What if we asked a principal, “How can band directors best advocate for their program?” Now imagine if that principal was a musician and former band director! Kim Budde, Principal at Lakeville North HS, gives honest advice to band directors who may be considering a future in admin, reminding us of the unique skills all musicians have as potential leaders in their schools. She gives us hints and tricks to all music educators of how best to talk to your administrators - and how to effectively build stronger relationships within your community. Kim Budde received a Bachelor of Music Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and went on to teach music in Wisconsin and Minnesota.  After earning a Masters in Education from St. Mary's University and an Education Specialist degree from the University of St Thomas, she held leadership positions in Edina, Lakeville, and Rosemount.  As an assistant principal at Rosemount High School, she was chosen as the 2015 State of Minnesota Assistant Principal of the Year. She currently serves as the Principal at Lakeville North High School, in Lakeville Minnesota. Show Timings: 0:00 - Banter and Intro 4:36 - Background in music and years as a band director 6:48 - Transition to school administrator 8:51 - How does your background as a band director make you a better administrator? 11:43 - How can band directors advocate better for their program - and better community with admins? 16:25 - In this Covid-world, what do music educators need to discuss with their admin before the first day of school? 19:30 - Advice for band directors considering a future in admin - some “real talk” 24:26 - Final thoughts: it’s all about relationships If you enjoyed this episode or any other episode, please consider leaving a review on any of the platforms that you listen to the show on: Apple Podcast, Anchor, Stitcher, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Google Podcasts, RadioPublic, Breaker, and Pocket Casts. Your reviews, with or without written feedback, help get the word out about the show.  Thank you again for listening. Other Resources Show Hosts Jerry Luckhardt https://cla.umn.edu/about/directory/profile/luckh001 Bradley Mariska https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradley-mariska-63ba2855 Facebook Website (Band in Minnesota) https://www.facebook.com/Band-in-Minnesota