished projects drain your energy. From the two-minute rule to scheduling focused work time and giving yourself permission not to finish everything, these ideas are immediately actionable and grounded in real classroom life.

You’ll also hear why weekly review and preview routines matter, how small organizational shifts can dramatically reduce stress, and why burnout often comes from systems that don’t serve us anymore. If you love your job but feel like it’s slowly wearing you down, this episode offers grounded strategies to help you stay effective, balanced, and in the profession for the long haul.

James also shares details about his book, Almost Everything I’ve Learned About Teaching Band, a practical handbook filled with short, usable lessons designed specifically for busy band directors.