Band Director Boot Camp
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 connect...
"From Burnout to Joy: The Journey to Becoming a Happy Music Teacher"
In this heartfelt and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by Jeanette Mihalchik, host of The Happy Music Teacher podcast and YouTube channel. Jeanette shares her journey from total overwhelm and burnout—sitting on the classroom floor wondering if she could keep going—to becoming a thriving, joy-filled educator committed to helping others rediscover their spark.
Together, Lesley and Jeanette explore:
The realities of entering teaching through the “back door” and learning on the flyWhat to do when the job feels unsustainable—even if you love the kidsWhy movement, brain brea..."From Scratch to Stadium: What It Really Takes to Build a College Band Program"
In this revealing episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to share the behind-the-scenes reality of starting a collegiate band program from scratch. From budgeting to branding to building leadership, Megan walks us through the surprising and often overlooked responsibilities of life as a college band director.
You’ll learn:
Why collegiate band directors operate more like small business owners than conductorsThe difference between high school and college support systems (no band boosters!)The logistical demands of designing uniforms, managing million-dollar budgets, and insuring equipmentHow st..."Books That Breathe Life Into Teaching: Glenn Williams on Reflection, Rehearsal, and Relationships"
In this heartfelt episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley reconnects with longtime friend and veteran educator Glenn Williams to talk about three transformative books that every music teacher should consider reading—or rereading. With decades of experience leading high school bands, mentoring student teachers, and shaping music education culture, Glenn shares how these books shaped his career and can help you recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your purpose.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
The power of The Last Lecture and defining your “dash”Why The Art of Possibility can reshape your classroom culture (yes, even rule..."Smarter Sight Reading: Tools That Save Time and Build Lifelong Musicians"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with Don Crafton, founder and CEO of Sight Reading Factory, to explore how this innovative platform helps band directors save time, reduce stress, and build stronger music literacy in their students.
Don shares how his own frustrations as a band director led him to create a customizable, algorithm-based tool that allows for fresh sight reading exercises every time. You’ll learn how Sight Reading Factory:
Eliminates the chaos of paper sight reading materialsMakes daily sight reading realistic and time-efficient (even just 5 minutes!)Offers auto-assessment an..."Move Your Body, Change Your Life: Sustainable Fitness for Busy Band Directors"
In this energizing and practical episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat is joined by fitness expert Jonathan Simos, who shares easy, sustainable strategies for weaving exercise into even the busiest teaching schedule. Jonathan opens up about his journey from injury-prone teenager to Guinness World Record holder and certified trainer—showing how fitness transformed his body, mindset, and life.
Lesley and Jonathan dive into the parallels between building a healthy body and teaching music: mastering fundamentals, staying consistent, and doing things the right way to prevent damage. Whether you are brand new to exercise or...
"It Takes a Village: Why Your Local Music Store Might Be Your Program’s Secret Weapon"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with Bill Kennelly of Kennelly Keys Music—a longtime friend of music education and sponsor of Season 4—to talk about how relationships with independent music stores can transform your program, reduce your workload, and support your students in meaningful ways.
Lesley and Bill discuss how music stores can be more than just suppliers—they can be true partners. From picking up and repairing instruments, to sponsoring festivals, to showing up at school board meetings to advocate for music education, the support goes far beyond sales...
"Managing Your Energy: How M.J. Robinson Stays Positive Without the Toxic Positivity"
In this energizing episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, Lesley Moffat sits down with M.J. Robinson—band director, mom, and President-Elect of Women Band Directors International—to discuss how managing your energy can transform not only your teaching but your entire life.
M.J. shares her journey from quiet wallflower to confident educator and leader, crediting the power of community, mentorship, and intentional mindset work. This episode is packed with practical strategies for navigating toxic work environments, setting energetic boundaries, and reclaiming joy in the classroom. M.J. opens up about the importance of rese...
"From Burnout to Breakthrough: Dr. Shannon Shaker on Resilience, Community, and Redefining Success"
In this milestone episode of the Band Director Boot Camp podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes—as her 100th guest—the inspiring Dr. Shannon Shaker—assistant professor and Director of Bands at Grand Rapids Community College.
