What inspired you to become a band director, and how did your journey in music education begin?

I never saw this as a career path for myself when I was growing up. As a kid, I planned to go into law, maybe politics. But when the senior year of high school started, and it was time to start making some hard and fast plans, I remember asking myself what my favorite part of the day was. What was the one thing that I couldn't imagine not having in my life regularly? I was lucky enough to be a member of a wonderful music program, and I spent the majority of my day in band classes, so it really seemed undeniable at that point. And once I made that decision, the next steps were crystal clear. Even though we have many wonderful music programs in North Carolina, because of the time I had spent at the Summer Music Camp and Honors Jazz Band, I knew without question that UNC-Greensboro would be my collegiate home. While there, I interacted with some of the most outstanding musicians and devoted educators I have ever known, and that helped me become the band director I am today.

What’s one teaching strategy or rehearsal technique that’s made a big difference in your band program?

Rehearsal pacing and remembering WHY we are all there. We enter this profession because making music with others is FUN, and if you are not having fun in your rehearsal, then what are you there for? However, in order to keep chaos from ensuing, you need to keep the students engaged, and you need to move quickly. I like to constantly be asking questions, not only about technical things they may be hearing, but also about musical decisions, and helping us shape the piece. If we're not able to work and enjoy the process, then something has happened to our rehearsal, and we need to take a serious look at what needs to change so we can get back to enjoying the work of music-making

Can you tell us about a moment with your students that reminded you why you love teaching band?

Last spring, the Leesville Symphonic Band had the opportunity to perform at the Music for All UCF-Orlando Concert Band Invitational. Being on stage in the beautiful Steinmetz Hall, conducting Charles Ives and Satoshi Yagisawa, is not something I will soon forget. But to make the memory even sweeter, before our performance, we were able to listen to another ensemble performing Maslanka's "Give Us This Day," and my students were transfixed. The moment the final note finished resonating, they were inundating me with requests to read and play the work. Fast forward to this winter, when it was time to select music for the year's assessment festival. The number one requested piece was the Maslanka, and now that we are a few weeks into the preparation process, we are having a great time. The ability level of these young people, and the desire to challenge themselves in the effort to achieve something great, is always an inspiration.

What advice would you give to a first-year band director entering the profession today?

If you wait until "your band is ready" before bringing in a clinician or a mentor, you will never bring anyone in. Making music is a collaborative experience, and teaching can be as well. I'm always reminded of the original Legend of Zelda game, when Link comes across an unnamed old man at the beginning of his quest: "It's dangerous to go alone!" Every music educator was at one point a first-year teacher and remembers how overwhelming it can be to teach, let alone the million other things we are asked to do. So don't waste time, seek out help early and often! Maybe your state or district has a mentorship program in place, and can help put you together with a peer who is eager and willing to assist you and your students in finding success. And when these educators are in the room, remember that you are there to learn from them as much as your students are. Being an effective teacher is not magic; it's about always looking for new tools to put in your bag of tricks, and finding new ways to explain the same thing so that every child can understand. 

Josh Cvijanovic is the Director of Bands and Orchestra at Leesville Road High School in Raleigh, where he oversees all aspects of the instrumental music program. He conducts the Orchestra, Concert Band, Symphonic Band, and Jazz Band. Prior to joining The Pride, he served as Band Director at Cedar Ridge High School (2014–2022) and Eastern Randolph High School (2009–2014). Ensembles under his direction consistently earn Excellent and Superior ratings at concert, jazz, and orchestra Music Performance Adjudications. His students regularly perform with collegiate, district, and state-level honor ensembles, including the All-American Marching Band, Macy’s Great American Marching Band, NAfME National Jazz Ensemble, and the Grammy Jazz Band.

Mr. Cvijanovic is an active member of the North Carolina Bandmasters Association and the NC Music Educators Association, where he currently serves as the NCMEA Recording Secretary and the High School Member-at-Large for the ECDBA Board. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership roles, including Chair of the Jazz Education Section, Treasurer of the Central Region Jazz Band, Clinic Chair for the CDBA High School All-District Band, and MPA Site Host for the CDBA Central Region. In addition, he is a frequent adjudicator and clinician for concert, jazz, and marching band events across North Carolina. His work beyond the school setting includes serving as a rehearsal assistant and conductor for the UNCG and ECU Summer Music Camps, an Educational Consultant for the Carolina Gold Drum and Bugle Corps, and conductor for the 2017 Carolina Ambassadors Honor Band, which toured the U.K., France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and Italy.

A summa cum laude graduate of UNC Greensboro, Mr. Cvijanovic holds a Bachelor of Music in Music Education (2007) and a Master of Music in Percussion Performance (2009). His professional affiliations include the American School Band Directors Association (Class of 2022), Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Pi Kappa Lambda, NAfME, NC Bandmasters Association, American String Teachers Association, and the Vic Firth Education Team. His honors include the 2015 Ed Rooker Encore Award from NC-ASBDA, Central District Band Director of the Year in 2020, and the Award of Excellence Recipient from the Central District in 2022.

Josh lives in Raleigh with his wife, Amanda, an MTSS teacher at Fox Road Elementary, and their sons, Henry and Benjamin.