In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat talks with Dr. Amy Bovin about the importance of building strong, supportive communities for women in music education. Dr. Bovin shares her personal experiences and the significance of mentorship, specifically highlighting the benefits of Women Band Directors International (WBDI). The discussion covers overcoming isolation, embracing girl power, and actionable steps for fostering supportive networks. Dr. Bovin’s journey from feeling out of place to leading initiatives that support female music educators is a powerful testament to the importance of community and mentorship in the field.

Key Takeaways:

1. The importance of finding and building a supportive community.
2. Overcoming professional isolation through active participation in groups like WBDI.
3. The role of mentorship in empowering women in music education.
4. How to initiate and nurture supportive networks for personal and professional growth.
5. The impact of having role models and mentors who resonate with one’s own experiences.

Follow Amy at https://amybovin.com and you can follow the adventures of the kittens on Instagram @bapsandnaps.

For anyone who taught high school band in any capacity between February 2020 and January 2025 and would like to participate in the survey, please see https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdC8aU0a32jydVESMs-qB7ySLIqcxILlNoVm5TDdBiawKovdQ/viewform?usp=sharing

"Breaking the Silence: The Experience of Female Band Directors", a NAfME Webinar on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 at 7PM EDT.