In a conversation full of honesty and heart, Shannon shares how she forged her own unique path to the podium, from early years in poverty and working at McDonald's to earning her doctorate in wind conducting.
Lesley and Shannon dive into topics many music educators will relate to—impostor syndrome, surviving toxic work environments, and the importance of finding the right fi...
"100 Episodes of Impact: Celebrating the Journey, the Joy, and What’s Next"
It’s a milestone moment! In this very special 100th episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat reflects on two years of podcasting, over 22,000 downloads, and the incredible community of music educators that made it all possible.
This episode is more than a celebration—it’s a recommitment to the mission of helping band directors amplify their impact, not their workload. Lesley shares the story behind starting the podcast in May 2023, what she’s learned from 100 powerful conversations, and how her background in teaching, AI tools, and sustainable systems fuels the work she does today.
You...
"Parent Communication, Flex Music, and Middle School Magic with Erin Lilliefors"
In this high-energy episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by middle school band director, composer, and organizational powerhouse Erin Lilliefors. Erin shares her practical strategies for keeping communication clear and effective with parents—an area that often causes stress for music educators.
Drawing on 15 years of experience in diverse school settings and the real-life juggling act of being a single mom, Erin reveals how front-loading information, formatting for clarity, and sharing positive student shout-outs can transform your relationships with families. You'll also hear how she uses ChatGPT to streamline messaging and save ti...
"Building Wellness and Sustainability in Music Education with Elisa Janson Jones"
In this inspiring episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes music educator, author, podcaster, and wellness advocate Elisa Janson Jones. Elisa shares her journey from business consultant to music education leader and dives deep into why personal wellness is the foundation for a sustainable and impactful teaching career.
Lesley and Elisa explore actionable wellness strategies—like daily exercise, personalized nutrition, and strong mindset practices—and discuss the importance of energy management and realistic expectations. Elisa also introduces listeners to the Music Teacher Guild, a groundbreaking professional learning community offering mentorship, custom AI resources, and targ...
"Creating Safer Classrooms: Boundaries, Wellness, and Advocacy with Megan Farison"
In this courageous and deeply impactful episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat is joined by music educator, memoirist, and advocate Megan Farison. Megan opens up about the personal story behind her memoir Dissonance and shares her mission to help educators establish safer, more supportive classroom cultures.
Together, Lesley and Megan tackle some of the hard conversations our profession needs to be having—including how to set and maintain healthy boundaries, why music educators are in uniquely vulnerable positions, and how to cultivate an emotionally safe environment for both students and teachers.
...
"It's Never Too Late to Begin Again: Creativity, Confidence, and Career Shifts with Nancy Erickson Lamont"
In this inspiring episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat chats with Nancy Erickson Lamont, a Washington-based choir director, music educator, and accomplished jazz vocalist. Nancy’s journey proves that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—whether you're 40, 50, or 60. After taking time off to raise a family, she returned to school, launched a teaching career in her 50s, and released multiple albums as a singer-songwriter.
Lesley and Nancy dive into how reclaiming your creative passions can boost mental health, reduce burnout, and set a powerful example for students. Nancy shares the three...
"Running the Distance: Balancing Band Directing and Marathons"
In this energizing episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat chats with Erin Mahr, a band director who's made it her mission to run a marathon or half marathon in all 50 states. Lesley and Erin discuss the challenge of balancing a demanding career with personal wellness and how engaging in activities like marathon running can significantly enhance one's physical and mental health.
Erin shares her journey from a band director overwhelmed by her profession to becoming a goal-setting marathon runner who values self-care and scheduling.
Discover practical strategies for integrating personal...
"Streamlining Band Rehearsals with Innovative Tech"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat invites Tory Smith, a guitarist and manager of two cover bands, to discuss a groundbreaking tool designed to enhance rehearsal efficiency and performance confidence for musicians. Smith introduces a smart teleprompter that discreetly supports musicians by displaying lyrics and chords, reducing stress and organizational chaos commonly experienced in managing music sheets and performances. This tool, barely out in the market, promises to revolutionize how rehearsals and live performances are conducted by using features like wireless synchronization, color coding, auto transposing, and real-time lyric sharing through QR codes. Additionally...
