Episode 64 - Leah Bandman

Congratulations on making it to the end of another school year! The end of the year episode features Leah Bandman, a young teacher in Northern Virginia who just finished up her first year and agreed to talk about her experiences so far. Topics: Leah's background growing up in Northern Virginia and going to school at Ohio State and the nature of her current teaching position. Unexpected challenges that Leah faced as a first year teacher. A look into the daily life of a first year music teacher including questions about unexpected challenges, materials, schedules, and classroom management. The importance of continuing to perform and play in ensembles as a teacher. Links: Bernstein: Overture to Candide Ohio State Flute Workshop Biography: Leah Bandman is a native of Springfield, Virginia. She attended Ohio State University where she received her Bachelors of Music Education degree in the spring of 2017. During her time at OSU, Leah was involved heavily in the flute studio and Sigma Alpha Iota, both of which she held leadership roles in and helped carry out major events on campus. These events included the Central Ohio Flute Association annual convention, OSU Flute Workshop, OSU High School Honor Band, and OSU Middle School Honor Band. For several years while at Ohio State University, Leah volunteered at the Ohio State School for the Blind giving private lessons and assisting with the only blind marching band in the world. At the end of her music education program, Leah student taught with Aaron Given in the Olentangy Local School District. Leah is currently a first year elementary school band director in Fairfax County Public Schools. Sharing time between three elementary schools, she is responsible for two of the programs, ranging from 70 to 110 students. She helps run elementary area honor bands, assists the middle school and high school programs by giving sectionals, and continues her playing while performing in local symphony orchestras and community bands.