Being a band director—especially in a top-tier, highly competitive program—often comes with huge sacrifices. Long hours, missed personal events, and constant pressure to excel can take a toll. In this episode, we sit down with Kim Shuttlesworth to talk about the realities of high-level band directing and the sacrifices many educators make to sustain these programs.

But it doesn’t have to be all-consuming. Kim shares insights on how to set boundaries, prioritize relationships, and create a sustainable career in music education—without sacrificing your passion or your program’s success.

We know this one conversation won’t solve every challenge band directors face, but we hope it sparks more discussion and encourages positive change. Most importantly, if you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Let’s keep this conversation going.

🎧 Tune in for a candid conversation on finding balance in the world of competitive band directing!

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Hosts: Dr. John Pasquale and Dr. David Clemmer

Producers: Jessica Pasquale and Theresa Clemmer