"Empowering Women in Band Directing: Overcoming Obstacles and Building Mentorship"
In this insightful episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, Lesley Moffat hosts Professor Stephanie Sanders, a seasoned music educator and advocate for women in band directing. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of women in a predominantly male field, highlighting the importance of resilience, representation, and mentorship. Professor Sanders shares her personal journey, starting from her early inspiration by a female band director to her extensive career as the director of bands at Norfolk State University. She discusses overcoming stereotypes and misconceptions while promoting the importance of support networks and mentorship programs to uplift women...
"Creating Together in Excellence: Resources for Music Educators"
In this episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Heather Hoefle, a retired music educator, composer, and clinician, to discuss her innovative resource, Together in Excellence. This platform is designed to support music teachers by providing accessible ensemble music that fosters student success and engagement. Heather shares her journey from facing challenges in finding suitable music for young musicians to creating compositions that cater to varying skill levels. The conversation covers the benefits of the ABC convertible format, strategies for engaging students, and the importance of having flexible music resources in diverse educational settings.<...
"Empowering Women in Music Education: Building Supportive Networks"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat talks with Dr. Amy Bovin about the importance of building strong, supportive communities for women in music education. Dr. Bovin shares her personal experiences and the significance of mentorship, specifically highlighting the benefits of Women Band Directors International (WBDI). The discussion covers overcoming isolation, embracing girl power, and actionable steps for fostering supportive networks. Dr. Bovin’s journey from feeling out of place to leading initiatives that support female music educators is a powerful testament to the importance of community and mentorship in the field.
Key Ta...
"Cover Your Basses: Navigating Copyright in Music Education"
In this engaging episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat teams up with Andrea Pelloquin, a former music educator turned attorney, to delve into the complex world of copyright laws relevant to music education. Andrea shares her journey from the music industry to law school, fueled by her passion to demystify copyright for educators. They discuss common scenarios where band directors might inadvertently infringe copyright, such as photocopying music or arranging pieces without permission, and offer practical advice on how to stay within legal boundaries. The conversation also covers digital rights, the impact of streaming performances, and...
"Revolutionizing Band Directing with ChatGPT: Productivity & Creativity Unleashed"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat sits down with middle school band director and tech enthusiast Keith Ozsvath to explore the transformative power of ChatGPT for busy music educators. Keith shares how he uses ChatGPT to streamline his professional life, from creating rubrics and program notes to designing innovative classroom tools. They discuss real-world applications of AI to save time, reduce stress, and enhance teaching, all while maintaining high standards of instruction. Lesley and Keith dive into practical tips, share success stories, and outline how AI can be like having a "band mom in...
"Transforming Scars into Stars: Trauma, Healing, and Resilience in Education with Joey Weisler"
In this powerful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat is joined by Joey Weisler, educator, trauma-based scholar, and host of Classroom Narratives, Healing in Education. Joey brings his unique perspective on managing trauma and burnout, drawn from his own experiences with the tragic events at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School and his journey through personal and professional healing.
Lesley and Joey delve into the importance of creating safe spaces for students and educators to process trauma. They explore how music, narrative, and mindfulness can be powerful tools for recovery and resilience, sharing practical techniques like...
"Advocacy, Mentoring, and Lifelong Learning with Lynn Brinckmeyer"
In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes Lynn Brinckmeyer—a music educator, advocate, and life coach with an impressive career spanning state and national leadership. Lynn shares her journey from being a clarinet player to becoming a national advocate for music education, along with valuable strategies from her books like Wander the World with Warm-Ups and Advocate for Music.
This conversation covers how advocacy starts in the classroom and the power of making students, parents, and administrators your biggest supporters. Lesley and Lynn also explore practical ways to increase student recruitment and re...
