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.com

email: shannonshaker@grcc.edu

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’ll hear about the upcoming release of her next book, The Balanced Band Director, as well as exciting new resources like Band Director Buddy GPTs and Get Sh*t Done sessions to help you save time and energy while doing your best work.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

🎉 Why this podcast was created (and how it’s grown into a movement)

📚 A sneak peek at Lesley’s upcoming book and what makes it different

💡 How AI is transforming how directors manage their programs

🧠 The mindset shift every busy teacher needs

🎺 Heartfelt gratitude to the guests, listeners, and mentors who made this milestone possible

This episode is packed with personal stories, behind-the-scenes insights, and a powerful invitation to be part of what’s next. Whether you’ve been here since episode one or just found us, thank you for being part of this journey. You are the reason it matters.

Resources & Links:

• Band Director Buddy GPT Tools
• Join the mPowered Music Educator Academy
• Kennelly Keys Music – Proud Platinum Sponsor

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 pieces

Resources Mentioned:

• Erin’s music on JW Pepper (search: “Tick, Tick, Tick” and “Perilous Seas”)
• Additional works via Leading Tones Music
• Free PD and ChatGPT tools at mPowered Music Educator Academy