In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat is joined by Katie Lewis, an experienced middle school band director from Texas. Katie shares her journey to becoming a band director and provides valuable insights into how she balances her role as a mom, educator, and musician. The episode focuses on Katie's innovative approach called "Rhythm Racers," a music education tool that not only engages students but also enhances productivity in the classroom. Katie explains the concept of Rhythm Racers, which consists of rhythm lines divided into 10 levels of increasing complexity. Students work on these rhythm lines individually, and their progress is tracked using a virtual scoreboard. The activity is highly adaptable and asynchronous, allowing each student to progress at their own pace. It's a routine that helps start each class on a musical and productive note. Lesley and Katie emphasize the importance of routines and the positive impact they can have on both teachers and students. Katie also shares how involving her own children in band-related activities fosters a deeper understanding of her profession and strengthens the bond between her family and her students. Listeners are encouraged to explore Rhythm Racers further by checking out the provided links in the show notes. Katie's generosity in sharing this resource with the band community is a testament to her commitment to music education and collaboration. In summary, this episode offers practical tips and a creative teaching tool that can benefit music educators looking to engage their students, enhance productivity, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

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Link to Rhythm Racers:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScvHORtACZuTHUXrpcZ3E7Itsb5kk12yj3Lj-ysU3jFw-LPOA/viewform