"Balancing Band Directing and Life: Wellness Tips from Dr. Tim Sexton"
In this enlightening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by Dr. Tim Sexton, brass instructor with the Blue Coats and Associate Director of Bands at Tarpon Springs Leadership Conservatory for the Arts. Fresh from his recent marriage, Dr. Sexton shares invaluable insights on managing a busy summer schedule, the importance of downtime, and strategies for maintaining balance between professional commitments and personal life. This conversation is packed with practical tips for band directors at all stages of their careers, focusing on the necessity of prioritizing personal well-being alongside professional responsibilities.
"Empowering Music Educators with Ronald Kearns"
In this compelling episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Ronald Kearns, a seasoned music educator and author of influential books aimed at enhancing the capabilities of music teachers. Ronald shares invaluable insights from his extensive career and his series of books, which serve as essential resources for music educators navigating the multifaceted challenges of teaching band, orchestra, and jazz.
Key Points Covered:
Ronald Kearns' journey from a drum major to a revered music educator and author.Discussion on the spectrum of responsibilities that music educators face, which go beyond musical instruction to..."Orchestrating Success: Commissioning New Music for Your Band"
In this enlightening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Del Hubers, a veteran band director with over 40 years of experience, to demystify the process of commissioning new music. Del shares his extensive experience in enriching student engagement and enhancing music programs through commissioned works, highlighting the transformative impact on both students and the school community.
Key Points Covered:
Introduction to the benefits and process of commissioning music for school bands.Del Hubers shares insights on starting with commissioning, including practical tips for engaging composers and managing budgets.Discussion on how commissioned works..."Streamlining Classroom Management with Lesson Launch Pad"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat discusses innovative solutions to common classroom management challenges with Cassie and Michael Tucker, the creators of Lesson Launch Pad. This web-based application helps educators automate routine tasks like displaying daily agendas and managing class timers, significantly reducing decision-making fatigue.
Key Points Covered:
Introduction to Lesson Launch Pad and its key features.How automating certain classroom functions can save time and reduce stress for teachers.Specific features of Lesson Launch Pad that enhance classroom organization and efficiency.Benefits for Listeners:
Learn how to use..."Enhancing Band Rehearsals with Innovative Tech"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Chris Kaatz, Assistant Director of Bands at Stephen F. Austin State University and co-creator of the Cue Rehearsal Techniques App. Chris shares insights into how technology can streamline music rehearsals and improve productivity. He discusses the challenges music educators face and how his app helps tackle these by providing structured rehearsal techniques and enhancing student accountability.
Key Discussions:
The common struggles music educators face and how technology can help.An overview of the Cue Rehearsal Techniques App and its impact on music rehearsals.Practical..."Breaking Out of the Rut: Innovative Approaches for Music Educators"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat is joined by Bill Miller, a seasoned composer and educator known for his active involvement in music classrooms through various clinics and private instruction. Bill shares insights from his recent observations in different music education settings, discussing common challenges and offering practical strategies for music educators who might feel stuck or overwhelmed.
Key Discussions:
The common challenges that music educators face today, including limited resources and high expectations.Bill's personal journey through music education, providing a unique perspective on overcoming professional ruts.Practical steps for..."Harnessing Tech for Band Class Efficiency"
Join host Lesley Moffat in this informative episode of Band Director Boot Camp, where she welcomes James Hargreaves, the Associate Band Director at Smithson Valley Middle School. With nearly two decades of experience, James shares transformative tips on using technology to streamline classroom management and administrative tasks. Dive into the world of spreadsheets, Google Forms, and other digital tools that can significantly reduce your workload and enhance productivity.
Key Discussions:
James's journey from a paper-based system to mastering digital tools for efficient classroom management.Tips for using Google Sheets to manage student information, event planning, and..."Streamlining Success: Classroom Organization for Band Directors"
In this enlightening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Monica Camp, a middle school orchestra teacher with a master's in conducting and a recent winner of the regional Music Educator of the Year award. Monica shares invaluable insights on organizing the classroom for the new school year, including innovative strategies for classroom décor that doubles as functional aids and creative approaches to managing classroom space. She discusses how preparing the classroom environment can significantly enhance teaching effectiveness and student learning.
