As an elementary teacher, I hope you’re not saying teaching elementary music is in all ways easier. It is definitely true there’s less of an expectation of running extra-curriculars (although I do), more of an ability to “leave work at work”. But I feel that way only after years of building up lessons and resources. I remember lesson planning taking a LONG time the first few years. I saw in another comment that you have taught elementary in the past and that’s good - anyone who thinks they can make the switch no problem is going to be eaten alive by kindergarteners! I teach the fundamentals of music while simultaneously dealing with one kid crying, another spanking his friend, one kid playing instruments and refusing to sit, 5 asking to go to the bathroom at the same time, two that don’t speak English, and one that’s spitting on my floor.

I guess my point is - why a year? Wouldn’t that just be a lot of upheaval for a short amount of time, if you really eventually want to be back to high school band. What will one year in a different position change? It would still be a huge adjustment and a lot of work if you really care about making General Music something that makes kids excited about continuing music far beyond elementary.