Band Director Boot Camp

In this compelling episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Ronald Kearns, a seasoned music educator and author of influential books aimed at enhancing the capabilities of music teachers. Ronald shares invaluable insights from his extensive career and his series of books, which serve as essential resources for music educators navigating the multifaceted challenges of teaching band, orchestra, and jazz.

Key Points Covered:

• Ronald Kearns' journey from a drum major to a revered music educator and author.
• Discussion on the spectrum of responsibilities that music educators face, which go beyond musical instruction to include management, counseling, and administrative roles.
• Insight into Ronald’s books, which are designed to provide quick references for band directors tasked with managing multiple music disciplines, including practical tips for effective music program management.

Benefits for Listeners:

• Learn strategies for managing diverse music programs effectively, including orchestral and jazz ensembles.
• Discover practical tips on budget management, resource allocation, and enhancing student engagement through tailored lesson plans.
• Gain insights into bridging the gap between different music teaching disciplines by applying known skills to new challenges.

Ron’s latest book, Quick Reference Guide for Band Directors Who Teach Jazz, comes out October 16, 2024!

Check out his other books here

In this enlightening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Del Hubers, a veteran band director with over 40 years of experience, to demystify the process of commissioning new music. Del shares his extensive experience in enriching student engagement and enhancing music programs through commissioned works, highlighting the transformative impact on both students and the school community.

Key Points Covered:

• Introduction to the benefits and process of commissioning music for school bands.
• Del Hubers shares insights on starting with commissioning, including practical tips for engaging composers and managing budgets.
• Discussion on how commissioned works can significantly boost student interest and retention in music programs.

Benefits for Listeners:

• Learn how to initiate the commissioning process for creating unique music pieces tailored to your band’s skill level and community.
• Discover strategies for collaborating effectively with composers and integrating new compositions into your music curriculum.
• Gain inspiration to enhance your music program’s appeal and educational value through commissioned works.

Here are some of the works Del has commissioned that are available to purchase for your ensemble!

• Kevin Hoff - 'Fractured'
• Ryan Meeboer - 'Barricade'
• Alexander Carlin - 'Journey Through the Galaxy'
• Carol Brittin Chambers - 'Antz'
• Joel R. Knecht - 'Black Hills Gold Rush'
• Ward Miller - 'Ring True!'
• John-Alex Warner (Scratch Eden) - 'Krakken!'
• Ernesto Aguirre - 'Dragon Rider'
• Kevin Clary - 'Fox Sparrow March'

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat discusses innovative solutions to common classroom management challenges with Cassie and Michael Tucker, the creators of Lesson Launch Pad. This web-based application helps educators automate routine tasks like displaying daily agendas and managing class timers, significantly reducing decision-making fatigue.

Key Points Covered:

• Introduction to Lesson Launch Pad and its key features.
• How automating certain classroom functions can save time and reduce stress for teachers.
• Specific features of Lesson Launch Pad that enhance classroom organization and efficiency.

Benefits for Listeners:

• Learn how to use technology to streamline daily classroom operations.
• Discover strategies to reduce cognitive load, allowing more focus on teaching and less on administrative tasks.
• Gain insights into creating a more organized and controlled classroom environment with automated tools.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Chris Kaatz, Assistant Director of Bands at Stephen F. Austin State University and co-creator of the Cue Rehearsal Techniques App. Chris shares insights into how technology can streamline music rehearsals and improve productivity. He discusses the challenges music educators face and how his app helps tackle these by providing structured rehearsal techniques and enhancing student accountability.

Key Discussions:

• The common struggles music educators face and how technology can help.
• An overview of the Cue Rehearsal Techniques App and its impact on music rehearsals.
• Practical advice on implementing tech solutions to improve music education outcomes.

Listeners will learn:

• How to utilize the Cue Rehearsal Techniques App to enhance rehearsal productivity.
• Strategies for incorporating new technology into traditional music education practices.
• The importance of personal accountability in student learning and rehearsal effectiveness.

Cue Rehearsal Techniques (cuetechniques.com)

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by Bill Miller, a seasoned composer and educator known for his active involvement in music classrooms through various clinics and private instruction. Bill shares insights from his recent observations in different music education settings, discussing common challenges and offering practical strategies for music educators who might feel stuck or overwhelmed.

