In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Bridget Stepan, a 6th grade beginning band director from North Dakota. Bridget shares her unique journey in music education, from her own experiences as a student with a revolving door of band directors to her current role as a teacher. She discusses the challenges she faced in teaching combined classes and how she found innovative solutions to engage her students and promote their growth. Bridget emphasizes the importance of being the person she needed when she was her students' age, modeling vulnerability, and fostering a culture of progress over perfection. She also shares practical advice for new band teachers to make their work more sustainable.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Bridget Stepan, a 6th grade beginning band director from North Dakota. Bridget shares her unique journey in music education, from her own experiences as a student with a revolving door of band directors to her current role as a teacher. She discusses the challenges she faced in teaching combined classes and how she found innovative solutions to engage her students and promote their growth. Bridget emphasizes the importance of being the person she needed when she was her students' age, modeling vulnerability, and fostering a culture of progress over perfection. She also shares practical advice for new band teachers to make their work more sustainable.

"Progress, Not Perfection: A Journey of Growth and Vulnerability in Music Education with Bridget Stepan"

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.

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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.

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"Progress, Not Perfection: A Journey of Growth and Vulnerability in Music Education with Bridget Stepan"

"Progress, Not Perfection: A Journey of Growth and Vulnerability in Music Education with Bridget Stepan"

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