In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes retired band director Laura Estes to discuss the challenges of being a busy band director and how to handle unexpected situations. Laura shares her experiences and insights from her 36-year teaching career, emphasizing the importance of expecting the unexpected and being prepared with contingencies. She also talks about her journey into composing music and creating pieces that fill gaps in the repertoire for middle school bands. Lesley and Laura highlight the significance of maintaining composure and setting a positive tone when faced with unexpected challenges. The episode concludes with advice for new band directors on how to navigate the unpredictable nature of the profession and enjoy long-lasting fulfillment in music education.