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 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.

"It Takes a Village: Why Your Local Music Store Might Be Your Program’s Secret Weapon"

Welcome to the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, where we help busy band directors amplify their impact—not their workload.This is your space to find practical strategies, fresh inspiration, and a community that understands the unique demands of your role.As a band director, you’re constantly balancing rehearsals, performances, administrative tasks, and student needs. It’s easy to feel like more effort is the only solution. But what if you could elevate your program and protect your time and energy?That’s exactly what this podcast is here to help you do. Over the past four seasons, we’ve connected with directors from all walks of life who have discovered smarter, more sustainable ways to run their programs. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world strategies to help you work more efficiently, prioritize what matters, and create a thriving band culture—without running yourself into the ground.Through every conversation, we break down the barriers that make this profession overwhelming and build a community where we support each other’s growth. We celebrate the wins, learn from the tough moments, and stay focused on one mission: making it possible for you to lead with impact and maintain your own well-being.Because the work you do matters—and so do you.Join us and discover how to get more done with less stress, reignite your passion, and make every day on the podium more rewarding.Tune in to the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast—where we amplify your impact, not your workload.

Health & Fitness

Mental Health

Education

Self-Improvement

Welcome to the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, where we help busy band directors amplify their impact—not their workload. This is your space to find practical strategies, fresh inspiration, and a community that understands the unique demands of your role. As a band director, you’re constantly balancing rehearsals, performances, administrative tasks, and student needs. It’s easy to feel like more effort is the only solution. But what if you could elevate your program and protect your time and energy? That’s exactly what this podcast is here to help you do. Over the past four seasons, we’ve connected with directors from all walks of life who have discovered smarter, more sustainable ways to run their programs. Each episode is packed with actionable tips and real-world strategies to help you work more efficiently, prioritize what matters, and create a thriving band culture—without running yourself into the ground. Through every conversation, we break down the barriers that make this profession overwhelming and build a community where we support each other’s growth. We celebrate the wins, learn from the tough moments, and stay focused on one mission: making it possible for you to lead with impact and maintain your own well-being. Because the work you do matters—and so do you. Join us and discover how to get more done with less stress, reignite your passion, and make every day on the podium more rewarding. Tune in to the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast—where we amplify your impact, not your workload.

Share "It Takes a Village: Why Your Local Music Store Might Be Your Program’s Secret Weapon"

Sign up to save your podcasts

"It Takes a Village: Why Your Local Music Store Might Be Your Program’s Secret Weapon"

"It Takes a Village: Why Your Local Music Store Might Be Your Program’s Secret Weapon"

More shows like Band Director Boot Camp

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!

Radiolab

This American Life

Stuff You Should Know

Almost Everything I've Learned About Teaching Band

Hidden Brain

After Sectionals

Pod Save America

The Daily

Up First from NPR

That Band Life

Teachers Off Duty

The Growing Band Director

The Mel Robbins Podcast

Band BFFs