First Year Band Director COMPLETE GUIDE In 45 Minutes (2026)

Learn EVERYTHING you need to know as a first year band director! In this video, I break down EVERYTHING you need to know to make sure you succeed in your first year as a band director with tons of tips that can actually benefit your school band program. Enjoy! If you are a music educator, I hope to bring some value and insight to you and your program! Feel free to share with colleagues, student teachers, and music education majors! Subscribe to my channel for more videos about music theory and resources for music teachers and band directors! 0:00 - Setting the Scene 0:49 - Build Your Curriculum 3:04 - Choosing Appropriate Performance Music 4:12 - Score Study 5:24 - Rehearsal Procedures 6:44 - Set Clear Rehearsal Objectives 8:45 - Classroom Management 10:08 - Pay Attention to Your Percussionists 11:40 - Build a Positive Rehearsal Culture 12:53 - Previous Director of Your School 14:06 - School Administrators and Office Staff 15:22 - Custodians 15:53 - School Staff Members 17:02 - Coaches and Athletic Directors 18:07 - Band Directors in Your District 20:11 - VAPA Director 21:18 - Area Administrators and Learning Directors 22:24 - Band Parents 23:40 - Band Students 25:13 - Read Band Director Books 26:55 - Take Inventory 28:08 - Purge and Organize Your New Office 29:08 - Review Your Music Library 30:15 - Write Out Your Goals 31:22 - Book Your School Performances 32:52 - Plan Your Master Schedule 34:35 - Write Your Band Handbook 35:42 - Purchase Orders 36:56 - Find Local Repair Shops and Music Vendors 38:03 - Registering For Festivals and Competitions 39:21 - Booking Buses For Trips 40:35 - Establish Your Band Boosters 41:41 - Learn to Play the Instruments You Teach 43:32 - Recruiting My Channel: @joshuawitrado Band Director Book Links: https://amzn.to/4leO9eI (Original "Habits" Book - Amazon Affiliate) https://amzn.to/4l2OrVZ (Middle School "Habits" Book - Amazon Affiliate) https://amzn.to/4npWqxZ ("Elementary Directing" - Amazon Affiliate) https://amzn.to/4lwWjiE ("Quality of Life Habits of a Successful Band Director" - Amazon Affiliate) Recording Gear I Use to Make Videos: https://amzn.to/4k8QhU5 (Hollyland Lark M2 Mic - Amazon Affiliate) https://amzn.to/3ZS54vh (Mount Dog Lighting Kit - Amazon Affiliate) https://amzn.to/449rdb2 (Newmowa Monitor Screen - Amazon Affiliate) Learn to have BETTER communication with your band families HERE!    • Band Directors to Parents: Mastering the A...   Learn how to write the BEST Master Calendar HERE!    • Master Your Year: The Ultimate Band Direct...   Check out my Music Theory Series Playlist HERE!    • Music Theory   My Tesla Referral Link: https://www.tesla.com/referral/joshua...