Band Director Boot Camp

Join host Lesley Moffat in this uplifting episode of Band Director Boot Camp, where we explore the harmony between passion for music and the art of well-being. Our guest, Samantha Post, shares her unique story of combining her love for band directing with circus performance skills, and how these talents aid her in managing a chronic illness. Tune in for strategies on staying organized, using acces...

Join us as Lesley Moffat chats with Ron Castonguay about his fresh approach to sight reading with his "Tik-A Tee Method." With over 31 years of experience, Ron dives into the challenges of teaching rhythm across various ensembles and how his method streamlines learning for students and teachers alike. Discover how simplifying rhythm can not only make your teaching more effective but also inject fu...

In a heartwarming conversation, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Nathan Rødahl to "Band Director Boot Camp." Nathan, an orchestra teacher with deep roots in the band world, shares his innovative approach to fostering a sense of belonging and leadership among students. With 43 years of tradition behind him, Nathan discusses the delicate balance between maintaining high performance standards and nurturin...

In this heartfelt episode of "Band Director Boot Camp," Lesley Moffat chats with Jennie Rhimes about navigating the complexities of being a music educator and a mother amidst personal loss. Jenny shares how she embraced flexibility, learned to accept imperfection, and found strength after becoming unexpectedly widowed while raising five children. Her story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with Mary Cogswell, a seasoned band director with 33 years of experience, to discuss strategies for increasing student retention and engagement. Mary shares insights into her journey as a music educator and the creative resources she has developed to support young musicians and their families. From customizing method books to enga...

In this enriching episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat invites Ashley Cuthbertson to delve into the concept of culturally responsive music education. With a passion for equipping K12 music teachers to foster an equitable learning environment, Ashley discusses the importance of adapting music instruction to the cultural backgrounds and experiences of students. She emphasizes that...

This episode of Band Director Boot Camp is a must-listen as Lesley Moffat welcomes Lindsey Ogilvy Astle, an expert in transforming the energy of young musicians into productive rehearsal time. Discover how mindfulness can not only enhance the learning environment but also significantly reduce teacher stress. Join us for an inspiring conversation that dives deep into practical strategies for bringi...

In this eye-opening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, join Lesley Moffat as she delves into the gender dynamics within the band directing world with Dr. Amy J. Bovin. They discuss the results of a pivotal study on the experiences of female band directors, revealing the startling challenges related to sexism, ageism, and discrimination they face. Tune in to uncover the hidden hurdles, but also th...

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...

In this episode, Lesley Moffat welcomes guest Jeff Ausdemore, a music educator with over two decades of experience and the author of the book "Breathe, Grow, Share." Jeff shares the inspiration behind his book, which aims to support music educators in maintaining their well-being and finding balance in their profession. The book is divided into three sections: Breathe, Grow, and Share, each addres...

In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host, Lesley Moffat, welcomes the accomplished Erin Keaton-Howard, founder of the Formation Wind Band, composer, music educator, and conductor. Together, they delve into the profound topic of authenticity and its impact on a band director's career longevity and personal well-being. Erin emphasizes that authenticity involves showing up gen...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat is joined by Dr. Matthew Smith, a band director with 15 years of experience. Dr. Smith shares his journey into becoming a band director and how he discovered the importance of prioritizing his health and well-being. They discuss three specific strategies that have helped Dr. Smith improve his health and productivity: meal prep, using a well...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat sits down with Peter Sciaino, a band director with 27 years of experience and the creator of the United System. This innovative system is designed to provide greater flexibility and allow for differentiation in band or group lesson settings, addressing the challenge of teaching students with varying skill levels in the same class....

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Lisa Ray, a veteran high school band director entering her 39th year of teaching. Lisa shares her insights and experiences on maintaining wellness while thriving in the demanding world of band directing. She emphasizes the importance of taking care of oneself to prevent burnout and ensure longevity in the profession. Lis...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat welcomes Roger Fletcher, a composer and former band director with 30 years of experience. Roger has introduced a groundbreaking approach to music education through his creation of "tiered tunes." These tunes offer multiple levels of difficulty, enabling band directors to effectively teach students with varying abilities and skill...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Tucker Rother, a young and passionate band director with valuable insights for those starting their careers in music education. Tucker shares his unique experiences as a third-year band director, highlighting the challenges and strategies he's developed to maintain a healthy and productive balance in the demanding world...

In this episode of Band Director Bootcamp, your host Lesley Moffat is joined by the King of Productivity and Wellness for band directors, Scott Rush. With over 28 years of experience as a band director, Scott Rush is the author of multiple books and a team lead for the Habits series at GIA Publications. Lesley and Scott discuss the journey that led Scott to become a band director and a prolific au...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat interviews Eric Combs, a veteran band director and author. Eric shares his journey from being a shy student to becoming a passionate band director. He reveals his innovative approach to lesson planning that has allowed his band program to flourish.

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat sits down with special guest Dan Austin, a band director with over two decades of experience. They dive into a discussion about maintaining a healthier work-life balance and the positive impact it can have on both the director and the music program. Dan shares his journey from a non-traditional path to becoming a band director and...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes special guest Lia Poole, a band director with a unique perspective on balancing wellness and success in the field. Lia, who teaches at Corvallis High School in Oregon, shares her journey from an intense, tightly controlled approach to one that centers on self-care and delegation. Lia's story is a powerful reminder that the dem...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat chats with Cori Smith, a rising star in the music education field. Cori teaches at Curtis Junior High School and is deeply involved in various musical ensembles around the Puget Sound area. She shares three practical tips that have enhanced her rehearsals and teaching approach. Evaluate Without Judgment: Cori draws inspiration from the...

In this encore episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with guest Bart Roberts to discuss practical strategies for tackling the organizational challenges that many band directors face. Bart shares his journey of transforming from a pile-driven chaos to an organized and efficient classroom. He introduces two student organizational tips that have revolutionized his teaching...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, your host Lesley Moffat engages in a conversation with music teacher and composer Bill Miller. Bill shares his journey from a passionate composer to a music educator and the struggles he faced with recruitment, maintaining time for his own composition, and achieving a healthy work-life balance. He discusses how his experiences led him to prioritize his w...

In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat brings in Dr. Frank Buck, an experienced band director, administrator, and productivity consultant. Dr. Buck specializes in organization and time management, sharing practical strategies to help busy band directors regain control of their time and surroundings. Dr. Buck introduces the concept of the "Tickler File," a powerfu...

In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat invites Dr. Lori Schwartz Reichl to discuss how band directors can unlock their creativity and find balance in their lives. Dr. Reichl shares three key changes that can transform the way band directors approach their profession and personal well-being. The Power of "No": Dr. Reichl emphasizes that saying "no" doesn't necessarily mean r...