"From Scratch to Stadium: What It Really Takes to Build a College Band Program"
Update: 2025-07-02
Description
In this revealing episode of Band Director Boot Camp, Lesley Moffat welcomes Megan Cooney, Director of Athletic Bands at Rowan University, to share the behind-the-scenes reality of starting a collegiate band program from scratch. From budgeting to branding to building leadership, Megan walks us through the surprising and often overlooked responsibilities of life as a college band director.
You’ll learn:
- Why collegiate band directors operate more like small business owners than conductors
- The difference between high school and college support systems (no band boosters!)
- The logistical demands of designing uniforms, managing million-dollar budgets, and insuring equipment
- How student leadership becomes essential—and why she pays her leaders
- Why game day is a 14-hour marathon that requires hydration planning, mental prep, and physical stamina
- The call for collaboration: Megan invites other collegiate directors to help create resources for those entering this unique career path
If you're curious about the college track—or helping others succeed in it—this episode is packed with hard-earned wisdom and a passionate call to support the next generation of music educators.
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