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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Deon Williams, a middle school and collegiate band director with a unique journey in music education. Despite being relatively new to the profession, Deon has navigated the challenges of teaching during a pandemic, managing multiple roles, and fostering a culture of excellence among his students. He shares his strategies for making his work sustainable, including not taking work home and streamlining lesson plans. Deon also discusses the importance of authenticity in teaching and the power of setting and pursuing goals with his students. His story is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and passion that define successful music educators.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat speaks with Ansgar Duemchen, a seasoned band director with a unique journey in music education. Ansgar shares his experiences teaching in Germany and the United States, and how he has navigated the challenges of balancing work, family, and personal health. He discusses the importance of not taking work too seriously, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and fostering a fun and engaging classroom environment. Ansgar also shares his insights on dealing with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and how it has reshaped his approach to his work and his students. This episode is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and adaptability required in the field of music education.