Recruit, Recharge & Rock the Room: Beating Burnout and Finding Joy in Teaching

Friday, January 23, 2026
4:00 PM - 4:45 PM

Description
Being a band or orchestra director is a balancing act-recruiting new students, keeping the program strong, managing expectations, and somehow still finding time to teach with passion. In this session, we will dive into practical strategies for building your program, avoiding burnout, and leaning on mentorship to stay inspired. Most importantly, we'll talk about the power of closing the door, blocking out the noise, and focusing on what really matters-making music with your students. Whether you're a first-year teacher, in the middle of your career, or a seasoned veteran, this session will leave you feeling recharged, motivated, and ready to rock your rehearsal room!
Speakers
Kristin Blanchard
Eric Clauder
Grant Prater
Learning Objective 1
Participants will develop practical strategies for recruiting and retaining students, managing burnout and utilizing mentorship to maintain a sustainable and fulfilling career while discovering the joy of teaching music.
Learning Objective 2
Participants will learn how to create a healthy work-life balance by setting boundaries, prioritizing their well-being and embracing the power of closing their doors to focus on meaningful, high-quality music making with their students.
Learning Objective 3
Participants will explore effective rehearsal techniques and engagement strategies that foster a positive classroom environment, helping to retain students and keep their passion for music alive.
Session Level
Middle School/Junior High, High School