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In Band Around the World, the Band Dads take a fun and educational journey to explore what band and music education look like across the globe. This episode was inspired by—and promised to—a listener in Dubai who is very much not a bot. From our neighbors to the north, to the discipline of elementary band programs in Japan, to Europe’s long-standing community brass band traditions, this episode highlights how different cultures approach music education while sharing the same core values.

The conversation also travels to South America, where youth orchestras helped give rise to El Sistema, a movement that has transformed and improved the lives of hundreds of thousands of students and continues to influence music education worldwide.

Check the episode notes for links and source material related to many of the topics discussed if you’d like to dig deeper.

This episode is also a celebration of the incredible Band Dads community beyond the United States, with listeners tuning in from 34 countries around the world (Germany, Canada, Australia, UAE, Japan, Singapore, Ireland, United Kingdom, Russian Federation, Netherlands, Sweden, Israel, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Norway, Brazil, Portugal, Mexico, Italy, Morocco, New Zealand, Costa Rica, Iraq, South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Turkey, South Africa, Argentina, Philippines, Romania, Indonesia, and Eswatini). If we got anything wrong or you want to tell us more about music in your country, please email us! [email protected]

There are far too many cultures and programs to cover in a single episode—so yes, a sequel is already on the table. And one story shared in this conversation may even inspire a future spin-off series… stay tuned.

Links for materials used or mentioned in this episode

Percy Grainger - Lincolnshire Posy

Percy Grainger - Walking Tune

60 Minutes El Sistema

60 Minutes Gustavo Dudamel

60 Minutes The Recyclers

Japan Elementary School Championship 2008 Mama Elementary Performance

German Brass Echo Klassik 2016

"The March King" Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever

SOUSA El Capitan

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It’s that time of year again—students are choosing classes and schedules are being built for next school year. And whether a band program grows, holds steady, or struggles often comes down to what happens right now. This is the most critical window for recruitment and retention, and it’s one that’s frequently underestimated—especially by parents and booster groups who are far more influential than they may realize.

In this Season Three premiere, Scott shares a proven framework for success using the “Fill the Chair” campaign he created for the Be Part of the Music Foundation. This episode breaks recruitment and retention down into clear, actionable steps that any program—large or small—can execute.

With free, ready-to-use resources linked, you’ll learn how to:

• Gather your resources and build the right team
• Establish a clear and effective communication plan
• Remind, re-engage, and reassess throughout the process
• Trust—but verify—your numbers and assumptions
• Take stock of your efforts and adjust where needed
• Recruit what you already have before chasing what’s next

Executed correctly, these steps can help strengthen your roster, stabilize your numbers, and get your program running like a well-oiled machine for years to come.

Listen in to learn how the plan works, download the free resources, and take action—but don’t wait. This season moves fast, and there’s no time to waste.

Because when it comes down to it, everything starts with one goal: fill the darn chair.

Visit "Let's Fill the Chair" by clicking here for all the resources your need!

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After a full year of conversations, laughs, debates, and unexpected moments, it was time to hit rewind.

In this special “Greatest Hits” episode, the Band Dads look back on some of the most memorable moments from the first year of the podcast. Featuring favorite clips hand-selected by Scott and Chris, joined by picks from the Band Moms and listeners from across the band community, this episode is a celebration of what made Year One so special.

From insightful takes on band culture and competition, to moments that made us laugh, reflect, and occasionally rethink everything we thought we knew—this collection captures the heart of the Band Dads Podcast.

Whether you’ve been listening since episode one or you’re brand new and looking for the perfect place to start, this episode is your greatest-hits tour through the conversations that shaped the show and the community around it.

Thank you to every listener, contributor, and band family member who made this first year possible. If this is Volume 1… you already know more is coming.

🎧 Press play, turn it up, and enjoy The Band Dads: Greatest Hits (Vol. 1).

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless you’re on the naughty list.

In this special holiday-themed episode, the Band Dads get into the spirit of the season by sorting out who belongs on the naughty list and who earns a spot on the nice list. Where do band directors and band parents land—and is there a little overlap between the two?

Scott and Chris also share their favorite (and most least favorite) Christmas songs, because nothing sparks strong opinions quite like holiday music. Along the way, Chris recounts his unexpected and abrupt introduction to conducting a band at a recent holiday concert—a moment that didn’t quite go as planned but made for a great story.

The episode wraps with the Band Dads reflecting on the season and sharing their wishes for the band family this holiday season. It’s lighthearted, relatable, and the perfect way to close out the year with a little humor and a lot of heart.

Grab some hot cocoa, settle in, and enjoy this festive edition of the Band Dads Podcast

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What if band directors were treated like elite, in-demand coaches?

In this thought-provoking episode, the Band Dads explore a bold idea using a comparison from the sports world. Lane Kiffin is a high-profile college football coach known for being constantly pursued by programs, frequently changing jobs, and commanding attention and salary offers based on perceived value and potential—sometimes even more than past results alone.

So what if band directors were viewed the same way?

Unlike most classroom positions with guaranteed enrollment, band directors must recruit, retain, train, and compete. Their results are public, their programs help generate revenue, and their presence (or departure) can reshape a school’s culture for years. Yet when it comes to compensation, they’re typically treated no differently than positions that don’t require any of those additional demands.

Scott makes the case that band directors shouldn’t be viewed like traditional classroom teachers—and that it may only take one forward-thinking school (possibly even a charter school) to recognize their true value with a competitive, negotiated offer. If that domino falls, could band director compensation and mobility change nationwide?

Of course, opening that door raises difficult questions. What happens to programs that can’t afford to compete? Do lower-income schools fall even further behind? And what unintended consequences might follow?

