While a music education degree should provide a strong foundation in pedagogy, conducting, and music theory, the first year as a band director is often a rude awakening. New directors soon discover that the day-to-day work involves a host of challenges—from complex budget negotiations to equipment logistics and parent management—for which they received little, if any, formal training.
 
This book is a practical, survival guide for navigating the unwritten realities of the job. It moves beyond the rehearsal hall to address the critical, non-musical skills needed to build a successful and sustainable program. Written from the trenches for those entering or currently in the profession, it provides invaluable advice and strategies for thriving in the profession that extends far beyond the baton.