You can also check out Monica’s fantastic resources:
🎼...
"Harmonizing Technology and Music Education with Jean McKen"
In this episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat invites Jean McKen to discuss her groundbreaking application, Breezin Thru Theory. Jean, who has spent three decades as a band, choir, and orchestra director, shares her journey from the early days of MIDI to developing a comprehensive music theory application. This tool has transformed how students engage with music theory, making learning interactive and accessible from any device, anywhere. Jean explains how this app not only supports diverse learning styles but also provides teachers with powerful insights into student progress, all through a user-friendly interface. Tune in to discover...
"Streamlining Band Management with Cut Time"
In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat is joined by Rick Ghinelli, who shares revolutionary tools to streamline the management of band programs. With his extensive background in music education and his role at Cut Time, Rick introduces the new generation of Cut Time software designed to enhance efficiency in handling musical inventories, student attendance, and finances. He discusses how these innovative solutions can save music educators countless hours and help them focus more on teaching rather than administrative tasks. Discover how integrating technology like Cut Time can transform your music program management and bring...
"Harmonizing Life: The Power of Mindfulness in Music Education"
In today's episode of Band Director Boot Camp, join your host, Lesley Moffat, as she explores the profound impact of mindfulness on personal well-being and teaching practices with Elizabeth Weismehl. With 30 years of experience in teaching music across all age groups, Elizabeth shares her transformative journey towards a more vibrant and purposeful life through mindfulness practices. Discover how integrating simple yet powerful routines like gratitude reflections, mindful breathing, and setting daily intentions can lead to increased productivity and a positive classroom atmosphere. Elizabeth's story is a testament to the power of self-care in enriching both personal life and professional...
"Crafting Success: Empowering Student Teachers"
In this insightful episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat sits down with David Duarte, an experienced band director and arts administrator with over three decades in education. David shares an innovative approach to student teaching that prioritizes reflection and growth, drawn from his own rich experience and his recent work in Washougal High School and as host of Yamaha's Music for All podcast, Culture Before Content. Discover how David's student teaching framework can transform the mentorship experience, ensuring student teachers not only learn but thrive as they step into their own classrooms. This conversation is a must-listen...
"The Resilient Director: Navigating Longevity in Music Education"
In this heartening episode of Band Director Boot Camp, host Lesley Moffat welcomes Bill Stevens, a seasoned band director with a 22-year tenure. Bill shares his journey from his unexpected start in a high school band to battling a life-altering condition that threatened to derail his passion and career. Despite these challenges, Bill provides insightful strategies that have helped him maintain a fruitful career and balance. He delves into how he navigated the tough times, managed his condition, and what he has learned about longevity in music education. Listeners will leave with actionable advice on dealing with personal challenges...
"Circus Skills and Symphony Thrills: A Conductor's Journey to Wellness"
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 accessibility tech, and maintaining physical wellness—all set to the tune of an inspiring life symphony.
"Unlocking Rhythm: The Tik-A Tee Method Unveiled"
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 fun into learning music. If you've ever wrestled with the intricacies of sight reading in your classroom, this episode offers insights that could transform your teaching strategy.
More information on the book release and...
"Harmony in Leadership: Orchestrating Inclusivity"
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 nurturing a collaborative and inclusive classroom culture. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for music educators on cultivating student-led practices, prioritizing collective growth over competition, and redefining success beyond trophies and grades.
"Harmonizing Life: A Conductor's Journey Through Grief and Growth"
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 power of support in the face of adversity. Tune in for practical insights on integrating the roles of teacher, parent, and individual. #MusicEducatorWellness #TeachingResilience #ParentTeacherLife #BandDirectorSupport #EducatorSelfCare
"Harmonizing Community and Classroom"
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 engaging families with unique at-home music challenges, Mary emphasizes the importance of personalizing the music education experience. She also introduces the 'Beginning Band Adaptable Series,' a flexible resource tailored for varying levels of beginning band students. Tune...