The conversation then expands into an even bigger “what if”: could something like NIL exist for high school band? Incentives such as lessons, instruments, tailored schedules, scholarships—or even direct compensation. Would that elevate programs… or undermine the spirit of the activity?

This episode isn’t about answers—it’s about challenging assumptions. Join the Band Dads for a candid, insightful discussion on value, equity, and what happens when we open the activity to the highest bidder.

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The Band Moms are back—and this week, it’s Becky’s turn in the spotlight. In this touching, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Shannon and Leah invite Becky to reflect on what it means to be the mom of a senior and to look back on the entire band journey she and her son have shared over the years. From those first nervous early experiences to the final milestones of senior year, Becky walks us through the full life cycle of being a Band Mom.

From watching her 4'11" freshman board his very first solo band trip… to standing on Main Street at Disneyland cheering on that same kid—now a confident 6' senior—Becky revisits the countless moments that shaped their family’s connection to band. And what quickly becomes clear is that the growth, memories, and meaning have belonged just as much to her as to her son.

Becky also shares how stepping into roles like feeding the kids and helping with uniforms kept her closely connected, not just to her son and to the activity she already knew and loved, but to the people who became her community. Through those moments of service, laughter, long nights, and shared chaos, she built deep relationships with fellow band parents—bonds so meaningful that the thought of leaving this band family behind after her son graduates feels almost unimaginable.

Whether you’re a veteran band parent or just beginning your journey, Becky’s reflections will make you laugh, make you think, and maybe even make you tear up.

Take the time with these amazing Band Moms—this conversation is absolutely worth the listen.

SHOW NOTES:

There were so many mentions of show notes to keep track of the editor lost count and ultimately hopes they still have a job for him once they take over this podcast.

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It’s finally happening—the Myth Buster Episode has arrived! After promising in every intro that they’ll “debunk all the myths,” the Band Dads are officially making good on their word. In this first installment of what is sure to become a fan-favorite series, Scott and Chris take on 10 of the biggest misconceptions in the band world… five about band kids and five about band directors.

On the Band side, the Dads dig into classics like:
 • Are band kids athletes?
• Is marching band actually a sport?
• Do bands go to competitions just to win?
• Is marching band only for nerds?
• And the all-timer… “Marching band isn’t that hard—anyone can do it.”

Then they turn the spotlight to the podium to debunk myths about band directors, including:
 • Band directors don’t have lives outside their job
• They just want kids to play LOUD
• They’re always serious
• They know exactly what they’re doing (all the time… really?)
• And the big one: band directors are unapproachable and hard to talk to

As always, expect honest perspective from both a band parent and a music educator, plenty of laughs, a little bit of learning, and a whole lot of “Oh wow… I never thought of it like that.”

Strap in—this one is equal parts truth, empathy, and pure Band Dad energy.

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The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here — the very first episode ever of The Band Moms Podcast! Shannon, Leah, and Becky crash a Band Dads recording session, seize the microphones, and officially take over. (Yes, “Bad Moms Podcast” was jokingly suggested… but only because they’re fun enough to pull it off.)

In this long-overdue debut, each of the Band Moms introduces herself, shares the kiddos who earned her the “Band Mom” title, and talks about the roles they proudly fill within their band families. They unpack the chaos of surviving Bandtober, look ahead to the next round of wildness waiting in band land, and take a moment to breathe, laugh, and celebrate what it means to be part of this incredible community.

Mostly, this episode is a heartfelt reflection — on gratitude, on friendship, on their kids, and on the band family that makes it all worth it. It’s a warm, funny, and meaningful introduction to three amazing Band Moms who are already promising many more episodes to come.

…And as for the Band Dads? Well, maybe they’ll be back for Season 5. Maybe.

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It’s here, Championship Week! State Finals, BOA Grand Nationals,  the biggest weekend of the marching band season is finally here, and the Band Dads are feeling the Finals Fever. In this episode, Scott and Chris sit down to talk through some recent competition experiences, a few things that might need a second look in the judging world (one inspired by a band dad text rant), and why this time of year feels so special for the marching band community.

They reflect on what Grand Nationals really means for the activity — from the elite performances to the impact it has across all programs, big and small. Even though the same names often top the list, there’s no denying it’s the Super Bowl of high school marching band.

As they close out the competitive season, the Band Dads take a moment to look back on the journey so far — the music, the memories, and the moments that make all those long Saturdays worth it.

Special shoutout to Director Brandon Worley and the Cherokee High School Band of Warriors from Canton, GA for the intro this week!

Also here is a link discussed by the Band Dad's in this episodes. The link is for the pacing maps created by Velocity Marching that Scott mentions as an excellent resources to see how the shows are structured for both the Grand National bands as well as DCI! https://www.velocitymarchingdesign.com/pacing-maps

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🎺 What really defines success in a marching band season?🥁

In this episode of the Band Dads Podcast, Scott and Chris dig into that very question — are scores, tapes, and placements really the only way to measure success? Or is there a deeper, more meaningful way to celebrate what bands accomplish each year?

Scott challenges Chris to revisit his data analyst mindset and explore alternate metrics that could highlight the achievements that often go unnoticed. What if we looked at retention rates, program growth, rehearsal hours, attendance, challenges overcome, and other signs of progress as measures of success? Could we create an alternate scorecard for the season — maybe even start with a “Most Improved” award?

The Band Dads ponder these questions and more in a thought-provoking conversation that reminds us: there’s more to recognize at the end of the season than a ranking or a recap sheet. Every band, every student, and every director has something worth celebrating.

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