The importance of becoming a consummate advocate for your program.There will always be times that you have to sell your program to different stakeholders: Administration, Parents, Students, Community, and sometimes fellow building staff. Even when it’s difficult, remain positive about the role music plays in a student’s education.

Find mentors & seek out master teachers at every stage of your career. No single director knows everything at any point of their career. Use a personal day to visit a colleague in another district and observe or work with their groups. Every situation is different and blending newly acquired skill sets results in further success for your program.

Spend your budget. Use 80% by mid-March when districts typically prepare budgets for the following year. Some building administrators will move unspent funds allocated to your program into the building operating budget, if you haven’t used it. As March draws to a close, communicate with your administration what your remaining budget will be spent on that calendar year. If your budget is reduced, it is difficult to get it back.

When building your booster program, include all parents who sign up to volunteer. Many times a handful of “super helpers” volunteer for every available task. Eventually the other parents may stop participating, as they don't feel their help is needed. You need experienced boosters but also new ideas.

Consistent communication with parents,students and administrators is the most important aspect of building your classroom culture. They should always know important dates, times, expectations, and program needs. Use all available methods: website, handouts, social media, emails and phone calls. Be mindful to include frequent positive messages to parents about their students reinforcing your expectations.