Band Director Boot Camp

In this first episode of Backstage: The Hidden Workload of the Performing Arts, a special mini-series of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat pulls back the curtain on one of the biggest equity gaps in our schools—the overwhelming administrative burden placed on music educators.While teachers in other subject areas are supported by district-approved AI tools, performing arts teachers are still stuck drowning in logistics, trip planning, budgets, late-night emails, and endless paperwork. Lesley shares why this isn’t just a teacher problem, but a support problem—and how music supervisors can make a real difference without adding to their own plates.You’ll learn:Why “I love my job, but it’s killing me” is such a common refrain among music teachersHow administrative overload leads to burnout and turnoverWhy AI solutions designed specifically for performing arts educators (like Backstage Buddy) are game-changing for districtsWhat supervisors can do to retain staff, reduce overwhelm, and finally give music educators the support they deserveIf you’ve ever wondered how to be the hero your music teachers need while lightening your own load, this episode will show you what’s possible.

In this inspiring episode of the Band Director Boot Camp Podcast, host Lesley Moffat welcomes singer-songwriter, TEDx speaker, and youth empowerment coach Emma G. Her story is nothing short of remarkable—born with hydrocephalus and having undergone 23 brain surgeries, Emma found healing and purpose through songwriting. Now she helps others do the same.Lesley and Emma dive into:How music supported Emma’s physical and emotional healingWhy songwriting is such a powerful tool for student expression, especially post-COVIDThe neuroscience behind music’s ability to rewire the brainEmma’s experience working with students (including Lesley’s!) to help them process emotions through musicTips for band directors and music teachers to bring songwriting into the classroom—even without a formal songwriting backgroundIf you’ve ever watched a student struggle with big emotions or felt your own burnout creeping in, this episode will renew your belief in the transformative power of music. Plus, Emma shares actionable steps to start songwriting and discusses her new book Mental Health Sounds Like This.Learn more at emmagmusic.com and connect with her on all socials @emmagmusic.

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 student leadership becomes essential—and why she pays her leadersWhy game day is a 14-hour marathon that requires hydration planning, mental prep, and physical staminaThe call for collaboration: Megan invites other collegiate directors to help create resources for those entering this unique career pathIf you're curious about the college track—or helping others succeed in it—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and a passionate call to support the next generation of music educators.

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 and instant visual feedback for student growthSupports differentiation, SPED, and ELL learners with built-in data collectionReinforces concepts alongside method books—even for beginnersProvides powerful data for teacher evaluations and administrative conversationsWhether you're new to tech or a seasoned pro, this episode will show you how to use sight reading not just to prep for performance, but to foster independence and confidence in every student.https://sightreadingfactory.com

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. Bill shares heartfelt stories of growing up in the industry, honoring his father's legacy, and how mentorship and service have driven his success.Listeners will walk away with a renewed appreciation for the behind-the-scenes heroes who keep music education thriving, along with specific ideas for how to build or strengthen these vital community relationships.

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 fit rather than blaming yourself. Shannon talks candidly about the challenges of transitioning from elementary music to higher education, and how resilience was born out of necessity.The episode also offers tangible wellness advice and encouragement to band directors seeking sustainable, joyful careers. Shannon shares four powerful wellness tips—including the life-changing power of sleep—and speaks about the community-building magic of side projects like her Beer City Winds ensemble. Whether you’re navigating burnout or dreaming of your next professional step, this conversation will help you feel seen, supported, and inspired.website: www.shannonshaker.comemail: shannonshaker@grcc.edu

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 time.The conversation also highlights Erin’s work as a composer creating flex-band music that fills important gaps in the repertoire—especially for underrepresented cultures and low brass players (finally!). With pieces like Tick, Tick, Tick and Perilous Seas, she’s writing music that’s playable, meaningful, and memorable.In this episode, you’ll learn:🎶 Why front-loading parent communication is like meal prepping for your sanity🎶 Simple formatting tips that help families actually read your emails🎶 How to use AI tools like ChatGPT to save time and write better emails🎶 Why representation matters in band literature—and how Erin is contributing🎶 Where to find her published flex and culturally inspired band piecesResources Mentioned:Erin’s music on JW Pepper (search: “Tick, Tick, Tick” and “Perilous Seas”)Additional works via Leading Tones MusicFree PD and ChatGPT tools at mPowered Music Educator Academy