In this inspiring episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes singer-songwriter, TEDx speaker, and youth empowerment coach Emma G. Her story is nothing short of remarkable—born with hydrocephalus and having undergone 23 brain surgeries, Emma found healing and purpose through songwriting. Now she helps others do the same.

Lesley and Emma dive into:

• How music supported Emma’s physical and emotional healing
• Why songwriting is such a powerful tool for student expression, especially post-COVID
• The neuroscience behind music’s ability to rewire the brain
• Emma’s experience working with students (including Lesley’s!) to help them process emotions through music
• Tips for band directors and music teachers to bring songwriting into the classroom—even without a formal songwriting background

If you’ve ever watched a student struggle with big emotions or felt your own burnout creeping in, this episode will renew your belief in the transformative power of music. Plus, Emma shares actionable steps to start songwriting and discusses her new book Mental Health Sounds Like This.

Learn more at emmagmusic.com and connect with her on all socials @emmagmusic.

In this heartfelt and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, host of The Happy Music Teacher podcast and YouTube channel. Jeanette shares her journey from total overwhelm and burnout—sitting on the classroom floor wondering if she could keep going—to becoming a thriving, joy-filled educator committed to helping others rediscover their spark.

Together, Lesley and Jeanette explore:

• The realities of entering teaching through the “back door” and learning on the fly
• What to do when the job feels unsustainable—even if you love the kids
• Why movement, brain breaks, and student-led moments make a difference
• How mindset shifts and small pivots can turn exhaustion into engagement
• Concrete strategies for making teaching feel easier and more joyful at any grade level

You’ll leave this episode with renewed hope and a few easy-to-implement tools to bring more energy, balance, and student connection into your classroom.

Learn more about Jeanette’s resources and sign up for her free weekly “Happy Highlights” at thehappymusicteacher.com/lesson-plan-sampler

Her website: https://thehappymusicteacher.com

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/15mAFiMcPk/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappymusicteacher/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehappymusicteacher?

In this revealing episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to share the behind-the-scenes reality of starting a collegiate band program from scratch. From budgeting to branding to building leadership, Megan walks us through the surprising and often overlooked responsibilities of life as a college band director.

You’ll learn:

• Why collegiate band directors operate more like small business owners than conductors
• The difference between high school and college support systems (no band boosters!)
• The logistical demands of designing uniforms, managing million-dollar budgets, and insuring equipment
• How student leadership becomes essential—and why she pays her leaders
• Why game day is a 14-hour marathon that requires hydration planning, mental prep, and physical stamina
• The call for collaboration: Megan invites other collegiate directors to help create resources for those entering this unique career path

If you're curious about the college track—or helping others succeed in it—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and a passionate call to support the next generation of music educators.

In this heartfelt episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley reconnects with longtime friend and veteran educator Glenn Williams to talk about three transformative books that every music teacher should consider reading—or rereading. With decades of experience leading high school bands, mentoring student teachers, and shaping music education culture, Glenn shares how these books shaped his career and can help you recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• The power of The Last Lecture and defining your “dash”
• Why The Art of Possibility can reshape your classroom culture (yes, even rule #6!)
• How A Guide to Student Teaching in Band offers timeless teaching wisdom—even for seasoned educators
• Plus: Glenn breaks down the 7 Norms of Collaboration and offers practical tools to build healthier, more effective school teams.

Whether you’re heading into summer or back to the podium, this episode offers reflection, inspiration, and the kind of perspective that only comes from a career well-lived—and deeply loved.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with Don Crafton, founder and CEO of Sight Reading Factory, to explore how this innovative platform helps band directors save time, reduce stress, and build stronger music literacy in their students.

Don shares how his own frustrations as a band director led him to create a customizable, algorithm-based tool that allows for fresh sight reading exercises every time. You’ll learn how Sight Reading Factory:

• Eliminates the chaos of paper sight reading materials
• Makes daily sight reading realistic and time-efficient (even just 5 minutes!)
• Offers auto-assessment and instant visual feedback for student growth
• Supports differentiation, SPED, and ELL learners with built-in data collection
• Reinforces concepts alongside method books—even for beginners
• Provides powerful data for teacher evaluations and administrative conversations

Whether you're new to tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will show you how to use sight reading not just to prep for performance, but to foster independence and confidence in every student.

https://sightreadingfactory.com

In this energizing and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by fitness expert Jonathan Simos, who shares easy, sustainable strategies for weaving exercise into even the busiest teaching schedule. Jonathan opens up about his journey from injury-prone teenager to Guinness World Record holder and certified trainer—showing how fitness transformed his body, mindset, and life.

