Bobby is sick so in this episode Jeff's co-host is Dennis Crystal, Director of Bands at Newbury Park High School in Thousand Oaks, California.  They talk about sessions that look exciting at Midwest this year and Jazz at the Bands of America Summer Camp.

We’re excited to be at the Midwest Clinic next week, and we want to share the experience with you! We’re inviting a few listeners to join us for a special dinner in Chicago. If you’d like to be considered for the That Band Life Dinner Meetup, just email [email protected]. We will choose some listeners to join us at dinner. We’d love to hang out and connect with you in person!

That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

In this episode, Jeff and Bobby talk with Dr. James Weaver, the newly appointed CEO and President of Music for All and a nationally respected leader in arts education. He is passionate about ensuring students in every community have access to life-changing musical experiences.
 
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

In this episode, Jeff and Bobby dive into the tough choices every band director faces — balancing what’s best for individual students with what’s best for the overall program. Learn how to make clear, confident, and compassionate decisions that keep your students growing and your program thriving.
 
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

Jeff and Bobby discuss ten high-impact strategies to help marching band directors make the most of October — the critical final stretch of the season. From maximizing GE and cleaning the “low-hanging fruit” to mastering show-day routines, these tips will help your ensemble finish stronger than ever.
 
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

Jeff and Bobby discuss lessons learned in the first month back to school. One in four college freshmen drop out—and the same is true in band: some kids quit. That doesn’t make you a bad director. In this episode, we talk defining success on your own terms, listening without catering, finding peace instead of comfort, and surviving the school bureaucracy that drives us all crazy.
 
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

This is the time to reflect on the successes and shortcomings of the year and plan accordingly while it is fresh in your mind.  We all need space from work, I know I do, but this should be a fun activity that will remind you why you do ALL you do. 
 
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

Bobby and Jeff talk about things that “slip through the cracks” at work and in our personal lives. Who pays the price?
 
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

Email Jeff if you want to enter to win dinner with Dynamic Marching at Midwest!*
Also... Jeff and Bobby present a preview of what to see and hear at the 2024 Midwest Clinic.
*Must be attending Midwest and available Thursday December 19th, 2024 at 7:00PM.
Resources can be found here.
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

Jeff, Bobby, and Dani talk about the basics of adjudication (and some advanced topics) regarding the fall marching band season.
Resources can be found here.
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library 

Jeff and Bobby talk about how important the "gut check" is in the middle of the fall marching band season.
Resources can be found here.
That Band Life

• Be less stressed and more ORGANIZED
• Become an ACCOMPLISHED communicator
• Improve relationships with parents and students.
• Feel more relaxed, organized, and fulfilled.
• Be a part of a COMMUNITY of dynamic educators.

Intro Music
Nostalgia by Tobu, CC BY 3.0, Music promoted by Audio Library