Key Discussions:

• The common challenges that music educators face today, including limited resources and high expectations.
• Bill's personal journey through music education, providing a unique perspective on overcoming professional ruts.
• Practical steps for rejuvenating music programs and exploring new pieces to keep the curriculum engaging and fresh.

Listeners will learn:

• Strategies to diversify their music repertoire and effectively manage their music libraries.
• The importance of self-affirmations for maintaining mental and emotional health amidst the demands of teaching.
• How to implement minor changes that can have significant impacts on both educator well-being and student engagement.

https://millermusiccreations.com/subscriptions/

Join host Lesley Moffat in this informative episode of Band Director Boot Camp, where she welcomes James Hargreaves, the Associate Band Director at Smithson Valley Middle School. With nearly two decades of experience, James shares transformative tips on using technology to streamline classroom management and administrative tasks. Dive into the world of spreadsheets, Google Forms, and other digital tools that can significantly reduce your workload and enhance productivity.

Key Discussions:

• James's journey from a paper-based system to mastering digital tools for efficient classroom management.
• Tips for using Google Sheets to manage student information, event planning, and health forms efficiently.
• How to use formulas in spreadsheets to automate repetitive tasks and save time.
• James's innovative approach to gamifying the band classroom, enhancing student motivation through competitive team activities.

Listeners will learn:

• Practical ways to integrate technology into daily teaching practices to improve organization.
• How digital tools can transform mundane administrative tasks into quick, manageable processes.
• Ideas for using gamification in music education to increase student engagement and team spirit.

Website: http://www.AMBandDirector.com

TPT Store: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/james-hargreaves

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdQxROpiYFc6v-oHkM0Bprg

In this enlightening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Monica Camp, a middle school orchestra teacher with a master's in conducting and a recent winner of the regional Music Educator of the Year award. Monica shares invaluable insights on organizing the classroom for the new school year, including innovative strategies for classroom décor that doubles as functional aids and creative approaches to managing classroom space. She discusses how preparing the classroom environment can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning.

You can also check out Monica’s fantastic resources:

🎼 Instagram: Monica's Instagram

📋 First 8 Days Lesson Plans and Documents: Monica’s Lesson Plans

🖍️ Music Classroom Decor: Monica’s Decor

📒 Music Teacher Checklists/Music Educator Teacher Planner: Monica’s Planner

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat invites Jean McKen to discuss her groundbreaking application, Breezin Thru Theory. Jean, who has spent three decades as a band, choir, and orchestra director, shares her journey from the early days of MIDI to developing a comprehensive music theory application. This tool has transformed how students engage with music theory, making learning interactive and accessible from any device, anywhere. Jean explains how this app not only supports diverse learning styles but also provides teachers with powerful insights into student progress, all through a user-friendly interface. Tune in to discover how this tool can revolutionize your music teaching methods and engage students in new and exciting ways.

Learn more at Home - Breezin' Thru Theory | Online Music Theory Program (breezinthrutheory.com)

In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat is joined by Rick Ghinelli, who shares revolutionary tools to streamline the management of band programs. With his extensive background in music education and his role at Cut Time, Rick introduces the new generation of Cut Time software designed to enhance efficiency in handling musical inventories, student attendance, and finances. He discusses how these innovative solutions can save music educators countless hours and help them focus more on teaching rather than administrative tasks. Discover how integrating technology like Cut Time can transform your music program management and bring your administrative tasks into the modern era.

In today's episode of Band Director Boot Camp, join your host, Lesley Moffat, as she explores the profound impact of mindfulness on personal well-being and teaching practices with Elizabeth Weismehl. With 30 years of experience in teaching music across all age groups, Elizabeth shares her transformative journey towards a more vibrant and purposeful life through mindfulness practices. Discover how integrating simple yet powerful routines like gratitude reflections, mindful breathing, and setting daily intentions can lead to increased productivity and a positive classroom atmosphere. Elizabeth's story is a testament to the power of self-care in enriching both personal life and professional impact.

Go and Shine! Part 1: Nine Strategies for Cultivating a Positive Mindset

Go and Shine! Part 2: Eight Strategies for Cultivating a Positive Rehearsal Space