Lesley and Jonathan dive into the parallels between building a healthy body and teaching music: mastering fundamentals, staying consistent, and doing things the right way to prevent damage. Whether you are brand new to exercise or struggling to stay consistent during concert season chaos, you’ll walk away with doable tips to improve your physical and mental wellness.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to break down effective full-body workouts into simple, time-saving routines
• Why fitness is a “keystone habit” that benefits every part of your life
• Ways to stay active even when your schedule is packed to the max
• Lesley’s personal push-up journey and how tiny consistent actions lead to transformation
• How to find movement you enjoy—so you’ll actually stick with it

You’ll also hear about Jonathan’s upcoming fitness venture, why coaching matters, and how building strength can help you show up stronger for your students and yourself. This episode is your reminder that taking care of your body isn't selfish—it's essential for a sustainable, joyful teaching career.

Guest Info:

Follow Jonathan on Instagram: @jonathan.simos

Check out his upcoming program and community: neuxist.com

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Bill Kennelly of Kennelly Keys Music—a longtime friend of music education and sponsor of Season 4—to talk about how relationships with independent music stores can transform your program, reduce your workload, and support your students in meaningful ways.

Lesley and Bill discuss how music stores can be more than just suppliers—they can be true partners. From picking up and repairing instruments, to sponsoring festivals, to showing up at school board meetings to advocate for music education, the support goes far beyond sales. Bill shares heartfelt stories of growing up in the industry, honoring his father's legacy, and how mentorship and service have driven his success.

Listeners will walk away with a renewed appreciation for the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep music education thriving, along with specific ideas for how to build or strengthen these vital community relationships.

In this energizing episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat sits down with M.J. Robinson—band director, mom, and President-Elect of Women Band Directors International—to discuss how managing your energy can transform not only your teaching but your entire life.

M.J. shares her journey from quiet wallflower to confident educator and leader, crediting the power of community, mentorship, and intentional mindset work. This episode is packed with practical strategies for navigating toxic work environments, setting energetic boundaries, and reclaiming joy in the classroom. M.J. opens up about the importance of resetting throughout the day, using music as a form of emotional processing, and building resilience without burning out.

You’ll also hear about simple tools like affirmation apps, running, and self-talk that help M.J. stay grounded, focused, and full of genuine positivity—even in tough situations. Whether you're feeling stuck, overstimulated, or just need a spark of inspiration, this episode is a must-listen.

In this milestone episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes—as her 100th guest—the inspiring Dr. Shannon Shaker—assistant professor and Director of Bands at Grand Rapids Community College.

In a conversation full of honesty and heart, Shannon shares how she forged her own unique path to the podium, from early years in poverty and working at McDonald's to earning her doctorate in wind conducting.

Lesley and Shannon dive into topics many music educators will relate to—impostor syndrome, surviving toxic work environments, and the importance of finding the right fit rather than blaming yourself. Shannon talks candidly about the challenges of transitioning from elementary music to higher education, and how resilience was born out of necessity.

The episode also offers tangible wellness advice and encouragement to band directors seeking sustainable, joyful careers. Shannon shares four powerful wellness tips—including the life-changing power of sleep—and speaks about the community-building magic of side projects like her Beer City Winds ensemble. Whether you’re navigating burnout or dreaming of your next professional step, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and inspired.

website: www.shannonshaker.com

email: [email protected]

It’s a milestone moment! In this very special 100th episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat reflects on two years of podcasting, over 22,000 downloads, and the incredible community of music educators that made it all possible.

This episode is more than a celebration—it’s a recommitment to the mission of helping band directors amplify their impact, not their workload. Lesley shares the story behind starting the podcast in May 2023, what she’s learned from 100 powerful conversations, and how her background in teaching, AI tools, and sustainable systems fuels the work she does today.

You’ll hear about the upcoming release of her next book, The Balanced Band Director, as well as exciting new resources like Band Director Buddy GPTs and Get Sh*t Done sessions to help you save time and energy while doing your best work.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

🎉 Why this podcast was created (and how it’s grown into a movement)

📚 A sneak peek at Lesley’s upcoming book and what makes it different

💡 How AI is transforming how directors manage their programs

🧠 The mindset shift every busy teacher needs

🎺 Heartfelt gratitude to the guests, listeners, and mentors who made this milestone possible

This episode is packed with personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a powerful invitation to be part of what’s next. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found us, thank you for being part of this journey. You are the reason it matters.

Resources & Links:

• Band Director Buddy GPT Tools
• Join the mPowered Music Educator Academy
• Kennelly Keys Music – Proud Platinum Sponsor