"Fun, Fundamentals, and First Weeks: Dr. Scott Watson’s Back-to-School Boost for Band...

In this high-energy, strategy-packed episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes veteran music educator, composer, and clinician Dr. Scott Watson to share his go-to ideas for launching the school year with purpose, playfulness, and less overwhelm.
Whether you’re on day one or deep into the semester, this episode offers practical advice to help you set the tone, build routines that work, and reconnect with your students in meaningful ways. Scott shares classroom-tested games and challenges that boost engagement and reinforce fundamentals without sacrificing musical rigor.
🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why “There’s always next week” might be the motto you needHow games like King of the Hill, BPS (Best Possible Sound), and the Three-Time Rule can transform your rehearsalsThe power of warm-ups, consistent routines, and nonverbal cuesHow to create a safe environment where students can take risks and support each otherWhy asking for help and learning from mentors isn’t just okay—it’s essentialLesley and Scott also talk about how teaching has changed over the decades, how to meet students where they are, and why your early investment in expectations and culture pays off all year long.
Bonus: Scott is generously sharing a Google Doc with 50 rehearsal games and challenges you can start using this week. Check the link in the show notes!
Mentioned in This Episode:
Scott Watson’s music & resources: ScottWatsonMusic.comFree download of 50 rehearsal games: Link in show notesSponsors: mPowered Music Educator Academy and Kennelly Keys Music